About this topic
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer in a part of the immune system called the lymph system. There are a number of different types of this cancer. ‚
They are divided according to: ‚
- How fast the cancer grows ¢ ˆ ’ Slow growing or fast growing
- How the cells look under the microscope
Doctors can tell if you have this disease by doing blood tests or a bone marrow biopsy. They may remove a sample of your lymph node for testing. They may also do an MRI or CT scan, ultrasound, or spinal tap. ‚
These tests help the doctor stage the cancer or see how far it has spread. This will help the doctors know what treatment is best for you. You may be given chemo, radiation, or biologic therapy that helps the immune system kill the cancer. Sometimes treatment is not needed now and the doctor can just monitor you and wait until treatment is needed. Some patients may have a transplant of cells from the bone. Others may participate in a clinical trial that tests new treatments. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Make sure to take all the drugs ordered by your doctor.
- If you had a sample of a lymph node or bone taken, keep your cut clean and dry. Wash your hands before touching your cut or dressing. Change the dressing when it gets wet or as needed. Ask your doctor when it is safe to take a bath or shower.
After chemo: ‚
- You will have hair loss. You may wear a hat or scarf to cover your head. Women may want to wear a wig until the hair grows back.
- Get enough rest. Sleep when you are tired. You may need rest periods.
- Avoid smells that are not pleasant to help prevent upset stomach.
- Wash your hands often. Wash them before eating, after using the bathroom, and after touching your pets.
- If your platelet counts are low, you may bleed more easily. Try not to let your stools get hard. Avoid blowing your nose. Brush your teeth gently.
- For mouth sores, rinse your mouth with a solution of 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water. Do this 3 or 4 times each day.
- Ask your doctor about side effects to the specific drugs you are taking.
After radiation: ‚
- You may lose hair on the treated area.
- Women may have long-term problems getting pregnant. Men may not be able to father a child after treatment.
- Talk to your doctor before treatment if you plan on having children later on.
- Your skin may feel dry, itchy, and painful. Do not scratch, scrub, or rub these areas.
- Do not put anything hot or cold on the treated area.
- When taking a bath or shower, use warm water and mild, unscented soaps. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel. Do not use hot water when taking a bath or shower.
- You may get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun.
- Your chance of getting an infection is higher than normal. Avoid crowds and people with infections, colds, or flu.
- You will feel very tired during radiation therapy.
- You may have loose stools or feel like throwing up.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your condition and response to therapy needs close monitoring. Your doctor will ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor will tell you if other tests are needed.
- If you have stitches or staples, you will need to have them taken out. Your doctor will often want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks.
- There may be unwanted effects that may occur long after your treatment is done. Ask your doctors what to expect.
- Ask your doctor for a summary of all your treatment when it is complete.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Treat the cancer
- Prevent an upset stomach or throwing up
- Give you more energy if red blood cell counts are low
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
Will physical activity be limited?
- If you had surgery to remove a lymph node or place an I.V. catheter, you may have to limit movement for a short time period.
- Keeping active is helpful. Ask your doctor about the right amount of activity for you.
- Avoid contact sports or heavy exercise through your course of treatment. Ask your doctor before starting new activities.
What changes to diet are needed?
- Increase your protein and calories to keep a good weight and muscle mass during treatment. Eat small meals often to help prevent nausea.
- Drink lots of water to prevent fluid loss and hard stools.
- Eating soft foods can help with swallowing problems.
- Cook foods properly. Do not eat raw foods. Eat food stored in the refrigerator within 2 days.
- Avoid unpasteurized dairy products and foods that have molds, like blue cheese.
- If your blood counts are low, your doctor may tell you to avoid fresh fruits and vegetables. Wash fruits and vegetables well before peeling and eating them. Avoid raw sprouts.
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Weakened heart
- Not able to have children
- Cancer may come back
- Treatment can cause other cancers in the future
- Swelling may occur
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher; chills; wound that will not heal; and yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge from the wound.
- Trouble breathing
- Throwing up that is not helped by the drugs you are taking
- Changes in color of urine, burning urine, or odor to urine
Helpful tips
- Keep a record of your treatments. This will help both you and your doctor monitor your health.
- Have someone go with you to your treatments.
- Join a support group. People who are going through the same condition may help you cope with your illness.
- Do not come in contact with babies and children who have been immunized for polio and chickenpox for at least 8 weeks after immunization.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to care for myself after chemo or radiation.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet, drugs, or activities.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, trouble breathing, throwing up, or changes to my urine.
Where can I learn more?
American Cancer Society ‚
http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/Non-HodgkinLymphoma/DetailedGuide/non-hodgkin-lymphoma-what-is-non-hodgkin-lymphoma ‚
National Cancer Institute ‚
http://cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/non-hodgkin-lymphoma ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