Emotional Well-Being
Each person's experience dealing with lymphoma is unique, but anyone touched by the disease will go through various emotions beginning with the initial diagnosis. Whether you or a loved one is newly diagnosed, living in remission, or facing the reality of relapsed or recurrent lymphoma, the circumstances can cause depression or strain relationships with family and loved ones. Talking to children about lymphoma can also be difficult. Below is more information about how to cope with some of the emotional challenges of living with lymphoma.
Living in remission
People who are living with lymphoma that is in remission often experience a mixture of relief and anxiety. Many feel this is a time to ponder what is really important in life, relationships, spirituality, and future direction. Some individuals may begin making career and lifestyle changes as a result of their new outlook on life.
Adjusting to emotional and physical changes is an ongoing process. Remission inspires many people to search for ways to give back to the lymphoma community; some become active in organizations such as the Lymphoma Research Foundation, while others join one-to-one peer programs such as The Lymphoma Support Network (LSN) in an effort to connect with others. Connecting with other survivors, through local support groups, online message boards, or other programs, may provide encouragement, information, and inspiration.
There are also individuals who choose not to talk about their experiences and just live their day-to-day lives. Regardless of how a person copes with their history of lymphoma, it is important for individuals to maintain their overall health by attending regular doctor's appointments and adhering to their physician's recommendations.
Coping with relapse and recurrence
For some individuals, the fear of lymphoma relapse or recurrence may be overwhelming. Such feelings may be more pronounced around the time of follow-up doctor's appointments and tests.
If relapse occurs, feelings of disappointment that the treatment did not work, that remission did not last as long as was expected may emerge. Many people wonder if they have the emotional or physical strength to undergo another round of treatment. Some individuals find second or subsequent rounds of treatment to be a little easier because they know what to expect and are equipped with skills, resources, and networks of support to help manage the condition. It is common to experience some, or sometimes all, of these feelings.
Depression
Being diagnosed with lymphoma and undergoing treatment can be physically and emotionally challenging. Signs of depression may include: sleeping more or less than usual, lack of energy, crying or tearfulness, or an inability to concentrate. In addition to challenging life circumstances, depression may also be caused by certain medications.
Depression is very common among people living with cancer. It is important to know that help is available. Individuals may wish to discuss their feelings with a member of their medical team or with a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, social worker, psychologist, or counselor. Speaking with a professional and/or taking prescription medication can help individuals feel more in control of their emotions. Connecting with others who have had similar experiences through support groups or buddy programs such as The Lymphoma Support Network (LSN) may also provide comfort.
Talking to children about a loved one's lymphoma
Explaining lymphoma and the treatments associated with it can be a difficult conversation to have with a child. The following are some general tips to facilitate a discussion with children of all ages.
How much you are able to tell children about lymphoma depends on how old they are. Very young children will most likely not understand illness and will require very simple explanations of why they or a loved one has to go to the hospital or is not feeling well. Older children will likely be able to understand more and might require a more in-depth explanation of what is going on. It is often best to be realistic, but hopeful, when sharing information.
Children are very perceptive to changes in their environments and may suspect something is going on, even without being told. Also, children generally have vivid imaginations and may imagine situations that are much worse than the real one. Therefore, being open and honest and communicating with children in a way they can understand, is better than keeping them in the dark.
In general, the more children understand and know, the less frightened they will feel. Younger children are more likely to think that they are responsible for a loved one's illness and need to be assured that they did not do anything to cause the lymphoma. Explaining that lymphoma is not contagious and that it does not develop as a result of an injury are also important facts for children to understand.
Children have special needs and unique coping mechanisms. You know your children best and will have to gauge how much information they can handle and comprehend.
For resources on talking to children about lymphoma, please visit: www.kidskonnected.org.
Relationships
A diagnosis of lymphoma may impact relationships with family, friends, and significant others. Living with lymphoma--being diagnosed, undergoing treatment, living in remission, facing relapse or recurrence--can affect a person's outlook on life, their interests and their desires. As a result, some relationships may suffer, while others may strengthen.
Some people prefer not to talk about their condition, while others relish the opportunity to share their experiences. Keeping the lines of communication open with family, friends, and significant others can be beneficial for everyone involved. There are many ways to let loved ones know how you would like to handle your diagnosis and treatment, whether that is talking to them in person, over the phone, or even writing a letter or e-mail to them.
For further support and information on emotional well-being, contact the Lymphoma Research Foundation's Helpline at: 800-500-9976 or helpline@lymphoma.org.
