Hodgkins Disease (cont.)
Followup care
People who have had Hodgkin's disease should have regular followup
examinations after their treatment is over and for the rest of their lives.
Followup care is an important part of the overall treatment process, and
people who have had cancer should not hesitate to discuss it with their
health care provider. Patients treated for Hodgkin's disease have an
increased chance of developing leukemia; non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; and cancers
of the colon, lung, bone, thyroid, and breast. Regular followup care ensures
that patients are carefully monitored, any changes in health are discussed,
and new or recurrent cancer can be detected and treated as soon as possible.
Between followup appointments, people who have had Hodgkin's disease should
report any health problems as soon as they appear.
Support for people with Hodgkin's disease
Living with a serious disease is not easy. People with cancer and those who
care about them face many problems and challenges. Coping with these problems is
often easier when people have helpful information and support services. Several
useful booklets, including Taking Time, are available from the Cancer
Information Service and through other sources listed in the "National Cancer
Institute Information Resources" section.
Friends and relatives can be very supportive. Also, it helps many patients to
discuss their concerns with others who have cancer. Cancer patients often get
together in support groups, where they can share what they have learned about
coping with cancer and the effects of treatment. It is important to keep in
mind, however, that each person is different. Treatments and ways of dealing
with cancer that work for one person may not be right for another -- even if
they both have the same kind of cancer. It is always a good idea to discuss the
advice of friends and family members with the health care provider.
People living with cancer may worry about what the future holds. They may
worry about holding their jobs, caring for their families, personal
relationships, or continuing with daily activities. Concerns about tests,
treatments, hospital stays, and medical bills are also common. Doctors, nurses,
and other members of the health care team can answer questions about treatment,
working, or other activities. Meeting with a social worker, counselor,
psychologist, or member of the clergy can be helpful to people who want to talk
about their feelings or discuss their concerns. Often, a social worker can
suggest groups that can help with rehabilitation, emotional support, financial
aid, transportation, or home care.
Additional information about locating support services for people with cancer
and their families is available through the Cancer Information Service and other
sources described in the "National Cancer Institute Information Resources"
section.
Next: What other resources are available for cancer patients? »
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