Living in remission
Now you’re in remission from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), you can begin to get back to your normal life. Although you may not be ready to go back to work, you can certainly start to enjoy your usual daily activities and hobbies.
Use this section of Lymphoma Life to find out more about your check-ups, and learn about any changes you could make to improve your day-to-day life.
Our Lymphoma Life NHL support programme also includes a series of printed materials that will help you to better understand NHL and its treatment, and help you get the most out of life.
What does being in remission mean for me?
There is no easy or straightforward answer to this question because everyone’s experience of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) is different. Being in remission means that your treatment has been successful and you are experiencing very few, if any, symptoms. However, you’re an individual, so it is impossible to predict for certain exactly what will happen to you or how you will feel.
At Lymphoma Life we can give you a good overall picture of what remission could mean, but you should bear in mind that what is true for most people may not apply to you. It is therefore very important that you speak to your doctor about your individual situation.
- Around three out of four patients with symptomatic, advanced-stage, indolent NHL experience a remission after their first course of treatment.
- Remission generally lasts for between 1.5 and 4 years, although it can last for much longer, but it can also relapse several times after that.
- Further treatment may then be necessary and treatment-free intervals can become shorter. People with NHL typically live for between 7 and 10 years after diagnosis. However, these figures depend significantly on the person’s age and general health, and will also hopefully be prolonged with newer treatments.
In general, remission is a time when you will be feeling much better and you can start getting your life back to normal.
You may not be able to take on everything you used to do and it is important to listen to your body and not take on more than you can manage. However, you have come through treatment successfully and should be feeling a lot better than you were when your NHL was active. So stay positive, and concentrate on making the most of this symptom-free time.
Visiting the clinic for check-ups
While you’re in remission you’ll probably experience very few symptoms. So, for most of the time, you won’t need to think about your non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at all, with the only reminder coming when you have your regular check-ups at the clinic.
It’s understandable that you might be apprehensive about these visits. But they are an ideal opportunity to ask any questions you may have, reassure yourself that things are going well and, if anything is found, catch it early and ensure it’s treated properly.
Read our advice about visiting the clinic
Lifestyle changes
You might find that you’ll need to make a few lifestyle changes to help yourself cope with living with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Alternatively, you may be able to get back to normal during your remission. Everyone is different, so it is important to listen to your body and only attempt what you feel you can cope with.
Read some tips about coping with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Finding support
Although being in remission will allow you to begin to get back to normal, it is important to remember that there is still plenty of support available should you need it.
Even though you are feeling better than you were before, living with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can still be emotionally and physically challenging. So bear in mind that your healthcare team and patient support groups, and of course Lymphoma Life, will always be there to offer help and advice. And don’t forget that you will be in regular contact with your healthcare team at your check-ups.
Find the contact details of non-Hodgkn’s lymphoma support groups near you