In this podcast Nancy and Stewart share their personal blood cancer experiences as LGBTQIA+ people. They describe the additional challenges they faced, and are faced by others, due to gender and/or sexual identity. The need to continuously come out, explain your relationship to those around you and not feeling safe in the healthcare space.  Stewart tells us about why he set up the charity OUTpatients and how they seek to support LGBT+ people with cancer and after treatment. They agree that having cancer is hard for everyone, but that it should not be harder for LGBT+ people.

Lymphoma Voices is a series of podcasts for people living with lymphoma, and their family and friends. In each podcast, we are in conversation with an expert in their field, or someone who has been personally affected by lymphoma, who shares their thoughts and experiences. 
 
 Lymphoma Action is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma. We are here to make sure that everyone affected by the condition receives the best possible information, support, treatment and care. Our services include a Freephone helpline, support group network, Buddy Service, medical information, conferences for those affected by lymphoma, and education and training for healthcare professionals. We would like to thank all of our incredible supporters whose generous donations enable us to offer all our essential support services free of charge. As an organisation we do not receive any government or NHS funding and so every penny received is truly valued. From everyone at Lymphoma Action and on behalf of those affected by lymphoma, thank you. For further information visit: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk
 

In this podcast, Mimi shares her experience of being a carer. Her partner Roger, who is the keyboard player in the band The Cure, was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in September 2023. Mimi talks about the difficult moments they shared as they waited for test results; a mix of anxiety and numbness. She shares how much sadness she felt as Roger went through chemotherapy and how ill he was. She also talks about how they coped with the side effects of treatment, like the impact steroids had and adjusting to hair loss. This was a time when she felt she had to remain strong and positive, even though inside she was feeling so much stress. Over this period, life for both Roger and Mimi was about going from one hospital appointment to the other as after chemotherapy, Roger was treated with radiotherapy. They both looked forward to the end of treatment, but once it had finished, she explains how it still took a while to re-establish life again.

Lymphoma Voices is a series of podcasts for people living with lymphoma, and their family and friends. In each podcast, we are in conversation with an expert in their field, or someone who has been personally affected by lymphoma, who shares their thoughts and experiences. 
 
 Lymphoma Action is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma. We are here to make sure that everyone affected by the condition receives the best possible information, support, treatment and care. Our services include a Freephone helpline, support group network, Buddy Service, medical information, conferences for those affected by lymphoma, and education and training for healthcare professionals. We would like to thank all of our incredible supporters whose generous donations enable us to offer all our essential support services free of charge. As an organisation we do not receive any government or NHS funding and so every penny received is truly valued. From everyone at Lymphoma Action and on behalf of those affected by lymphoma, thank you. For further information visit: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk
 

 | In this podcast Roger O’Donnell, who is the keyboard player of the band The Cure, talks about his diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. He explains about the treatment he received and about coming to terms emotionally with his diagnosis. In 2023, Roger noticed a lump, but put it down to the demands of touring. Returning to the UK, he contacted his GP, and a scan was organised which indicated that something was wrong. Roger still recalls the fear of waiting for test results. He explains how he was determined to stay strong and get through the treatment, which involved the chemotherapy regimen R-CHOP as well as methotrexate and radiotherapy. He talks about how it was after finishing treatment that the emotions rushed in, and about the importance of family and loved ones. Now back on stage with the band, Roger talks about how his lymphoma experience has impacted his life, as he looks to the future. 

Lymphoma Voices is a series of podcasts for people living with lymphoma, and their family and friends. In each podcast, we are in conversation with an expert in their field, or someone who has been personally affected by lymphoma, who shares their thoughts and experiences. 
 
 Lymphoma Action is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma. We are here to make sure that everyone affected by the condition receives the best possible information, support, treatment and care. Our services include a Freephone helpline, support group network, Buddy Service, medical information, conferences for those affected by lymphoma, and education and training for healthcare professionals. We would like to thank all of our incredible supporters whose generous donations enable us to offer all our essential support services free of charge. As an organisation we do not receive any government or NHS funding and so every penny received is truly valued. From everyone at Lymphoma Action and on behalf of those affected by lymphoma, thank you. For further information visit: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk
 

 In this podcast Dr Rob Lown, Consultant Haematologist at University Hospital Southampton talks to Lymphoma Action’s Anne Hook about the monoclonal antibody rituximab. Dr Lown explains what rituximab is and how it works to treat lymphoma, both as part of a chemotherapy regimen and as maintenance therapy. Dr Lown describes why ritixumab was considered a ‘game changer’ in the treatment of B-cell lymphomas, and who may be given it as part of their treatment. Side effects of rituximab, the challenges of  long-term treatment, biosimilars and newer antibodies such as Obinutuzumab are also discussed. 

