A Night to Remember During Chemo
- Hollywood reporter Amanda Salas remembers this week for Emmy Week and World Lymphoma Day how her nurses celebrated the Emmys with her at the hospital during her chemo treatment two years ago.
- Salas was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in June 2019; this disease can be treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy and medications.
- Having a supportive community through cancer at the hospital and among loved ones can make the journey feel less intimidating.
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She continues, “…It was airing on FOX that year, and I was so bummed to miss it….BUT, I was busy doing something else pretty major…chemo. So glad the chemo worked, so I'm able to cover future awards shows for you guys.”
What is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system that begins in the white blood cells called lymphocytes. There are more than 40 different types of this disease, and the two primary ones are non-Hodgkin lymphoma the kind Salas was diagnosed with and Hodgkin lymphoma.
The type of white blood cells present in the body determine the distinction between Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. If doctors are unable to detect the Reed-Sternberg cell a giant cell derived from B lymphocytes then it is categorized as non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can be treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy and medications. Salas had chemotherapy to treat her cancer, and it was effective in eradicating the disease. Symptoms of this type of cancer include swollen glands, fever, night sweats, weight loss and fatigue.
The Grades of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Support Through Cancer
Having a strong support system through the cancer journey can make the world of a difference when it comes to feeling strong and connected, keeping morale high, and avoiding overwhelm.
Related: 'Faith, Family, and Friends' Helped Beverly Reeves Get Through Ovarian Cancer Treatment
For Salas, some of that support came in the form of the amazing nurses who cared for her during her treatment. Support can be found in your medical team, like your nurses and oncologist, and it can also be found in close family and friends, loved ones, and a partner.
Some people find that formal support groups or therapy can be a helpful way to get additional support through cancer. Whatever your emotional and mental health needs are during this time there is zero shame in getting help. No one expects you to walk through cancer alone.
Support Groups Can Offer Comfort and Encouragement
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