“I've been in remission for seven years. I believe I'm going to be healthy.”
Rachel Lounder of Lisbon, ME, Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivor
“Years ago, I found a lymph node above my collarbone, so I saw my PCP. I had a biopsy, and it came back falsely benign. I noticed there was still swelling so I went back to my PCP and had a CT scan…which showed Hodgkin’s. My husband and I were terrified and devastated. I was worried about how it would affect my daughter, Nora, since she was little at the time.
Rachel with her husband and two kids.
“I was referred to Dr. Evans at New England Cancer Specialists and everybody there was just so comforting. I felt like I got to know the receptionist and the ladies who drew my labs. Dr. Evans was always warm and reassuring and took the time to talk to me about my anxiety. And my nurses were incredible. They would have warm blankets for me, and pillows. They brought me an iPad, and cinnamon gum to chew. Anything I needed, they were there.
“The whole reason I ended up at New England Cancer Specialists is because my PCP had seen better outcomes for patients they sent there, versus other oncology practices in the area. They are really good at helping people get healthy, and they have a unique way of prioritizing both the physical and mental well-being of patients.
“I think that New England Cancer Specialists starting a survivorship program is so needed and will make a huge difference. There's a focus on patient well-being during treatment, but then there's this whole period when patients are trying to reintegrate into normal life. There's that mental trauma of having just gone through a very uncertain time, and support is crucial to get through it and start feeling like you can find peace of mind again.
“Initially, I didn’t want to get attached to the future. I didn’t let myself look forward to things or fully feel joy or excitement because there was this part of me that thought, well, you might not be here to experience it. But as time has gone on, I’ve let myself get attached to being around, and experiencing joy.
“I believe that New England Cancer Specialists is a place where you will get the best outcome possible. They really care about making sure it's not just getting you in remission, or getting your cancer treated—they care about YOU.”
Learn more about the prevention and detection of Hodgkin lymphoma.
Share Your Story
At New England Cancer Specialists, we know that each of our patients has a unique cancer journey, with unique challenges and stories. We believe that sharing these stories can inspire and support others, no matter what their diagnosis or where they are in the process.
If you would like to share the story of your cancer journey with us and other patients, please click the link below to learn more.
