The Indian youth is so caught up in their day-to-day lives. Figuring out their lives - the right college, the right job, the right relationship - that we forget to focus on our bodies - our health. The human body has fascinating way to deal with a potential threat. When the body tries to fight an invader, it gives off signs like a fever to let you know that its fighting the infection.

Bhumika had simple signs of back pain and fever which resulted in weakness. In addition to this, she was even losing weight. She couldn't take the pain anymore and got some tests & scans done to get a proper diagnosis. At the young age of 23, Bhumika was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma.

What is Hodgkin's lymphoma?

A rather sneaky type of cancer with symptoms like swollen lymph nodes. There are essentially 2 types of Hodgkin's lymphoma - Classical and Nodular lymphocyte-predominant - the prior type being more common.

After diagnosis of the cancer, the doctor treats it according to which stage it is. There are usually 3 methods of treatment -

ChemotherapyRadiation TherapyStem Cell Transplantation

Diagnosed patients may be treated with either of the methods or a combination of them. The choice of treatment usually depends on the size of the tumor, age of the patients and symptoms whether the patient has lost weight, or he has night sweats or fever.

In our interview, when asked how easy it was for her to find a doctor to treat Hodgkin's lymphoma, Bhumika tells us -

It was not difficult to find a good doctor. My family doctor suggested a hematologist and I was truly blessed cos I couldn't have got anyone better. My treatment was a tough, any cancer treatment is tough but I had severe side effects to chemotherapy and then I had to undergo a surgery for lymph node removal. Everything was painful but there was always a hope. I was young I had something to look forward to.
It (the disease) has changed me; made me mature, made me stronger... but it has also made an emotional person. I'm very insecure about my health now even the most irrelevant thing scares me and I start taking precautions.
Its been 2 years since she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, Bhumika is currently studying Masters in Dental Surgery (prosthodontics).
My advice to people is do not ignore any pains which are consistent do not ignore your fever. Keep a check on your sleep patterns, are you getting tired easily are you feeling weak? Make sure u get regular health checkups. Nothing to be scared of - life is beautiful... :)

source - Indiacancersurgerysite[dot]com