Patient stories
Meet patients with untreated Stage 3 or 4 classical Hodgkin lymphoma who were treated with ADCETRIS plus AVD. While each story is unique, you may find inspiration and encouragement from knowing that you are not alone.
The patient’s voice matters: Amina’s story
Amina learned early on in her cancer journey the value of listening to her body, asking questions, and speaking up. She received her Stage 3 classical Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis only after taking action to resolve a series of mistaken diagnoses. This led her to an oncologist who discussed ADCETRIS plus AVD with her.
Amina’s path to ADCETRIS
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Being informed matters:
Mary Ann’s story
When Mary Ann was first diagnosed with Stage 4 classical Hodgkin lymphoma, she researched as much as she could about her treatment options. She confided in her doctor about her concerns and they discussed choosing ADCETRIS plus AVD. He listened and was an equal partner throughout her treatment journey with ADCETRIS.
Mary Ann’s path to ADCETRIS
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After I was diagnosed, I did a lot of research, read through resources, and watched testimonials from other people living with classical Hodgkin lymphoma.”
Brandon’s story
My Hodgkin’s journey
Journey to diagnosis
Before being diagnosed with Stage 4 classical Hodgkin lymphoma, I was working long hours and keeping up with an active lifestyle. I had lower back pain and remember feeling tired all the time. It didn’t occur to me that these symptoms could be something serious. It wasn’t until I woke up one day feeling like my entire body was swollen that I decided it was time to see my doctor.
Making the next move
After receiving my diagnosis, I remember thinking about it like a game of basketball. When the ball comes your way, you have to catch it, consider your options, and make a decision to get the best shot at scoring. Sometimes your next step is clear, and other times, you get the ball and feel overwhelmed, as if the opposing team is running straight toward you.
For me, being diagnosed with cancer felt like the latter; the ball was in my hands, and I had important decisions to make in a critical window of time, but I didn’t know exactly which way to turn. What I did know was that I had teammates who would assist and support me along the way.
After I was diagnosed, I did a lot of research, read through resources, and watched testimonials from other people living with classical Hodgkin lymphoma. I also worked closely with my doctor to find a treatment option that would be right for me.”
Talking with my doctor and asking a lot of questions helped me feel confident about getting ADCETRIS® (brentuximab vedotin) along with chemotherapy.
Trusting my teammates
Over time, I developed a close relationship with my care team. They answered any questions I had throughout the treatment process, kept my spirits up, and helped me stick to my normal routine and hobbies as much as possible.
It’s so important to have a strong support system that’s with you from diagnosis and through the highs and lows of treatment.”
Keeping my head in the game
During treatment, I wanted to live my life as I did before my Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis, but knew that I would have to make some changes. I was able to find ways to see myself as more than a patient at times, which helped me look forward to what life could be like after treatment.
Now that I’m in remission, I’m excited about what’s to come and the future that lies ahead.”
Experiences with ADCETRIS differ among individuals. ADCETRIS will not work for everyone, and it’s important to be informed about possible side effects. Ask your doctor if ADCETRIS is right for you.
View questions to ask your doctor
++I was shocked and scared. Thankfully, my fiancée was there for me. We dove in and did a lot of research on classical Hodgkin lymphoma and found out what treatment options were available.”
Gene’s story
Support was there when I needed it most
Learning about my diagnosis
It started with lumps in my neck and lymph nodes that my doctor thought were from a virus. When more lumps were found, I had them surgically removed—and that’s when I learned I had Stage 4 classical Hodgkin lymphoma.
I was shocked and scared. Thankfully, my fiancée was there for me. We dove in and did a lot of research on classical Hodgkin lymphoma and found out what treatment options were available.”
My treatment decision
After my diagnosis, I discussed potential treatment options with my doctor. I was given the opportunity to participate in the ECHELON-1 clinical trial, which evaluated ADCETRIS along with chemotherapy of Adriamycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (AVD) for Stage 3 or 4 classical Hodgkin lymphoma. My fiancée and I, with the help of my care team, decided that participating in this trial was the right decision for me.
Looking back, it was a meaningful journey for me because I was able to contribute to research that would help improve the lives of future patients.
A surplus of support
As people from all parts of my life heard about my cancer, they offered support in ways I could never have imagined. My community hosted a benefit and even made T-shirts that said, “Help Gene Fight.” It was humbling to receive this kind of support.
Cancer is tough, but in the end, it couldn’t steal my smile.”
No one should have to go through something like this alone. It’s okay to ask for help. Most people will surprise you with how much they want to help—and learning this helped me stay positive through treatment, even as I faced some complications.
With my support system and doctors, I was able to complete my treatment with ADCETRIS. Today, I feel more like myself, I’ve returned to work, and I have been able to get back into my hobbies.
Experiences with ADCETRIS differ among individuals. ADCETRIS will not work for everyone, and it’s important to be informed about possible side effects. Ask your doctor if ADCETRIS is right for you.
View questions to ask your doctor
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