Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas: Making Sense of Diagnosis, Treatment & Options (Patient Centered Guides)

Prior to publication of this resource guide, no book on the market targeted the non-Hodgkin's lymphoma survivor's need for understandable information. While there are medical texts on the non-Hodgkin's lymphomas as well as inspirational first-person accounts from survivors of related cancers such as leukemia, between these two sources of information existed a considerable information gap.

In straightforward language and in a format that anticipates the reader's questions, this book addresses diagnosis and its emotional tumult, finding a good oncologist, the theories and practical aspects of treatment, characteristics of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, side effects and long-term effects of treatment, medical tests and procedures, and prognoses.

Other topics of interest examined are coping with hospitalization, stress and its effects on the immune system, sexuality and fertility after treatment, how to interact successfully with medical personnel, and getting support from family, friends, employers and the broader community. The end of successful treatment and its sometimes surprising effects on one's emotions are covered in a separate chapter, as is the experience of relapse and how to select second-line treatment to regain remission. Clinical trials of promising new therapies grounded in Western medicine are covered in depth. The theories and experiences of marrow transplantation and stem cell support are surveyed. Two frank chapters on recordkeeping, finances, insurance, employment issues, traveling for care, and finding free treatment are included. Throughout the text and in several appendices, the reader is referred to other books, Web sites, and organizations that can provide more detail on a given topic.

This book is intended for both newly diagnosed and long-term survivors of the non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, their caregivers and loved ones, and for medical personnel who interact with survivors of the non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.