The chemotherapy of lymphoma is one of the most important means of treating the disease, especially for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and hodgkin lymphoma. While chemotherapy kills or inhibits the growth of cancer cells by means of drugs, its full-scale effects on the body make preparation for chemotherapy essential. In order for treatment to be smoother and to minimize side effects, patients need to be prepared in advance. Here are some of the things that need to be noted before lymphoma chemotherapy:
1. Detailed knowledge of chemotherapy programmes and treatment plans
Before starting chemotherapy, patients and doctors should discuss the chemotherapy programme in detail. Different types of lymphoma may require different chemotherapy programmes. Common chemotherapy programmes include R-CHOP (for non-Hodgkin lymphoma) and ABVD (for Hodgkin lymphoma). Knowledge of the treatment programme helps patients to define the objectives of the treatment, the side effects of the drugs used and the cycle of treatment.
The patient should ask the doctor:
How many sessions of chemotherapy do you need?
What is the interval between treatment and treatment?
What are the specific names of the chemotherapy drugs and their possible side effects?
How can the effects of treatment be monitored?
2. Comprehensive assessment of physical condition
As chemotherapy affects multiple systems of the body, a full medical examination and assessment is required before the start of treatment to ensure that the body can withstand the burden of chemotherapy. Common tests include:
Blood screening: examination of indicators such as white cells, red cells, plateboards and liver and kidney function, assessment of the immune function and organ health of patients. Since chemotherapy can lead to bone marrow inhibition, patients may experience anaemia, reduced immunity or a tendency to bleed after chemotherapy.
Cardiac function examination: Certain chemotherapy drugs (e.g. acinol) may cause heart damage and therefore the assessment of heart function is essential.
Lung functional examination: The possible use of drugs in chemotherapy may also have an impact on the lung, so lung function assessment cannot be ignored.
Hepatal and kidney function screening: Some chemotherapy drugs require metabolism and excretion through the liver and kidney, and it is therefore important to ensure that these organs function properly.
Video screening: includes CT, MRI or PET-CT, assesses the specific location and period of lymphoma and helps doctors develop more accurate treatment programmes.
On the basis of these tests, doctors may adjust the chemotherapy programme to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
3. Understanding the possible side effects of chemotherapy
As chemotherapy can affect cancer cells at the same time as it can harm normal cells, the side effects of chemotherapy are usually more visible, and common side effects include:
Disgusting and vomiting: chemotherapy often causes discomfort in the digestive system and patients may feel sick and vomiting.
Wearyness: chemotherapy leads to weak health and patients may experience extreme fatigue, affecting daily activities.
Immunosuppression: chemotherapy inhibits the functioning of bone marrow, leading to a decrease in white cells, red cells and slabs, increasing the risk of infection.
Haemorrhage: Some chemotherapy drugs (e.g. cyclophosphorous amide, fludarabin, etc.) may lead to defamation.
Oral ulcer: chemotherapy can lead to oral mucous membrane damage, oral ulcers, dryness, etc.
When the side effects of chemotherapy are known, the patient can take precautions in advance and prepare the necessary drugs to alleviate these symptoms. For example, doctors may suggest the use of anti-opaque pills to alleviate nausea and vomiting, or the use of humid preservatives to relieve skin and oral drying.
4. Dietary and nutritional preparedness
During chemotherapy, the appetite of the patient may be affected or even prevented from eating normally because of the side effects of nausea, vomiting and oral ulcer. Thus, before chemotherapy, patients should discuss with the nutritionist a diet programme to ensure adequate nutritional intake to increase physical strength, improve immunity and help the body better cope with treatment.
High-protein diet: Ensuring sufficient protein intake, such as skinny meat, eggs, beans, etc., contributes to physical strength and rehabilitation.
Increased fruit and vegetable intake: A rich vitamin and mineral can enhance the immune system and help to resist infection.
Avoiding irritating foods: During chemotherapy, patients should avoid spicy, greasy, acidic or sweet foods that may exacerbate the indigestion system.
Supplementary moisture: chemotherapy can lead to dehydration, and it is therefore important to maintain adequate water intake.
Preparation for mental and psychological state
The process of diagnosis and treatment of lymphoma can cause enormous psychological stress, especially in the face of the unknown and side effects of chemotherapy. Prior to chemotherapy, patients should communicate with their families and friends and receive support to ease their internal anxiety and anxiety. The following recommendations are made:
Psychological support: If the patient is anxious or depressed, help can be sought from a psychologist or a cancer support group. Psychological guidance helps to build positive mentalities.
Relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breath and yoga can effectively relieve stress and help people to relax.
Development of support systems: Support from family and friends is important for patient emotional stability. Family and friends can be informed about the treatment plan and can be assisted during chemotherapy.
6. Communication with doctors and care teams
Patients should be proactive in communicating with doctors, nurses or other medical personnel to ensure that the treatment process is fully understood. Communication will include:
The history of allergies: If the patient is allergic to certain drugs, the doctor should be informed in advance.
Prevention of infection: As chemotherapy may lead to a decrease in the functioning of the immune system, patients need to know how to prevent infection, such as regular hand washing, avoiding crowd-intensive places, etc.
Post-operative care and re-diagnostic care arrangements: After chemotherapy, patients should undergo regular examinations to monitor the effects and side effects of treatment in order to adjust the treatment programme in a timely manner.
7. Addressing life-related matters in advance
The quality of life of patients may be affected during chemotherapy treatment, and there is a need to schedule things ahead of schedule:
Work adjustments: If the patient is busy, it may be necessary to apply to the employer for leave or to adjust working hours to reduce work pressure.
Daily life support: During chemotherapy, family or friends may be required to help purchase items for daily life, care for domestic work, etc.
Transportation arrangements: As chemotherapy may lead to a decrease in the patient ‘ s physical strength, it is recommended that transport be arranged in advance to ensure easy travel during treatment.
8. Adapting life
Maintaining regularity is key to improving the effectiveness of chemotherapy and promoting body recovery. Patients should maintain adequate sleep, adequate exercise (e.g. light walk) and regular living habits in order to increase physical strength and immunity.
Concluding remarks
Preparation for lymphoma is important to help people reduce side effects during treatment, maintain their health and improve the success rate of treatment. Patients should actively communicate with doctors, learn about the treatment plan and prepare themselves physically and psychologically, while maintaining a good diet and living habits. It is of the utmost importance that patients maintain a positive mindset, face the treatment process with courage, and do their utmost to cooperate with doctors and to seek early recovery.
