Complications of Lymphoma
There are a number of complications that are associated with lymphoma, some of which are due to the cancer itself while others are due to the treatments that are commonly used to control or even cure the disease.
Complications caused by the lymphoma
One of the main symptoms associated with lymphoma is chronic fatigue and this is especially true when the liver or the spleen becomes affected. This is because both organs have some degree of control over the red blood cells and when they become depleted because of the growing lymphoma the patient develops anaemia. In these cases many patients benefit from a blood transfusion where additional red blood cells are injected into the blood stream via an intravenous drip. This allows more oxygen to be carried in the blood and so the patient feels more energetic.
In addition to anaemia many patients also suffer with minor infections because the lymphoma affects the entire immune system. They may easily contract coughs, colds, throat and chest infections and these can seriously hamper their recovery and response to treatment.
Complications caused by lymphoma treatments
Radiotherapy doesn't generally cause that many serious side effects because the preciseness of the radiation beam only kills the cancer cells and a few normal cells in the close vicinity. Chemotherapy however can cause a number of severe side effects and these often affect the patient's quality of life. Many of these side effects can be reduced with additional treatment however when the additional treatment consists of more drugs these can then go on to produce further adverse effects - often it can turn into a never ending procession of drugs to treat further side effects. It can take a number of months to get the perfect combination of drugs so that the adverse effects are kept to a minimum.
Some alternatives to drug therapy to treat side effects include:
The doctor or cancer specialist may also be able to suggest more alternatives.
One of the main side effects of chemotherapy is nausea and this occasionally develops into vomiting. Unfortunately this makes the patient reluctant to eat however it is vitally important that they keep eating and remain in general good health. All cancer patients need as much strength and positivism as they can get and continuing to eat a well balanced diet that is high in carbohydrate, and thus energy, will help a lot. Easily digestible foods are a must as lymphoma treatments tend to upset the digestive system quite severely and alcohol should be avoided at all costs. It is also important to look after exposed areas of the body because of the ailing immune system and this includes the inside of the mouth, the gums and the eyes and ears.
As you can see there are a number of complications that come with a diagnosis of lymphoma and while many of them can be controlled and reduced they will still have an effect on the patient's body and mind. It is therefore important for the patient to remember that both the treatments and the side effects are only temporary and as soon as they beat their cancer they can go back to leading a normal life.