A few weeks ago, I mentioned an upcoming podcast called "What Causes Lymphoma?" I was a little critical about it, because I think cancer patients can obsess about causes. That kind of thinking potentially leads to a lot of "What did I do to deserve this?" kind of guilt. And it's often misplaced guilt, because something like Follicular NHL has no definite, known cause. I don't see much point in beating yourself up about something you can't control.
That said, I also fully believe in the power of information, and if being informed about lymphoma empowers you, then learn all you can. (Clearly, it's something that I do myself.)
And, perhaps most importantly, finding answers to "what causes lymphoma?" really is important to researchers, even if it isn't something patients should dwell on.
Anyway, that podcast took place on May 15th, and it's available online now. The show lasts for about 100 minutes, and features interviews with some leading epidemiologists -- medical experts whose focus is on the cause of diseases (specifically lymphoma).
And it's a pretty interesting show. It takes a while to get to the meat of things, but it's worth waiting for. (And in fact, the opening info is worth listening to as well. It includes a plug for a symposium in September to mark World Lymphoma Day; it will focus on Follicular Lymphoma, and is co-sponsored by the excellent organization HOPE for Lymphoma, whose Facebook page is an absolute necessity if you are on FB.)
The show gets a little technical in spots, but the hosts, Charlene McMann-Seaman and Scott Seaman, are pretty good about bringing things back to earth and asking questions that clarify and simplify some issues.
I still think it's easy to let guilt creep in when you're thinking about causes, but if you're past that, it's a show worth listening to.
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2 comments:
being recently diagnosed with lymphoma stage 2, I am ridding my house of all chemically based cleaners. I'm wondering if bleach is also a toxin I should avoid. My husband insists on using it, and I say it can possibly aggravate my lymphoma. What is your opinion? MJB
Hi MJB.
I haven't read anything that says bleach will aggravate lymphoma. I use bleach myself -- excellent for killing germs (which is an important issue if your immune system is compromised). That said, Follicular Lymphoma is an emotional disease as well as a physical one, so if you would feel better by reducing the number of chemicals in your house, maybe you and your husband can find alternatives that will do the job he needs them to do while keeping your emotions in a better place.
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