Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) is a type of lymphoma which is a blood cancer. When suffering from cancer, one has to cope with physical, emotional and also social and financial effects.
The cancer treatment, or the non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma treatment to be precise, causes some changes or side effects on your body as well as your mental health. However, people do not experience the exact same type of side effects even if they are undergoing the exact same kind of treatment for the exact same lymphomas for the same duration of time. Hence, it is very difficult to predict how you would feel when you are in the situation. When one starts treatment for Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, it is very normal to have some fears regarding the treatment procedures and its outcomes. However, the team of doctors that is going to work on you will take care of this part.
This part of the treatment is known as the palliative care. Palliative care forms an important part of the cancer treatment protocol, regardless of the age of the patient or the stage of the disease.
How To Cope With Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
Let us see how to cope with different effects of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and its treatment, one effect at a time-
Coping With The Physical Side Effects Of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma And Its Treatment-
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a treatable cancer. The Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma treatments used can be ranging from chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy to stem cell transplant. However, each type of treatment has its own physical side effects, which may be tolerable by some, while which may cause so much distress in others, that the treatment might be needed to be stopped or certain medications might have to be introduced along with the cancer medications, so as to continue with the treatment. The common physical side effects seen with all of these treatments include extreme fatigue or malaise, nausea and vomiting, rash, hair loss, loss of appetite etc. the palliative or supportive care here deals with providing much needed physical, emotional and social care to the patient. When a palliative care is given at the same time as the treatment is started, it is proven to give better results and the patients also experience an overall satisfactory progress with their lymphoma treatment.
To cope with the physical effects of the Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and its treatment; the palliative care may include medications, dietary and nutritional modifications, relaxation therapies and emotional support
Coping With The Emotional and Social Effects Of The Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma And Its Treatment-
Once a Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is diagnosed, along with the physical effects, the person affected may experience emotional and social disturbances as well. One may experience emotions such as anxiety, sadness, increased stress levels or even anger at times. Sometimes, one may feel extremely tearful as they are unable to express their emotions to their loved ones, or other people do not know how to respond in such situations. These issues can be tackled by talking to a member of the healthcare team and they will help you in talking with your family and friends, talking to your young children.
Coping With Financial Effects Of The Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma And Its Treatment-
It is a known fact that any cancer treatment can be quite expensive. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is not an exception. This becomes a source of stress for the affected person as well as his family members. Due to shortage of financial resources, people tend to stop the Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma treatment before completion. This poses more health hazards and puts one’s life at risk. To avoid this, it is essential to talk about financial concerns with someone from the healthcare team. Different NGOs can be approached for a financial help in this matter.
Before starting the treatment of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, it is advisable to talk with one’s doctors about the possible side effects of the treatments and ways to manage them.
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