Lymphoma treatment is an arduous ordeal, and no doubt one that older adults are happy to be done with when it is over. But, along with the feelings of relief, there may also be feelings of uncertainty about the future. What happens when treatment ends? How soon until they feel better? Are they cured? Knowing some of what to expect can make the future feel more secure for both the patient and those who care for them. Below are some common questions and answers concerning what happens when lymphoma treatment ends.
Is the Lymphoma Cured?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is no. Although treatment can sometimes completely eliminate the disease, doctors don’t say that a person is cured. Instead, they are in “complete remission.” If the disease has been largely eradicated, it is called “partial remission.” Doctors don’t use the term “cured” with lymphoma because it has a chance of recurring, so it sometimes takes years before doctors feel sure that the disease will not come back.
Will There Be Follow-Up Appointments?
Yes. Most of the time, the doctor will want to see the patient somewhere between four and eight weeks after the last treatment. At the first appointment following treatment, the doctor will usually perform some tests to determine whether the person is in remission. If the disease is in remission, the doctor will still want to see the patient regularly to monitor the disease and watch for a recurrence.
When Can the Person Expect to Feel Better?
The time it takes to feel better differs for each person, but it may take some time. Age and overall health play a part in how quickly a person recovers, so an older adult may take longer to bounce back than someone who is younger. It may also take a while for treatment side effects to disappear.
Can an Elder Care Provider Help with Recovery After Treatment?
Yes! An elder care provider can help older adults after their lymphoma treatment ends. In fact, they can help during treatment, too. Elder care providers can take on many of the responsibilities that someone recovering from lymphoma may be unable to perform. For example, elder care providers can do light housecleaning, laundry, and cooking. Elder care providers are also adept at helping seniors to dress or bathe, should those activities be too difficult or taxing. They can really do almost anything that family members can do, including driving seniors to their medical appointments.
Sources
https://www.verywell.com/life-after-lymphoma-2252354
https://www.lymphomas.org.uk/about-lymphoma/living-with-lymphoma/physical-recovery-after-treatment
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in East Lansing, MI, please contact the caring staff at Seniors Helping Seniors of Lansing. Call today: 517-332-9953.