Discharge Instructions for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

You have been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in your body’s lymphatic (lymph) system. The lymph system is part of your immune system. It helps you fight disease and infection. This system goes to every part of your body. Because of this, non-Hodgkin lymphoma can spread to many places in your body.

Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and in some cases a stem cell transplant. Here is what you need to know about caring for yourself during and after treatment. 

General guidelines

Be sure to follow any instructions you get from your healthcare provider. Make sure you:

• Take all medicines as instructed.
• Understand what you can and cannot do.
• Balance rest with activity. Try to move and walk around as much as possible but take naps during the day if you are tired.
• Keep your follow-up appointments.
• Know how to reach your healthcare provider's office after office hours and on weekends and holidays.
• Call your healthcare provider if you have any questions or are concerned about any symptoms. 

Preventing and treating mouth sores

Many people get mouth sores during chemotherapy. Here is what you can do to help prevent them:

• Brush your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush after every meal. If your gums bleed while brushing, use other products to clean your teeth and gums. Try sponge brushes and a liquid dental rinse or cleansers).
• Do not use dental floss if you are at higher risk for bleeding. You are at higher risk if your healthcare provider or nurse tells you that you have a low platelet count.
• Use any mouthwashes or rinses as instructed.
• If you cannot brush your teeth or use mouthwash, ask your provider about other ways to keep your mouth clean.
• Check your mouth and tongue for white patches. This may be a sign of yeast infection (thrush). This is a common side effect of chemotherapy. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider. He or she may prescribe medicine that can help. 

Managing other side effects

• Let your healthcare provider know if you have a sore throat. It may mean an infection. Your provider may prescribe medicine.
• You may get sunburn-like changes from radiation treatment. Let your healthcare provider know. There are creams to help lessen mild pain, improve healing, and protect your skin.
• Bathe or shower regularly to keep clean. During treatment, your body is not able to fight infections very well.
• Use soap or shower gel with moisturizers. Apply lotion throughout the day. Treatment can make your skin dry.
• You may have an upset stomach or vomiting during treatment. You may lose your appetite. Let your healthcare provider know. There are medicines that can help. To help ease this side effect, try to: 
  • Eat small amounts of food many times during the day.
  • Include some of your favorite foods in your diet.
  • Make sure you drink lots of water and other healthy drinks.
  • Eat soft, plain foods. For example, try pudding, gelatin, ice cream, sherbet, yogurt, or milkshakes.
  • Make sure you cook all food well and store all food safely. This helps to prevent illness from food.

The side effects you should watch for depend on the type of treatment you get. Be sure to ask your treatment team:

• What you can expect
• What you should do about changes or problems
• When you should call them

Follow-up Care

Follow up as advised by your healthcare provider. Keep all follow-up appointments. You will need to have tests and watch for symptoms for the rest of your life.  

© The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.This information has been modified by your health care provider with permission from the publisher.