Bongino Bonds with Family after Beating Cancer
- Radio host Dan Bongino, 47, recently celebrated his daughter’s 18th birthday; he beat cancer last year, in March 2021, after being diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2020.
- Bongino’s lymphoma first presented as a lump on his neck; other symptoms of this disease include persistent fatigue, fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, severe itching, and more.
- The host treated his disease with chemotherapy, which was effective in getting rid of his cancer.
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Bongino’s fans and followers were loving this sweet moment of celebration. Instagram user @mckaleighlonobile writes, “So beautiful. So glad you guys had fun!!” And another father, @smitty0638, says, “Having two daughters of my own Dan I can truly say…enjoy every moment. A relationship between a daughter and Dad is the most special of all. Your the first boy she'll love, your the first boy to love her, kiss her, hug her, hold her hand, and make her feel safe. Make sure that lasts forever. Happy Birthday Isabel.” User @kennedy.valerie says, “So lovely…proud Dad..I’m sure your daughter is VERY proud of you too.”
Bongino’s Lymphoma Journey
In 2020, Bongino discovered a lump on his neck, which he initially believed to be a lipoma, or a fatty tumor. After he had it surgically removed, however, he was told that the tumor was cancerous, and he was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma.
Related: 7 Sneaky Symptoms of Hodgkin Lymphoma
Swelling of the lymph nodes on the neck, as Bongino experienced, is one symptom of lymphoma. Other symptoms of Hodgkin Lymphoma may include swelling around the armpits or groin, persistent fatigue, fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and severe itching. Speak with your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.
Lymphoma begins in white blood cells called lymphocytes. This kind of cancer is typically classified as either Hodgkin Lymphoma or Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The distinction between lies in the white blood cells linked to the disease. 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.
In a previous interview, Dr. Elise Chong, a medical oncologist at Penn Medicine, says lymphoma symptoms can be difficult to detect. "The symptoms of lymphoma, especially if you have a low-grade lymphoma, often are no symptoms. People say, but I feel completely fine, and that's very normal," she explains.
Dr. Elise Chong explains why your type of lymphoma matters
Focusing on Family During Cancer
During cancer, many people’s priorities crystalize. They may realize they have been working too much, and want to spend more time with family. They may pursue a change in career to follow their passion. Through and through, one thing many people facing a cancer diagnosis seem to do is lean on loved ones.
Related: Managing Cancer: How to Stay Connected With Family & How to Communicate Your WHY
Focusing on family during and after cancer is a wonderful way to appreciate life, regardless of health status. Beverly Reeves, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, tells us the same in an earlier interview. She says that for anyone going through cancer, community is important. Reeves tells us that her advice for people facing cancer is, “If I had one piece of advice for someone who had just been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it would be to get a strong support group together. Get your close friends. If you’re connected to a faith community, get your faith community. Get your family.”
“Let them know what’s going on and let them help you,” she says of speaking to your family about your cancer. “And sometimes that’s the most difficult thing to do, but just know that they are there.”
'Faith, Family, and Friends' Helped Beverly Reeves Get Through Ovarian Cancer Treatment
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