Burkitt Lymphoma Discharge Instructions

About this topic

Burkitt lymphoma, or BL, is a kind of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Lymphoma is a type of cancer and is broken down into Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin types, based on the kind of white blood cells involved. Lymphoma starts in the lymphatic system. This system includes the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland, and bone marrow. Your body has white blood cells that protect you from infection and disease. When you have lymphoma, these cells grow out of control or live longer than normal. Then, they collect in lymph nodes, causing them to swell. ‚
Doctors treat lymphoma with drugs like chemo or immunotherapy. In some cases, surgery or a bone marrow or stem cell transplant may be needed. Doctors may also treat BL with radiation therapy. ‚

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 may 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.
Avoid crowds and persons with colds and flu when your blood cell counts may be low.
For mouth sores, rinse your mouth with a solution of 1 teaspoon (5 g) baking soda and 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt in a glass of warm water. Do this 3 or 4 times each day.
Women may have long-term problems getting pregnant. Men may not be able to father a child after treatment.
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 people with infections, colds, or flu.

After radiation: ‚

You may lose hair on the treated area.
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 will feel very tired during radiation therapy. Rest often.

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.
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.
Your doctor may suggest you have vaccinations for pneumonia and influenza.

What drugs may be needed?

The doctor may order drugs to: ‚

Treat the cancer
Help with pain
Help with side effects from chemo
Prevent an upset stomach or throwing up
Give you more energy if red blood cell counts are low
Prevent infection
Help enhance your immune system

Will physical activity be limited?

If you had surgery to remove a lymph node or place an IV 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. Dont overdue activities. Schedule enough rest time in your day.
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 6 to 8 glasses of water each day 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
Lung problems
Thyroid problems
Weakened heart
Bone marrow disease
Not able to have children
Cancer may come back or not respond to treatment
Treatment can cause other cancers in the future

When do I need to call the doctor?

Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher; chills; very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or pain.
Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge at the cut site; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
Trouble breathing
Throwing up that is not helped by the drugs you are taking
Loose stools last more than 24 hours.

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.

Where can I learn more?

American Cancer Society ‚
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/non-hodgkinlymphomainchildren/detailedguide/non-hodgkin-lymphoma-in-children-non-hodgkin-lymphomain-children ‚
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society ‚
http://www.lls.org/lymphoma/non-hodgkin-lymphoma ‚
National Cancer Institute ‚
http://www.cancer.gov/types/lymphoma/patient/child-nhl-treatment-pdq#section/all ‚

Last Reviewed Date

2015-08-05 ‚

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Hematologic

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 provider 's 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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