Sheilagh Foley is a long-term Hodgkin’s survivor, advocate, and author who has published numerous articles and blogs on survivorship. This article is a commentary on “Hypofractionation,” which is a radiation treatment schedule where the total dose of radiation is divided into large doses, allowing patients to complete their course of radiation faster than conventional treatment. In this article, Sheilagh raises key questions about the pros and cons of hypofractionation, including concerns about the possible long-term effects of this method.

This is a great piece on a subject that many of us know all too well – “medical gaslighting.” As the author states, it is “a term used to describe instances in which health care providers ignore or dismiss symptoms and discount patient experiences based on their own implicit bias or stereotypes.” Whether due to a lack of education on a certain subject, such as the late effects of cancer treatment, or an unwillingness to fully hear and understand a survivor’s symptoms,

Sheilagh Foley travelled to Boston to the Hodgkins International Symposium to learn more about how other patients recover from this ‘good’ cancer’, and finds solace and support from doctors and other patients dealing with the disease.

This article describes the results of recent study published in the JAMA Internal Medicine. It explores a fairly common side effect of some cancer treaments, “chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy,” or CIPN. More than just an annoying condition, CIPN can have a significant effect on the quality of life for survivors. The study presented here offers some exciting news about possible treatments for this condition.

Oncologists and researchers increasingly focus on how to predict, treat and monitor for cardiovascular problems that develop before and after treatment.

Many women who are long-term Hodgkin’s survivors experience early menopause as a result of their radiation and chemotherapy treatments, especially if they received them at a young age. As we are already at risk for breast cancer due to the same treatments, it is important to be aware of any additional risk factors.

This week’s Joy Beat honoree is proof that even in the darkest of times, when life throws you its biggest challenges, there are people who can turn moments of adversity into joy. Erin Cummings joined GBH’s All Things Considered host Arun Rath to discuss her organization and how it has helped cancer survivors find community.

12News (KPNX-TV, NBC) features survivor, Dorothy Lynn Boddy and Hodgkin’s International.

Interesting study from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort (SJLIFE), and originally published int the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The results may not be surprising, but it does appear that a plant-based diet has even more significance for childhood cancer survivors when it comes to premature aging and other health factors. (Note: the term “childhood cancer survivors” may include young adults in their 20’s).

This article describes research done by the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and CARDIA, which stands for “Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults.” These two organizations combined their data bases to create an in-depth study of the specific risks for childhood cancer survivors. The results are concerning, and they underline the need for early and frequent observation post treatment.