Why the spleen still bigger than normal size? And how's the survival rate of NHL?

For several years I have had an enlarged spleen due to chronic leukemia. This year, 2018, it became more of a problem and I had surgery August 21, 2018. It was shock to me, my family and the medical staff that my spleen was so large; 8 pounds. It was a very difficult surgery but I had the very best Surgeon and Doctors who did a wonderful job. The recovery was difficult because I had a large incision and the pain was not pleasant. However, I have recovered and daily thank God for getting me to the right hospital with the right Doctors. I do have a picture of the spleen that was taken in the OR and it is unbelievable. Cathy

I know this posting is from 2009 but....I will comment just the same.
So sorry to hear that your niece was diagnosed with NHL as such a young age. I hope she is doing better after 2 years.
So many times people state that they have been diagnosed with NHL or Lymphoma. But at this time there are 63 subcategories/type of NHL. I think it is difficult to give answers to your questions without knowing the subcategory/type of NHL-Follicular? Diffuse Large B-cell? Burkitt's etc? In addition, I think it would be also misleading to give an answer to your questions without knowing what type of NHL and what medications were used to treat her ie., Rituxan, R-Chop, CVP, etc etc.
LLS.org and The Lymphoma Research Foundation are great resources too. In the two years that you wrote there have been advances in treatments so things could have changed already for your niece. My hope and prayers are for her long healthy life.

Hi, Josaine:

We've had another discussion about NHL here: Is Hodgkins Lymphoma more treatable than Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma that might help you or others learn a little more about the conditions. There's also a summary about lymphoma on the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society website.

The American Cancer society also has a good explanation of NHL and the spleen's role:

Spleen: The spleen is an organ under the lower part of the rib cage on the left side of the body. An average adult spleen weighs about 5 ounces. The spleen makes lymphocytes and other immune system cells to help fight infection. It also stores healthy blood cells and filters out damaged blood cells, bacteria, and cell waste.

I'm so sorry your niece is suffering, and at such a young age, too. Because your niece's immune system is under attack, perhaps the explanation of why her spleen is enlarged lies therein.

To find a chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society near you, please go here.

We're going to pose your question to our medical experts and hope to have a response for you ASAP.

Hi Tin, no I wish I could and I dont know where to find them but right now I am totally focus taking care of her and what I am doing now having research regarding her condition and I am really hoping she could survive until she gets old.
TAke care and God bless. And what you're doing is big help for me. Thanks

Hey Jo, Of course ... And it's so important to maintain hope. She is lucky to have an aunt like you advocating for her. Knowledge is such a powerful tool in proper treatment. In addition to her medical care, are you working with an organization like the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in your area? Such agencies can provide guidance and support on so many levels.

Hello Josaine, I'm sorry to hear that your niece is experiencing NHL. We'll start with your last question first. According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society -- for children 0 to 19 years of age, the five-year relative survival for NHL is now 84.4 percent."

With regard to the rest of your questions, we will forward those to one of our experts for the best guidance possible. Sometimes, they take a day or two to get back with us so hang in there. Thanks Josaine and look forward to an answer from us shortly.