Our Furry Friends Can Suffer From Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Too

I have to admit that I never associated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with canines before today, but I recently learned that dogs suffer from NHL just like humans do. In fact, the veterinary community has a pretty sophisticated grasp on NHL symptoms, progression and treatment for pooches. For example, according to Powerscout, symptoms of NHL in dogs include:

• Generalized lymph node enlargement (swollen glands)
• Lethargy
• Weight loss & loss of appetite
• Increased drinking/urination
• Vomiting and/or diarrhoea
• Difficulty breathing
  

Diagnosis may be established after, "a thorough and full physical examination including, complete blood count, platelet count, biochemical profile, urinalysis & fine needle aspirate or excisional biopsy of the lymph node. Other tests may include chest and abdominal radiographs, abdominal ultrasound and ultrasound guided aspirates of the liver and spleen for cytologic evaluation, and bone marrow aspirate" (Powerscout).

Once the dog's cancer is identified, it is "staged," meaning the progression of the disease is determined. Then a treatment plan can be decided upon. Canines have many of the same treatment options as humans do, including chemotherapy.

Who knew that our furry friends risk the same battles with NHL as we do?

Dealing with Fatigue

Fatigue is a common side effect of chemotherapy. This can result in a
major lifestyle change for cancer patients. This week, Mayo Clinic
posted a podcast interview with experts in the field on the topic of
fatigue management. Click here to listen to the entire six-minute podcast.
Otherwise, I've outlined the important points for you below:

The following can reduce fatigue:

• Decrease stress


• Maintain balanced diet


• Follow up with regular appointments


• Exercise routinely

Regarding the exercise: don't push your body with extreme workouts,
but gently keep your body in shape. They recommend low-impact,
repetitive activities. Walking or casual bicycling are good examples.
Some studies show that relapse is much less likely if regular exercise
regimens are continued, both throughout the treatments and after.

Cancer Stigma

I've watched my sister Lucy go through a roller coaster of emotions over the past few months as she's battled NHL. Dealing with the physical complications of chemo and contemplating mortality are only two of the many issues she's faced. One area of struggle that I never expected for her is the social dynamics that accompany being a cancer victim. People often don't know what to say to Luce, or how to treat her. Friends sometimes feel uncomfortable and stop calling to chat.

The Mayo Clinic just published a short guide for cancer patients dealing with the cancer stigma. Here it is:

• As you choose to share information with others; give them the facts and then let them know what might help you at the moment. For example, you might say: "I was just diagnosed with stage II breast cancer and will be having surgery next week. What would really help me is if you could do my grocery shopping for me for a few weeks while I recover."


• Keep doing the things you love to do. For example, an exercise routine (modified if needed), relaxing hobbies and time with friends. The more you are open to others, the more support you will find.


• Seek out support and resources for your cancer type. This could be through a support group, online blog or other resource. Surround yourself with positive people.


• Be well informed. Ask questions about your treatment, side effects, long term effects and prognosis. Be honest with those around you if they have questions. It is usually a good idea to give information to those who love you. In this manner, they can know what to expect and how to give you support along the way.

To see the entire article, click here.

NHL Symptoms

According to www.ygoy.com, the symptoms for NHL include:

•Enlarged liver
•Enlarged spleen
•Night sweats
•Unexplained fever
•Itchy skin
•Flu-like symptoms
•Unexplained weight loss
•Tiredness
•Itchy skin
•Red skin patches
•Shortness of breath
•Anemia
•Fatigue
•Pallor

This is crazy to me, because most of these are relatively common things to experience every day. Although I have no idea what an enlarged spleen would feel like, I am almost always tired! One of Lucy's first warning signs were fatigue too. But she was so tired that she couldn't make it to soccer practice for several weeks. Clearly, something was wrong!

When we took her in to the doctors, one of the first things they did was check her lymph nodes on her neck. Swollen lymph nodes is apparently a tell-tale sign of NHL. This, too, is confusing because any number of infections, including a common cold, can cause inflammation of the lymph nodes.

The more I learn about NHL, the harder it is not to be paranoid!