Introduction v
Part 1 The Basics: Understanding the Immune and Circulatory Systems 1
Questions 1-7 introduce the immune and circulatory systems, describing their function and involvement in lymphoma through such questions as:
What is the immune system?
How do the components of the immune system function?
What is bone marrow?
Part 2 Diagnosis and Classification of Lymphoma 17
Questions 8-43 briefly outline the different types of lymphoma and describe their diagnosis and classification, including:
What is lymphoma?
What is the difference between Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
What are the symptoms of lymphoma?
Part 3 Staging and Treatment of Lymphoma 77
Questions 44-58 provide a derailed account of the different stages of lymphoma and the methods by which the lymphoma is treated, including:
What happens after I'm told I have lymphoma?
Should I get a second opinion?
Apart from the biopsy, what other information is needed?
Part 4 Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy 109
Questions 59-76 discuss the goals and side effects of two common forms of therapy for lymphoma, including:
What is chemotherapy?
What chemotherapy drugs are used to treat lymphoma?
How is chemotherapy given?
Part 5 Other Therapies 141
Questions 77-96 describe methods of treatment beyond chemotherapy and radiation therapy, including new treatments, experimental therapies, and alternative medicine, including:
What is immunotherapy
What are monoclonal antibodies?
How is rituximab (Rituxan) administered?
Part 6 Coping with Lymphoma 171
Questions 97-100 address common concerns for the lymphoma patient's daily life, such as:
Can Icontinue to work?
Should I join a support group?
If I am dying, how do I cope?
Appendix 177
A list of web sites, organizations, and literature to help lymphoma patients and their families find additional resources on general and specific topics related to lymphoma
Glossary 183
Index 193