Lymphoma Voices is a series of podcasts for people living with lymphoma, and their family and friends. In each podcast, we are in conversation with an expert in their field, or someone who has been personally affected by lymphoma, who shares their thoughts and experiences. 

Lymphoma Action is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma. We are here to make sure that everyone affected by the condition receives the best possible information, support, treatment and care. Our services include a Freephone helpline, support group network, Buddy Service, medical information, conferences for those affected by lymphoma, and education and training for healthcare professionals. We would like to thank all of our incredible supporters whose generous donations enable us to offer all our essential support services free of charge. As an organisation we do not receive any government or NHS funding and so every penny received is truly valued. From everyone at Lymphoma Action and on behalf of those affected by lymphoma, thank you. For further information visit: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk

The only thing that made Lauren think something was wrong was pain when she drank alcohol. In this podcast, Lauren explains about the shock of her Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis and decisions around fertility that had to be made swiftly. She talks about her treatment with BEACOPP chemotherapy and the dread she felt for losing her hair. She explains how she coped with her hair loss, as well as other side effects including mouth ulcers, sickness, fatigue and chemo brain. Lauren talks about her path to remission and how she felt abandoned and adrift when treatment finished. She explains how valuable therapy has been for her as she acknowledges the massive influence her diagnosis has had on who she is today. 

Lymphoma Voices is a series of podcasts for people living with lymphoma, and their family and friends. In each podcast, we are in conversation with an expert in their field, or someone who has been personally affected by lymphoma, who shares their thoughts and experiences. 

Lymphoma Action is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma. We are here to make sure that everyone affected by the condition receives the best possible information, support, treatment and care. Our services include a Freephone helpline, support group network, Buddy Service, medical information, conferences for those affected by lymphoma, and education and training for healthcare professionals. We would like to thank all of our incredible supporters whose generous donations enable us to offer all our essential support services free of charge. As an organisation we do not receive any government or NHS funding and so every penny received is truly valued. From everyone at Lymphoma Action and on behalf of those affected by lymphoma, thank you. For further information visit: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk

In this podcast Clare Montagu, CEO at Poppy's Funerals and Dallas Pounds, Director of Services at Lymphoma Action, cover a subject often not spoken about. They talk through some of the myths and misunderstandings around funerals as well as some of the facts and practicalities. They talk about steps and choices you can make to ensure it is personal to you and enabling you to give the send off you would like. They also discuss some questions you could ask potential funeral directors when you plan a funeral.

 Lymphoma Voices is a series of podcasts for people living with lymphoma, and their family and friends. In each podcast, we are in conversation with an expert in their field, or someone who has been personally affected by lymphoma, who shares their thoughts and experiences. 
 
 Lymphoma Action is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma. We are here to make sure that everyone affected by the condition receives the best possible information, support, treatment and care. Our services include a Freephone helpline, support group network, Buddy Service, medical information, conferences for those affected by lymphoma, and education and training for healthcare professionals. We would like to thank all of our incredible supporters whose generous donations enable us to offer all our essential support services free of charge. As an organisation we do not receive any government or NHS funding and so every penny received is truly valued. From everyone at Lymphoma Action and on behalf of those affected by lymphoma, thank you. For further information visit: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk
 

A keen runner and weightlighter, Melinda thought she had pulled a muscle on her shoulder. She held off going to see her GP until things were a lot worse and also tried a chiropractor, hoping this would make a difference. But nothing was improving and she then developed pain in her back as well as a numbness that moved up her body. By the time she went back to see a GP, she could barely move, so was referred to A&E where CT and MRI scans revealed a tumour on her spine. She was transferred immediately to neurosurgery where an operation was carried out to remove the tumour, which was then biopsied. Melinda was told she had stage 4 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. In the podcast Melinda explains having to tell her family, including her children, about her cancer and the tremendous support they provided. Now 4 years in remission, she reflects on how her diagnosis has changed her outlook on life and having to come to terms with the new Melinda.   
Lymphoma Voices is a series of podcasts for people living with lymphoma, and their family and friends. In each podcast, we are in conversation with an expert in their field, or someone who has been personally affected by lymphoma, who shares their thoughts and experiences. 

Lymphoma Action is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma. We are here to make sure that everyone affected by the condition receives the best possible information, support, treatment and care. Our services include a Freephone helpline, support group network, Buddy Service, medical information, conferences for those affected by lymphoma, and education and training for healthcare professionals. We would like to thank all of our incredible supporters whose generous donations enable us to offer all our essential support services free of charge. As an organisation we do not receive any government or NHS funding and so every penny received is truly valued. From everyone at Lymphoma Action and on behalf of those affected by lymphoma, thank you. For further information visit: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk

Dr Mike Scanlan is a retired therapist and lecturer in mental health at the University of Northampton and De Montford University. In this podcast he talks to Lymphoma Action’s Anne Hook about sleep and achieving good, restorative sleep.  

