How Does Palliative Care Work for Patients with Leukemia and Lymphoma?
Both leukemia and lymphoma are cancers of the blood, however they affect different areas within the body. Leukemia affects blood and bone marrow, while lymphoma affects the immune system and often areas including the lymph nodes, spleen and the thymus gland.
Although both cancers have certain similarities, there are different approaches to treatment, as well as different symptoms and overall survival rate. No matter which one a patient may have, palliative care can help them receive the care they need during this challenging time.
What are the Symptoms of Leukemia?
Leukemia happens when the bone marrow makes too many abnormal white blood cells. Rather than dying off as blood cells do during a normal, healthy process, the white blood cells multiply too fast, edging out the healthy white blod cells. Imagine a drain that’s clogged up and the water has nowhere to go.
An abundance of abnormal white blood cells means that there are fewer other components in the blood, including red blood cells (that help shuttle oxygen where it’s needed) and platelets, which help blood clot and begin the healing process.
Symptoms of leukemia can include:
- Persistent weakness
- Feeling fatigued
- Having a fever or chills
- Weight loss
- Frequent infections
- Excessive sweating
- Bruising or bleeding easily
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Enlarged liver or spleen
- Bone pain or tenderness
The treatment for leukemia can run an entire spectrum of possibilities. It may be as simple as monitoring the progression of the cells, to stronger treatments like chemotherapy, radiation or even stem-cell treatment.
What are the Symptoms of Lymphoma?
There are two different types of lymphoma, classified as Hodgkin lymphoma (which affects a certain type of cell and is rarer) and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, which affects other types of cells and is more common.
The symptoms depend on the type of lymphoma. For example, with Hodgkin lymphoma, the patient may often feel:
- A lump in their groin area, neck or armpit (a swollen lymph node)
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Appetite loss
- Night sweats
- Severe itching
- Fatigue
- Higher sensitivity to alcohol
While Non-Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms include similar symptoms like enlarged lymph nodes, fever, fatigue and weight loss, but also distinctive symptoms on its own, including:
- Feeling full after only eating a little food
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Chest pain or a tightness in the chest
- Chills
- Swelling in the abdomen
How Can Palliative Care Help Lymphoma and Leukemia Patients?
Palliative care, such as that given by True Care Hospice, is designed to provide support alongside the patient’s current medical team. This supportive network helps ensure that all of their needs are met, including dealing with treatment side effects as well as providing resources and education to help the patient better understand what is happening in their body and what they can do to help themselves recover.
Common side effects that happen during cancer treatment can range from nausea and vomiting from the chemotherapy and radiation, to hair loss, fatigue and depression. Patients may find it difficult to fully understand the treatments available to them and what other support systems exist to help them.
How to Get Palliative Care
Starting palliative care is very simple. The patient or their family can request a referral to work with True Care Hospice. Our team can then work to better understand the patient’s situation as well as work with their medical team and come to their home to ensure that all their needs are being met and that they feel supported and well cared for.
We here at True Care Hospice endeavor to be patient advocates who are focused on wellness in every form — mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. Should you or someone you know receive a diagnosis of leukemia or lymphoma, we would be glad to speak to you in more detail and provide you with your options so that you can make a decision with confidence.
Contact us at (855) 905-0851 to learn more about our palliative care services and how we can help you or your loved one navigate this challenging diagnosis while providing the support and comfort needed during this difficult time.
