Mama Mangia
Super Moderator
We are a family here - and as a family we need to support one another.
Please - for MsMai - she needs us now more than ever.
Today Msmai received news that no parent or family member wants to hear - her youngest daughter has been diagnosed with Lymphomia.
Lymphoma is not one cancer, but a name for a group of related cancers that arise when a Lymphocyte (a blood cell) becomes malignant.
The normal function of lymphocytes is to defend the body against pathogens and infected cells: germs, viruses, fungi, even cancer. There are many subtypes and maturation stages of lymphocytes and therefore there are many kinds of lymphomas. When a lymphocyte becomes malignant (goes bad), it's biologic behavior is arrested at that stage.
Like normal cells, malignant lymphocytes can move to many parts of the body. Typically, lymphoma cells form tumors in the lymphatic system: bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, and blood. However, these cells can migrate to other organs.
Certain types of lymphoma will tend to grow in locations in which the normal version of the cell resides. For example, it's common for follicular NHL tumors to develop in the lymph nodes. MALT lymphomas will manifest in other areas as described here:
"Lymphoid tissue in the human body is associated with the mucosal system. This tissue, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), is scattered along mucosal linings and protects the body from antigens entering along mucosal surfaces." -
There is much information out there -
Lymphoma Information Network - What is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma: A Detailed Description
www.ehealthmd.com/library/lymphoma
Home - Lymphoma Research Foundation
for anyone that may be interested in learning more.
If anyone knows of a support group for MsMai - please post it.
I ask you - as family - to please include MsMai, her beautiful daughter and the rest of her family in your prayers. I've put them on a prayer list - can you also do the same?
We are here for you MsMai - please keep us posted.
Mama