 Many people worry about getting a good night’s sleep and the more you worry about it, the harder it is for your brain to allow you to get to sleep. In this podcast Mike covers the architecture of sleep, difficulty getting off to sleep and how this varies from insomnia, and getting back to sleep after waking during the night. He also addresses the particular problems people may have if they have symptoms of lymphoma, such as itching or peripheral neuropathy. 

 In this podcast Mike talks through a number of techniques that people can try that may prove helpful. The first of these is the technique of writing things down that are playing on your mind, so your brain feels that anything troubling is being addressed. He then talks about cognitive shuffling, where you create pictures in your mind to help you try to get back to sleep, and later Mike provides visualisation techniques where you place your worries on a ‘Leaves on a Stream’ and let them float away. 

Mike explains that we have a sleep window when people are more likely to be able to achieve good restorative sleep. He talks through a number of gentle changes that can have a big impact. These include sleeping in complete darkness, controlling the time you have caffeinated drinks and cooling the body in preparation for sleep. He also talks about the benefit of exercise, especially if it is taken in the morning and outdoors. 
For many people, having dropped off to sleep, they wake up during the night. Mike provides ideas to try and minimise the disruption of this and offers strategies to drop off again quickly. In this podcast to nap or not to nap is discussed as well as alternatives that may prove valuable. This includes NSDR (non-sleep deep relaxation), which is a type of meditative yoga which puts you into a relaxed restorative state which feels like a nap but without going to sleep. 

 Find out more about sleep and achieving restorative sleep by listening to the podcast. 

Lymphoma Voices is a series of podcasts for people living with lymphoma, and their family and friends. In each podcast, we are in conversation with an expert in their field, or someone who has been personally affected by lymphoma, who shares their thoughts and experiences. 
 
 Lymphoma Action is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma. We are here to make sure that everyone affected by the condition receives the best possible information, support, treatment and care. Our services include a Freephone helpline, support group network, Buddy Service, medical information, conferences for those affected by lymphoma, and education and training for healthcare professionals. We would like to thank all of our incredible supporters whose generous donations enable us to offer all our essential support services free of charge. As an organisation we do not receive any government or NHS funding and so every penny received is truly valued. From everyone at Lymphoma Action and on behalf of those affected by lymphoma, thank you. For further information visit: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk
 

Mez talks with honesty about his diagnosis and treatment for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. As a 42-year old Indian Hindu with a wife and 1-year old daughter, he found it hard to find others going through the same experience and wanted to share his story to support others like himself. He talks about the challenges of treatment and how he created circles of friends and family to support him through the difficult times. Mez is a problem solver and explains how important it was for him to arm himself with as much information about lymphoma as possible; leaving clinical decisions to the medical professionals who he put his trust in. He speaks candidly about his struggles with fatigue and extreme short-term memory loss and strategies he adopted to help him. Now in remission, and with a new addition to his family, Mez cherishes the joys of family.

 Lymphoma Voices is a series of podcasts for people living with lymphoma, and their family and friends. In each podcast, we are in conversation with an expert in their field, or someone who has been personally affected by lymphoma, who shares their thoughts and experiences. 
 
 Lymphoma Action is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma. We are here to make sure that everyone affected by the condition receives the best possible information, support, treatment and care. Our services include a Freephone helpline, support group network, Buddy Service, medical information, conferences for those affected by lymphoma, and education and training for healthcare professionals. We would like to thank all of our incredible supporters whose generous donations enable us to offer all our essential support services free of charge. As an organisation we do not receive any government or NHS funding and so every penny received is truly valued. From everyone at Lymphoma Action and on behalf of those affected by lymphoma, thank you. For further information visit: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk
 

Tom Kerry is the Lead Pharmacist for Oncology at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay. In our latest podcast, Tom takes you behind the scenes of the hospital pharmacist. He explains how pharmacists work with the wider clinical team, including haematologists and clinical nurse specialists. He explains how the pharmacist provides the expertise when it comes to medicines, ensuring they are used in the right setting and for the right person. He also explains how the pharmacist is key to ensuring newly approved drugs are available to prescribers and therefore to patients. 

Lymphoma Voices is a series of podcasts for people living with lymphoma, and their family and friends. In each podcast, we are in conversation with an expert in their field, or someone who has been personally affected by lymphoma, who shares their thoughts and experiences. 

Lymphoma Action is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma. We are here to make sure that everyone affected by the condition receives the best possible information, support, treatment and care. Our services include a Freephone helpline, support group network, Buddy Service, medical information, conferences for those affected by lymphoma, and education and training for healthcare professionals. We would like to thank all of our incredible supporters whose generous donations enable us to offer all our essential support services free of charge. As an organisation we do not receive any government or NHS funding and so every penny received is truly valued. From everyone at Lymphoma Action and on behalf of those affected by lymphoma, thank you. For further information visit: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk