Living with Lymphoma

There are many oral anticancer drugs approved or under investigation to treat lymphoma that can be taken by mouth, either in liquid or tablet/capsule form. Oral agents are just as effective and can have similar side effects as anticancer drugs that are given intravenously. It is critical that patients take all medications as prescribed to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment and minimize toxicity and adverse therapeutic outcomes. Keeping track of medications and side effects can be complicated, particularly when a combination of medications is prescribed, each with different dosing schedules. Getting into a routine early is important when starting oral therapy. Learn about this treatment option and the importance of adherence from Jorge Castillo, MD of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and hear from lymphoma survivor Lu, on her journey with oral therapy to treat her lymphoma. LRF Helpline (800-500-9976; helpline@lymphoma.org)Oral Therapy Learning CenterOral Agents in Lymphoma Fact SheetOral Anticancer Adherence in Lymphoma Fact SheetLu Story of Hope

Living with Lymphoma Podcast Home Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare professionals have increased their virtual offerings — like video conferences — to continue to care for patients while following guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to mitigate the spread of the virus. This is just one example of telemedicine (also known as telehealth), which is distributing health-related services and information via electronic information and telecommunications, and the need is on the rise. With telemedicine trending to be a mainstay in how healthcare professionals treat patients, Brian Link, MD, University of Iowa, provides an overview of telehealth and how it affects lymphoma patients and survivors. Helpful Resources: LRF Helpline (800-500-9976; helpline@lymphoma.org)COVID-19 Learning CenterPatient Perspectives: Understanding Telemedicine

Oral Therapy and Adherence in Lymphoma An increasing number of lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients receive their chemotherapy not from intravenous (IV) treatments administered in a hospital or clinic, but via a pill, taken at home on a regular basis. These oral therapies have become a more standard part of patient care, and for a growing number of patients, oral therapies are their only option. Living with Lymphoma hosts, Victor Gonzalez and Izumi Nakano, sat down with LRF Lymphoma Scientific Research Mentoring Program grantee, Craig Portell, MD (University of Virginia) who explained oral therapies and its use for the treatment of certain types of lymphoma. They were joined by chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) survivor, Geoff Grubbs, who discussed his experience with oral therapies and how this treatment regimen has been beneficial to him throughout his journey. Helpful Resources: LRF Helpline (800-500-9976; helpline@lymphoma.org) Oral Therapy Learning Center Oral Agents in Lymphoma Fact Sheet Oral Anticancer Adherence in Lymphoma Fact Sheet Craig Portell, MD Researcher Spotlight Geoff Story of Hope

CAR-T Cell Therapy and Other Novel Therapies for Lymphoma In 2015, Robyn Stacy-Humphrie's diffuse large B-Cell lymphoma (DLBCL) relapsed and she was faced with a tough decision - to follow the standard of care and receive a stem cell transplant, or opt for a new treatment called CAR-T cell therapy which at the time, was still in the clinical trial phase. Living with Lymphoma host, Victor Gonzalez, sat down with Robyn to discuss her decision to enter a clinical trial and receive CAR T and what her experience was receiving this cutting-edge therapy. They were joined by LRF Scientific Advisory Board member, Andrew M. Evens, DO, MSc, FACP (Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey) who explained CAR-T cell therapy and its use for the treatment of certain types of lymphoma, as well as other novel therapies being used to treat relapsed/refractory DBCL. This episode was a special video event recorded for LRF's YouTube channel.  Helpful Resources: LRF Helpline (800-500-9976; helpline@lymphoma.org) CAR-T Cell Therapy Learning Center Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Learning Center CAR-T Cell Therapy for Lymphoma Fact Sheet Biologic and Novel Therapies in Lymphoma Fact Sheet

Careers and Rights Amid Pandemic In the blink of an eye, COVID-19 swept the world and disrupted the way we interact, communicate, conduct business and live. The world has experienced an enormous economic impact, forcing several companies to make difficult decisions regarding staff reductions and salaries, and in some cases closing businesses entirely. For cancer patients and survivors, staying safe and healthy throughout a global pandemic, while worrying about the financial impact that comes with the loss of income, can be overwhelming. Experts Joanna Morales of Triage Cancer and Rachel Becker of Cancer and Careers, discuss what cancer patients should know regarding insurance, laws that can help aid patients during this difficult time, returning to work during COVID-19, and resources to help navigate it all. This episode was a special Facebook Live event recorded for the Living with Lymphoma Podcast.  Helpful Resources: LRF Helpline (800-500-9976; helpline@lymphoma.org) Lymphoma Support Network Financial Support Resources for Financial Assistance Fact Sheet COVID-19 Learning Center Cancer and Careers Triage Cancer 

A Clinical Trial Saved My Life Clinical Trials are important to helping advance research and provide access to the most cutting edge treatment options. Rich Zavadowski felt a clinical trial was his best chance of survival when he was diagnosed with Stage IV peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) - a rare subtype of lymphoma with no standard of care. Living with Lymphoma host, Izumi Nakano, sat down with Rich to discuss his decision to enter a clinical trial. She was also joined by LRF Scientific Advisory Board member, Kieron Dunleavy, MD (George Washington Cancer Center), one of the doctors who worked on the clinical trial that ultimately saved Rich's life. Helpful Resources: LRF Helpline (800-500-9976; helpline@lymphoma.org) Lymphoma Support Network Understanding Clinical Trials Fact Sheet Mindfulness Webinar Resources for Financial Assistance Fact Sheet

Mindfulness and Meditation Studies have shown that practicing meditation can  promote healing, both physically and emotionally/psychologically for cancer patients. Mindfulness Leadership and Coach, Amy Jin, joined hosts Victor Gonzalez and Izumi Nakano to discuss the importance of mindfulness and how meditation can help lymphoma patients and their loved ones slow-down during an incredibly stressful time in their lives. Helpful Resources: LRF Helpline (800-500-9976; helpline@lymphoma.org) Lymphoma Support Network Lymphoma Survivorship Fact Sheet Mindfulness Webinar Resources for Financial Assistance Fact Sheet

Coping with Cancer During the Holidays Dealing with a cancer diagnosis is hard, but during the holidays it can feel even more burdensome. Lymphoma survivor, Dexter Neal sits down with hosts, Victor Gonzalez and Izumi Nakano on the inaugural episode of, Living with Lymphoma to talk about how he dealt with a cancer diagnosis right before the holidays. Clinical Social Worker, Kristie Redfield of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center gave us advice about how to ask for help and how caregivers can offer the best support to their loved ones. Helpful Resources: LRF Helpline (800-500-9976; helpline@lymphoma.org) Lymphoma Support Network Lymphoma Survivorship Fact Sheet Mindfulness Webinar Resources for Financial Assistance Fact Sheet