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Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: 10 symptoms to be on alert for
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In 2017, it's predicted that 72,240 people in the US will be diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Are you one of them? - photo by Rachel De Castro
Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma accounts for about four percent of all cancers in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. It is predicted that in 2017, 72,240 people will be diagnosed with this cancer and about 20,140 people will die from it.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma prevents a persons body from fighting infections, according to Cancer Treatment Centers of America. This cancer develops in the lymphatic cells, these cells begin to modify and multiply without control, forming tumors. The tumor growth can be rapid or slow and can develop in many parts of the body.

According to the American Cancer Society, the main symptoms you should look for are:

  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Swollen abdomen (belly)
  • Feeling full after only a small amount of food
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Shortness of breath or cough
  • Fever
  • Weight loss
  • Night sweats
  • Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
  • Low red blood cell counts (anemia)
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can affect these areas of the body:

1. Lymph nodes

Lymphoma can cause lymph nodes to enlarge. Its important to check the neck, groin, under the arm and above the collarbone. If it looks like you have lumps under your skin, go get it checked out. Sometimes enlarged lymph nodes are caused by infection, so it's important to get a doctor's opinion.

2. Abdomen

Lymphoma can cause swelling and tenderness in the abdomen. There are two reasons for this: The lymph nodes of the abdomen are swollen or fluids may have accumulated. Lymphoma can swell the spleen, which presses the stomach. So if you are feeling very full after eating only a small amount of food, you may have reason to be concerned.

3. Intestines

Lymphoma can cause swelling near the intestines. Normal bowel function can be blocked causing pain in the abdomen, nausea or vomiting. The cancer can also cause holes to form in the intestine, which can lead to serious infection and pain.

4. Stomach

Lymphoma in the stomach can cause stomach pain, nausea and a reduced appetite.

5. Chest

Lymphoma in the chest will push on the windpipe, causing shortness of breath, a cough, pressure in the chest or chest pain.

6. Brain

Lymphoma in the brain can cause headaches, problems with reasoning, weakness in some parts of the body, changes in mood and personality and, in some cases, seizures.

Double vision, facial numbness and trouble speaking are also common symptoms.

7. Skin

Lymphoma in the skin can appear as redness, itching, nodules and purple marks on the skin.

Keep an eye out for these symptoms and ask a professional if you have any questions or concerns.
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Have You Seen This? Street musician slays with clarinet
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Better than almost every face-melting guitar or drum solo. - photo by Facebook video screenshot

THE BIG EASY — Yeah, yeah, we all know that New Orleans is stuffed to the gills will incredible musicians.

But knowing that fact and then hearing that fact are two different things. You can step into any number of jazz clubs on any given night on Bourbon Street, and you’ll probably be impressed with virtually every act. Or you can sit at home on your comfy couch and watch this featured video.

In the video, you’ll see a woman who is in the groove. She is swinging hard, and wailing on her clarinet with a practiced expertise that makes it sounds so easy.

From note one you’ll be drawn in; your appreciation will grow with every second, and then your face will melt off when you realize how incredible she really is.

If you’ve never played a woodwind or a brass, you may not know everything that comes with a performance like this. Lung capacity and breath control are huge factors in keeping your notes clear and loud, and hitting those high notes is especially difficult.

So when this woman hits that high note and holds it for several seconds, you know you’re dealing with an exceptional musician. It means she has worked hard for years to develop skill on top of her natural talent, and we get to benefit.

It kinda makes you wonder how we let people get away with mumble rap and autotune when talent like this exists in the world.

I wish this video were longer, and I wish I had more information about this woman, but as it is, we’ll just have to appreciate the little flavor of New Orleans jazz posted by the Facebook group Clarinet Life.

Street musician killing it on clarinet

She must have lungs of iron! Its inspiring hearing the upper registers being played so well.

Posted by Clarinet Life on Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Martha Ostergar is a writer who delights in the ridiculous that internet serves up, which means she's more than grateful that she gets to cruise the web for amazing videos to highlight for your viewing pleasure.
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