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Newly diagnosed with aggressive NHL

As someone who’s just been diagnosed with aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) you’re probably feeling a bit shocked and confused by all the new information you’ve been given. You might be unsure about what this means for you, or for your family and friends, and you could be overwhelmed by everything you need to think about. But remember, there is a good chance of a cure.

Don’t worry if you don’t understand, or remember, everything at first

This is a common way to feel when you get a life-changing diagnosis like cancer and it may be some time before you can fully take it in. You’ll find lots of information here that can help, and don’t forget: your healthcare team will always have time to talk to you and answer any questions that you have.

Remember, you’re not alone

Your family and friends, your healthcare team, patient and carer support groups, and of course Lymphoma Life are all here to help live a full life despite NHL. And Lymphoma Life has many patient stories that you can read to compare your experiences.

Lymphoma Life is a clear and easy-to-understand guide to aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and its treatment

If you have a thousand questions that you want to ask, and perhaps don’t know who to go to for help, this is a good place to start gathering information.

We’ll be able to answer a lot of your questions and also help you think about what to ask your healthcare team when you next see them. Lymphoma Life can also act as a source of information and support for the people around you who are affected by you being ill.

Our Lymphoma Life NHL support programme includes a series of printed materials, as well as this website, to help you better understand NHL and its treatment, and help you get the most out of life. 

 

What to expect with aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

What is aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma?

Treatment and outcomes

Visiting the clinic for aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

 

Our Lymphoma Life NHL support programme includes a series of printed materials, as well as this website, to help you better understand NHL and its treatment, and help you get the most out of

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8 THINGS TO KNOW about aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Aggressive NHL is a type of cancer of your lymphocytes (a kind of white blood cell)

The most common symptom is a painless swelling in the neck, armpit or groin

Other symptoms include drenching night sweats, a recurrent, persistent unexplained fever and weight loss

It grows rapidly and can be called ‘high-grade’ non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

It is often diagnosed early due to the rapid appearance of symptoms

Treatment is often started shortly after diagnosis

Treatment for aggressive NHL is often very effective and there is a good chance of cure or remission (a symptom-free period) in many cases

If cure is not possible, your treatment will help manage your symptoms

Introduction to Lymphoma Life

Read the introduction to Lymphoma Life by Dr Andy Haynes
Specialist in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Nottingham University Hospitals, NHS Trust, UK

Read more expert commentary on aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma