Understanding Side Effects

Lymphoma treatment has evolved tremendously in recent years, offering high cure rates and long-term remission for many patients. Yet, while therapies like chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and targeted drugs are highly effective, they can cause a range of side effects — both physical and emotional.

Every patient’s experience is unique. Some people may notice mild discomfort, while others deal with more intense or long-lasting symptoms. Understanding why side effects occur — and how to manage them — helps you stay strong and focused throughout treatment.

Your healthcare team can provide personalized strategies, but this guide outlines the most common effects and evidence-based ways to cope, recover, and maintain your quality of life.

Why Side Effects Happen

Lymphoma therapies are designed to attack cancer cells that grow and divide rapidly. However, healthy cells in your body — such as those in your hair follicles, digestive tract, and bone marrow — also divide quickly. These normal cells can be temporarily affected, leading to side effects.

The most common causes include:

  • Chemotherapy toxicity — damages fast-growing cells.

  • Radiation exposure — affects tissues in the targeted area.

  • Immune overactivation — from immunotherapy or CAR T-cell treatment.

  • Steroid medications — disrupt metabolism and hormone balance.

Most side effects are temporary and reversible. Once treatment stops, your body begins to heal, regenerate, and restore normal function.

Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most frequent side effects of lymphoma therapy. Unlike normal tiredness, cancer-related fatigue is deep, persistent, and not relieved by rest.

Why It Happens

  • Low red blood cell count (anemia)

  • Poor nutrition or dehydration

  • Sleep disruption

  • Emotional stress or depression

  • Medication side effects

How to Cope

  • Prioritize rest but avoid prolonged inactivity — short walks and gentle yoga can improve energy.

  • Eat balanced meals rich in protein and complex carbs.

  • Stay hydrated — even mild dehydration worsens fatigue.

  • Plan your day around your strongest energy periods.

  • Talk to your doctor if fatigue becomes extreme; treatments like iron supplements or transfusions may help.

Recovery from fatigue takes time — be patient with your body’s healing rhythm.

Nausea and Vomiting

Chemotherapy drugs often trigger nausea by affecting the stomach and brain’s vomiting center. Thankfully, doctors now use powerful anti-nausea medications that greatly reduce this side effect.

Tips to Manage

  • Eat small, frequent meals instead of large ones.

  • Avoid greasy, fried, or spicy foods.

  • Choose dry, bland foods — crackers, toast, or plain rice.

  • Sip ginger tea or suck on peppermint candies.

  • Take prescribed anti-nausea drugs (like ondansetron) before meals if advised.

  • Keep the air fresh — strong odors can worsen nausea.

If vomiting persists, contact your doctor immediately to prevent dehydration or electrolyte imbalance.

Appetite Changes

Many people experience a loss of appetite or changes in taste during treatment. Foods may taste metallic or overly bland due to medication effects.

How to Improve Appetite

  • Eat five to six mini meals a day instead of three large ones.

  • Add flavor and variety — herbs, citrus, or mild spices.

  • Use plastic utensils to reduce metallic tastes.

  • Choose nutrient-dense foods: smoothies, soups, protein shakes, nut butters.

  • Eat with friends or family for emotional encouragement.

Even if you can’t eat large meals, small consistent portions help you maintain strength and prevent weight loss.

Mouth Sores

Chemotherapy and radiation can irritate the lining of your mouth, leading to painful ulcers or sores (a condition called mucositis).

Prevention and Care

  • Rinse your mouth frequently with salt and baking soda solution (avoid alcohol-based mouthwash).

  • Use a soft toothbrush and gentle toothpaste.

  • Avoid acidic, spicy, or crunchy foods.

  • Eat soft, cool meals — smoothies, mashed potatoes, soups.

  • Ask your doctor about prescription mouth rinses to ease discomfort.

Maintaining good oral hygiene reduces infection risk and speeds up healing.

Hair Loss

Hair loss (alopecia) can be emotionally distressing, but it’s a temporary side effect of chemotherapy. It occurs because the drugs target fast-dividing cells — including hair follicles.

Coping Strategies

  • Consider cutting hair short before treatment starts.

  • Use gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and avoid heat styling.

  • Protect your scalp from sun and cold.

  • Try wigs, scarves, or hats to express your style and confidence.

  • Remember: hair usually begins to regrow within 2–3 months after treatment.

This phase may be emotionally tough, but many patients find empowerment in choosing their look during regrowth.

Skin and Nail Changes

Radiation and chemotherapy can cause dryness, rashes, or color changes in skin and nails.

How to Protect Your Skin

  • Use fragrance-free moisturizers daily.

  • Avoid long, hot showers.

  • Protect treated areas from sunlight (wear SPF 30+).

  • Keep nails trimmed and clean to prevent infections.

  • Avoid harsh manicures or artificial nails during treatment.

Skin usually recovers within a few weeks after therapy ends.

