Lymphoma treatment side effects
Some side effects are short-term and go away after treatment has finished, but others can last longer. Tell your healthcare team about how you’re feeling, as there are normally ways they can help.
Tiredness (fatigue)
Fatigue is when you’re totally drained in body or mind. It can also cause brain fog. Things that help include balancing rest with activity, and learning what’s doable for you by keeping track of your symptoms.
Anaemia
Anaemia means having a low level of red blood cells. It can cause tiredness and breathlessness. You may be offered a blood transfusion to treat this.
Infections
Blood cancer and treatments like chemotherapy can weaken your immune system and make you more likely to get infections. It’s good to know the signs of an infection so you can get treatment like antibiotics quickly. There are things you can do to reduce your risk of getting infections. We have more information on signs of infection and reducing your risk.
Sore mouth (mucositis)
You might have a sore mouth or soreness in the lining of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes your food pipe, stomach and gut. This is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It can be painful, but it is treatable with medicines and gets better with time. Read more about mucositis.
Hair loss or thinning
Hair loss is caused by chemotherapy and some other treatments. There are lots of things that can help you deal with hair loss, and your hair will grow back once your treatment has finished.
Changes to your bowel habits
You may have diarrhoea (frequent, loose or watery poo) or be constipated (find it hard to poo). There are medicines for this, and changes to your diet may help. Ask your healthcare team to refer you to a dietitian.
Feeling and being sick
Nausea and vomiting can be side effects of the treatment. Anti-sickness drugs (also called anti-emetics) can help. If you’re feeling sick, eat small, light meals or snacks. Peppermint tea, a fizzy drink or foods containing ginger can reduce nausea.
Problems with fertility
Chemotherapy treatment can affect whether you are able to have children (your fertility). It’s important to talk to your healthcare team about this if it worries you, as there are ways to preserve fertility.
While you’re having chemotherapy, it’s essential to avoid getting pregnant, because the drugs may harm the baby.
Find out more about side effects
Tips and real stories about side effects like hair loss, peripheral neuropathy, brain fog, sleep problems, infection risk, nausea and sore mouth.