Chemo uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy lymphoma cells. The drugs travel in the bloodstream to reach lymphoma cells wherever they are in your body. Chemo for lymphomas that grow more quickly (high grade) is given into a vein (intravenously). This is usually through a central line, an implantable port or a PICC line - find out more.
A combination of drugs is usually given over a few days and this is followed by a gap of a few weeks. This lets your body and bone marrow rest and recover from any side effects before the next lot of treatment. Treatment usually lasts for several months and during this time you’ll have regular check ups.
When talking about chemo, you might hear the doctors use the word regimen. This just means the whole treatment plan or schedule.
are there any side effects?
Everyone reacts differently to chemo. Some people have very few side effects while others experience more. The more common side effects are hair loss, sickness and low blood counts (which means that you are more likely to pick up infections, or bleed more easily if you cut yourself), and tiredness. Your fertility may be affected and for girls your periods may stop or change. If you are having Rituximab (mabthera), you may have flu like symptoms similar to having a fever, chills and aching muscles.
how will I feel?
You might have a mixture of feelings. Some people feel sad, depressed, angry, anxious or tearful. These feelings can be triggered by stuff like having to change your routine to fit in with hospital, having to cope with side effects of the chemo or thinking about the future.
If you would like more information about coping with chemo and its side effects, have a look in the chemotherapy and deal with it sections.
