Episode 5 - Matt Lampson: Lymphoma survivor, professional athlete, all-round badass

Matt was diagnosed with stage IV Hodgkin's Lymphoma a week after graduating high school. Instead of going on to play college soccer, Matt had to stay in Ohio and go through a brutal regimen of chemotherapy and radiation. This episode is part 1 of a two part series covering Matt's journey from his diagnosis, to where he is now, an MLS star, with a successful cancer foundation dedicated to help making the lives of childhood cancer survivors better. Lamps is as tough as they get, and he gave a great insight into the devastating effects of treatment, some of which he still battles today. You can find more about Matt's foundation at www.lampstrong.com. You can also find him on twitter @LampStrong. 

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You can find more about reach at www.reachbeyondcancer.com or follow me on twitter @ciaranfairman. 

Show notes:

4.45 - His diagnosis, how he found out and breaking down. 

10.00 - His odds of survival. Playing a tournament the week he found out, and coming back straight into chemo. 

14.00 - Staying in Columbus to go through treatment instead of going to college to play football. Dealing with the pain and side effects of treatment. 

22.00 - How the side effects of treatment got worse over the course of his cycles. Dealing with weight gain, stomach ulcers, bone pain and nausea. 

29.00 - How going through cancer treatment at such a young age affected him psychologically. Feeling like he lost a lot of friends, being hurt and angry. How treatment shaped his goals and values. 

34.00 - Getting extra cycles of treatment, despite being free of cancer.

39.00 - Long term effects of radiation

44.00 - Finishing treatment and the recovery to get back playing.