September is Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month

 

September is Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month

 

White blood cells are part of our immune system and are needed to fight infections. Leukemias and lymphomas occur when the immune system malfunctions and produces an abnormal number of white blood cells. 

 

Leukemias are classified as “acute” (fast growing) or “chronic” (slow growing). Adults may get either type while children most often develop acute leukemias. Symptoms commonly include frequent infections, fever, easy bleeding or bruising, fatigue, swollen or tender lymph nodes, and bone or joint pain. Some leukemias can be totally cured or at least kept under control with treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and bone or stem cell transplants. 

 

Lymphomas are often classified as Hodgkin’s or non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. They occur when part of the immune system, the lymphatic system, is overwhelmed with white blood cells affecting the function of the lymph nodes. Some symptoms may include painless but swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, unexpected weight loss, fatigue, itchy skin, coughing or difficulty breathing, and abdominal pain, swelling or fullness. Radiation and chemotherapy are often used to treat both types of lymphomas. For certain stages of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, stem cell transplants are sometimes necessary.

 

Both leukemia and lymphoma patients may need blood or platelet transfusions, and/or bone or stem cell transplants. Donating blood, bone marrow, and stem cells is easier than in the past, with little discomfort to the donor. Please consider being a donor by contacting your nearest blood donation location or plan to regularly donate at our Knights of Columbus blood drives. Also, consider signing up on the national bone marrow/stem cell donor registry. Your simple, anonymous donation may give new life to another. 

Pastoral Care Director, 
St. Ann Parish Nurse
Linda M. Walsh, RN, BSN
lwalshrn@st-ann.org 
770-552-6400 x6019