Non-hodgkin's Lymphoma : In Depth - Managing Side...
Print
Email
SaveHealthline's Premium Tools
Healthline Part D Plan Selector
Medicare's drug plans are subsidized by the US federal government and offered through insurers.
Advertisement
Marketplace
|
When you are being treated for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, it is likely that you will have symptoms of the disease and side effects from treatment, too. For instance, the lymphoma itself can cause symptoms such as pressure or pain. Or the tumor may interfere with the function of an organ.
|
|
Many side effects of treatment end once the treatment ends. But others may develop over time. Or they may be a sign of more serious changes from treatment. For example, chemotherapy can affect organs, such as kidneys or lungs. Also, when lymphoma cells break down during treatment, they release their contents into the bloodstream. This can cause tumor lysis syndrome, which can affect your kidneys, heart, and nervous system. If you have a stem cell transplant, the immune system cells from a donor attack your lymphoma cells. They can also attack your normal cells, causing a variety of side effects. And, in rare cases, you may develop another type of lymphoma as a later effect of the treatment.
|
|
Dealing with your feelings is often easier as you learn more about your disease and get support. Here are some ways you might get help. Ask questions and talk about your concerns with your healthcare team. Talk with friends and relatives. Get in touch with others who have had lymphoma. Meet with a social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist, or member of the clergy. Many people with lymphoma go to support groups. There, they can share what they have learned about lymphoma and its treatments. Here are some ways to find support.
|
 |
It's likely that you will have physical concerns about your lymphoma. You may have symptoms from the disease, and you may have side effects from your treatment. In this section, you'll learn more about how to respond to some of the most common ones. Your reaction depends on the treatment you get. We've listed symptoms and side effects alphabetically so that you can easily find tips to ease the problems you are having.
|
 |
Chemotherapy can reduce the number of red blood cells in your body. When you have too few of these cells, anemia can result. Anemia has many symptoms. Talk to your health care provider if you have any of the signs listed here. You may need treatment.
|
 |
Chemotherapy can make your blood less able to clot. This happens because the treatment reduces the number of platelets (clotting agents) in your blood. As a result, your risk of bruising and bleeding increases. To help prevent problem bleeding, use the tips on this handout.
|
 |
You develop mouth sores Mouth pain keeps you from eating Mouth sores (stomatitis) and dry mouth are common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These side effects occur because these treatments affect normal cells as well as cancer cells. Using the tips on this handout may help you feel better.
|
 |
Caution: Call your doctor if your cuticles become red and painful or show other changes.
|
|
During chemotherapy, the energy provided by a healthy diet can help you rebuild normal cells. It can also help you keep up your strength and fight infection. As a result, you may feel better and be more able to cope with side effects. Ask your doctor about your nutrition needs.
|
 |
Minor skin problems are common side effects of chemotherapy. These side effects occur because the treatment affects normal cells as well as cancer cells. To manage these side effects, try the tips on this handout.
|
 |
Constipation (difficulty passing stool) is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Constipation can be caused by the medications you are taking. It can also occur if you're not getting enough exercise and nourishment. Fluids are important in managing constipation.
|
 |
Diarrhea (loose stools) is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Diarrhea results when treatment affects the normal cells lining the intestine. To help limit this problem, try the tips on this handout.
|
|
Fatigue is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It can be caused by worry, lack of sleep, and poor appetite. Fatigue can also be a sign of anemia (a shortage of red blood cells). This could require medical treatment. The tips below can help you feel better.
|
 |
Hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It occurs because these treatments affect normal cells as well as cancer cells. Not all types of chemotherapy and radiation therapy cause hair loss, but if it does happen, these tips can help.
|
|
Chemotherapy can make your body less able to fight off infection. This happens because treatment reduces the number of white blood cells (infection fighters) in your body. To help prevent infections, try the tips on this handout.
|
 |
Nausea or vomiting lasts for 24 hours or more You have trouble keeping fluids down
|
|
Having side effects of radiation therapy does not mean that your cancer is getting worse or that therapy isn't working.
|
 |
Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to treat your cancer. From the moment you found out you had cancer, you most likely have had questions about treatment. You are not facing cancer treatment alone. Loved ones, support groups, and counseling can help you. Keep a list of any questions you have for your radiation therapy team. Ask these questions during your visits, or call if you need to. And use the resources below for information.
|
 |
TIP: Ask a family member or friend to give you some help applying lotion in hard-to-reach spots.
|
|
Now that you are facing treatment for cancer, you may have concerns that you want to share. If you do want to talk, you may not know how to start. These ideas may help.
|
 |
 |
Home | About | Health Experts | Careers | Site Map | Feedback | Help | Health Tools | Tell a Friend
Advertise | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
Advertise | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2005 - 2008 Healthline Networks, Inc. All rights reserved.