Many patients are delighted when the treatment ends and they are told that they no longer have Hodgkin's or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

However, they are often surprised at how long it takes to regain their strength and to get back to normality. It is important to know that it can take at least a year for you to get over the effects of treatment. You may still feel tired and lacking in energy.

You may not feel ready to lead as active a life as you did before treatment. It is better not to fight these feelings but to allow your body the time it needs to recover. You may have problems to solve or decisions to make which you deferred because of treatment. These issues may include changing jobs, getting back to work or study and whether you can have children or not. Health wise, there are things that you can do which may speed up the process of recovery and help you to have a good quality of life in the future.

Anxiety

You may find that you miss the regular contact with the people who looked after you while you were getting treatment. You may be worried about the cancer coming back. This anxiety can be overwhelming at times. It may help to talk about your feelings.

Try talking to your partner or a close friend. If you find this difficult, someone who has had the same illness may be able to help.

Lymphoma Support Ireland (LSI) is the support group for patients with Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It provides patients and relatives with information, advice and emotional support.

Tell your doctor or nurse if you have a problem that is worrying you. If you are still anxious and upset, ask to speak to a social worker or counsellor about your feelings, it may help.

 Lack of energy

You may continue to feel quite tired after treatment ends. This is very common as it will be at least a year before your body gets over the effects of treatment. Do not be in a rush to get back to your normal routine with work. Just do as much as you feel comfortable with. If you are trying to study you may find it difficult to concentrate. It may be helpful to limit your studies until you feel stronger.

Ask for help around the house or at work. Try to build rest periods into your day. Do not allow yourself to get overtired. If you are going somewhere special have a rest before you go out. Save your energy for doing the things you especially enjoy. As time goes on your energy levels should improve.

Fertility

It is not easy to come to terms with the prospect of infertility. It can take a while to sort out your emotions and be able to talk about them. When you are ready, it may be helpful to talk openly to your partner or a friend about these feelings. If they can understand how you feel it is often easier for them to offer help and support.

Doctors cannot always tell whether the infertility is going to be temporary or permanent. Once you are over the effects of treatment it is possible to have tests done to show whether you are fertile or not. These tests are quite straightforward. You may need to have some blood tests. Your doctor can organise them for you.

If you can have children you may be worried that the cancer may be passed on to them. You may also be worried that they will be malformed as a result of your treatment. It is important to know that these fears are unfounded. Many couples go on to have healthy babies after treatment for both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Healthy life-style

In rare cases, treatment for Hodgkin's or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may cause long-term damage to the heart and lungs. There is also a slight risk of developing a second cancer because of the treatment. Living a healthy life-style may help to lessen the chances of you developing such health problems in the future.

Some organs in the body, such as the lungs, are more sensitive to the damaging effects of tobacco smoke if they have been exposed to radiation. There is help available if you smoke and would like to stop smoking. The Irish Cancer Society Quitline offers support and assistance for smokers. You can talk to a specially trained stop smoking counsellor who will help you to prepare a plan and support you at during this time. In Ireland, call the Quitline 1850 201 203 (for the cost of a local call from anywhere in the country) Monday-Friday 9.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. for more information. Some hospitals also have stop smoking clinics. Ask your doctor or nurse if there is one in your hospital.

If you are out in the sun or going on a sun holiday after your treatment you must protect your skin. Keep skin that has been exposed to radiation covered up and wear a high factor protective sun-cream at all times. The suns rays that cause sunburn can be extra harmful to skin that has been exposed to radiation. You may be more at risk of getting skin cancer.

Chemotherapy can also make your skin more sensitive to the damaging effects of the sun, especially if you have had treatment recently. You may get sunburn more easily. Do not sunbathe for long periods. If you are out in the sun keep your skin covered up. Protect your skin by wearing a high factor sun-cream at all times.

Try to eat a variety of foods. Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables and cutting out sweets and cakes may help to bring your weight back to normal if you have put on weight during treatment. Doing some regular exercise will help improve your energy levels. Take it easy at first, increasing the amount you do as you feel stronger.

Follow-up

These visits are most important, as they will allow your doctor to check for signs of recurrence and to follow up on any ongoing side effects that you may have. He or she will also be able to check for signs of new side effects that may develop after you have finished treatment. It is better to be aware of these as early as possible so that effective treatment can be given.

If you are between check-ups or you have a symptom or problem that worries you let your doctor know by making an appointment to see him or her as soon as possible.