Elephants and Tea: Hodgkin Lymphoma Issue 2021 - 27

Advocacy Guide
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WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT STAGES OF HODGKIN LYMPHOMA?
Knowing the stage of your Hodgkin lymphoma can help determine how serious it is, and how best to treat it. 6
Stage 1: Early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma cells are found in a single lymph node region, or in one organ or site outside the lymphatic system. 6
Stage 2: Early or Advanced Stage Hodgkin lymphoma depending on individual factors
The cancer is in two lymph node regions or the cancer has invaded one organ and the nearby lymph nodes; however, the cancer is
still limited to a section of the body either above or below the diaphragm. 6
Stage 3: Advanced-stage Hodgkin lymphoma
Advanced-stage Hodgkin lymphoma occurs when the cancer moves to lymph nodes both above and below the diaphragm. Cancer
may also be in one portion of tissue or an organ near the lymph node groups or in the spleen. 6
Stage 4: Advanced-stage Hodgkin lymphoma
Cancer cells are in several portions of one or more organs and tissues. Stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma affects not only the lymph nodes
but also other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, or bones. 6
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HOW IS HODGKIN LYMPHOMA TREATED?
Because there is no 'one size fits all' when it comes to Hodgkin lymphoma treatment, be sure to discuss with your doctor how your
diagnosis, medical history, lifestyle, and plans for the future will affect your treatment decisions. All treatments come with benefits
and risks, so it's important to speak up and share your questions and concerns about your available treatments. Seek a second
opinion to ensure you have a full picture of all your options. 5
Potential treatment options can also include participation in clinical trials. Talk to your doctor to see if this could be an option
for you.
HOW DO I EVALUATE MY HODGKIN LYMPHOMA TREATMENT OPTIONS?
Your oncologist and care team should work with you
to make an informed treatment decision that aligns
with your goals, keeping in mind the type of Hodgkin
lymphoma you have, the stage, what treatment options
are available, and how likely these treatments are to work
under these circumstances.
When you have answers to all your questions from your
oncologist and through supplementary resources, you
can rate the treatments you're considering based on the
pros and cons of each, such as effectiveness, side effects,
quality of life, financial cost, long term implications, etc.
Refer to the right for a sample chart you can utilize to
compare treatment options.
Pros / Cons
Treatment Description
Expected Effectiveness
Short-Term Side Effects
Long-Term Side Effects
Financial Cost
Recurrence Rate
Treatment #1
Treatment #2
DIAGNOSIS, AND FIND HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR MANAGING HODGKIN LYMPHOMA FROM DIAGNOSIS THROUGH TREATMENT.
ELEPHANTSANDTEA.COM
HODGKIN LYMPHOMA ISSUE 2021
27

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Elephants and Tea: Hodgkin Lymphoma Issue 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Elephants and Tea: Hodgkin Lymphoma Issue 2021