Cancer of any kind can be traumatic for the patient and his family.  The first reaction is shock and inability to take in the implications of learning to live with the fact.  Most often than not, everyone is convinced that the patient is going to die. This will have a negative impact on the physical and psychological well being of the patient. It is important to remember that the patient and the family require physical and psychological support throughout the treatment phase.  Let us briefly explore the problems that are associated with Lymphoma.

Physical Problems with lymphoma

One of the first effects of lymphoma is anemia. Anemia is a deficiency of red blood cells in the blood. The red blood cells carry the oxygen to all parts of the body. Reduced number of these red blood cells usually causes extreme fatigue. Anemia can be treated with medications and blood transfusions. Lymphoma affects the immune system and hence the immune system is weakened. It is not unusual to develop a variety of diseases due to decreased immune response. Sleep disorders, depression, mental anxiety and other physiological problems are common. These can be treated with medicines and constant support from the people around the patient.

Side effects due to the treatment of lymphoma

Chemotherapy and radiations therapies are some of the many treatments for this dreaded disease. The side effects are usually unpleasant but most of them are temporary. Unusual tiredness and fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain and hair loss, anemia and blood clotting related problems are some of the many side effects.  The doctor will be able to provide more information on how to reduce the side effects and make it more bearable.  By experimenting with combinations of treatments one can find out what works for one best.

Treatment of the side effects

There are many approaches to dealing with the side effects. Some are at the physical level and some in the physiological level. Relaxation techniques, massages, self hypnosis, Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS), acupuncture, alternative medicine, skin stimulation by heat, cold and pressure are some of the methods used to help the patients. There are many support groups which can be contacted which help people deal with the disease. The patient should eat the correct prescribed food and sleep normally. The change of atmosphere can benefit a little if the patient is up to it. Loving care and supporting the patient can help a great deal.

Eating right!

Though it is difficult to eat during treatment due to the nausea and the vomiting, not eating will result in further weakening of the system. The body needs all the nutrition it can get to repair it self and help you recover. A recommended diet will be at least 4-5 serving of fresh fruits and vegetables, protein rich food in the form of dairy products and meat. Carbohydrates in the form of cereals, bread and pastas are a must. Plenty of water, soups and juices must be drunk at regular intervals.

Soft food and easily digestible food is recommended. Spicy food, fizzy drinks, alcohol must be avoided. Eating small meals at regular intervals is better than eating a lot at one go. It will meet the nutritional need and vomiting won’t occur.

Taking care of the body and mind!

The cancer therapies usually cause blisters and sores in the mouth. Brushing your teeth after every meal is very important. If the mouth is too sore rinse it with water.  Plenty of

Rest and adequate sleep is imperative. People with other diseases like cold or flu must not come in contact with patient. A support group or a physiologist can be consulted when the patient is very depressed and stressed out.

Pain relief

Cancer is very painful. Adequate pain killers must be taken as prescribed by the doctor. Other techniques like meditation and self hypnosis can help to an extent. Feeling in control of the situation can give confidence and help the patient cope better. Have a second opinion if you feel the treatment is not working.

Making sure

Lymphomas are known to reoccur and therefore a regular heck up every month is a must. Any side effects and irregular symptoms must be reported to the doctor immediately.

It is evident, the process of treatment and the period of treatment of Lymphoma can be traumatic physically and mentally to the patient and his family. The entire family is required to rally around the patient and to ensure that he is provided with an environment that is clean, sterile and infection free.  They must watch out for the moods of the patient and help him over the humps.  They must at all times be optimistic and convey their optimism to the patient. They must ensure that help is available at hand at all times to deal with both physical and psychological symptoms!  Success or failure of treatment will depend on all these factors.