Digestive Problems

Lymphoma treatment can disrupt your digestive system, causing diarrhea, constipation, or bloating.

If You Have Diarrhea

  • Avoid fatty or high-fiber foods.

  • Follow the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast).

  • Replace lost fluids with electrolyte drinks.

  • Report persistent diarrhea — it can lead to dehydration.

If You Have Constipation

  • Eat more fiber-rich foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains).

  • Drink plenty of water.

  • Stay active — short walks help bowel movement.

  • Ask your doctor about mild stool softeners if needed.

Small adjustments can keep digestion balanced throughout therapy.

Low Immunity

Chemotherapy can suppress your bone marrow, reducing white blood cell counts and weakening your immune system — a condition known as neutropenia.

How to Stay Safe

  • Wash hands frequently and thoroughly.

  • Avoid crowded places and people who are sick.

  • Cook meat, fish, and eggs thoroughly.

  • Avoid raw sprouts or unpasteurized dairy.

  • Ask about colony-stimulating factors (like Neupogen) that boost white blood cell recovery.

Contact your doctor immediately if you develop a fever over 100.4°F (38°C) — it could signal an infection requiring prompt treatment.

Anemia

Low red blood cell counts can cause shortness of breath, pale skin, and exhaustion.

Ways to Manage

  • Eat iron-rich foods — lean meat, beans, spinach.

  • Combine with vitamin C (citrus or bell peppers) to boost absorption.

  • Your doctor may prescribe iron supplements or blood transfusions.

  • Prioritize rest and gentle movement to manage energy levels.

Most patients recover normal blood counts after therapy ends.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Some chemotherapy drugs can damage nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands and feet.

Managing Nerve Symptoms

  • Avoid extreme heat or cold.

  • Wear comfortable shoes and gloves.

  • Take vitamin B-complex supplements if approved by your doctor.

  • Report severe pain — medications like gabapentin or duloxetine may help.

  • Practice balance exercises and hand stretches.

Neuropathy often improves gradually after treatment but may take months to fully resolve.

Emotional Distress

The emotional toll of cancer is just as real as the physical effects. Anxiety, depression, or fear of recurrence are common.

How to Cope

  • Talk to a counselor or support group.

  • Practice relaxation techniques — breathing exercises, mindfulness, or meditation.

  • Stay connected with loved ones.

  • Consider creative outlets: journaling, art, or music therapy.

  • Ask your doctor if short-term medication might help manage mood symptoms.

Emotional wellness is vital for overall recovery — healing involves the mind as much as the body.

Sleep Problems

Stress, medications, or treatment schedules can lead to insomnia or disrupted sleep.

Tips for Better Rest

  • Maintain a consistent sleep routine.

  • Avoid screens an hour before bed.

  • Limit caffeine and alcohol.

  • Use relaxation techniques before bedtime.

  • If prescribed steroids are causing sleeplessness, ask about adjusting timing.

Quality sleep enhances energy, focus, and emotional stability during treatment.

Weight Changes

Some patients gain weight from steroids or reduced activity, while others lose weight due to loss of appetite.

If You Lose Weight

  • Eat calorie-rich, high-protein foods.

  • Drink smoothies or shakes between meals.

  • Don’t skip meals — eat something every few hours.

If You Gain Weight

  • Focus on lean proteins and vegetables.

  • Limit sugar and processed foods.

  • Incorporate light exercise (walking, yoga) as energy allows.

Maintaining a healthy weight helps your body tolerate treatment and recover faster.

Cognitive Changes

Many lymphoma survivors describe “chemo brain” — temporary memory lapses, trouble focusing, or mental fog.

How to Improve Mental Clarity

  • Keep a daily planner or notes app for reminders.

  • Get enough rest — fatigue worsens concentration.

  • Do brain exercises like puzzles or reading.

  • Stay organized and set small daily goals.

  • Be patient — cognitive recovery can take time but is usually reversible.

Sexual Health and Fertility

Lymphoma treatments can affect hormones, libido, and fertility in both men and women.

For Sexual Health

  • Communicate openly with your partner about concerns or changes.

  • Address physical discomfort with lubricants or prescribed creams.

  • Ask your doctor if certain medications are affecting libido.

For Fertility

Before treatment, discuss fertility preservation options such as egg, sperm, or embryo freezing.
After treatment, fertility often returns, but recovery time varies by age, treatment type, and dosage.

Long-Term Effects

Even after remission, some people experience late effects months or years after treatment, such as:

  • Fatigue or weakness

  • Slight organ function changes (heart, lungs, thyroid)

  • Bone thinning (from steroids)

  • Increased infection risk

Managing Long-Term Health

  • Attend regular follow-up appointments.

  • Get vaccinations recommended by your oncologist.

  • Eat a nutrient-rich diet.

  • Stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight.

Early detection of late effects ensures timely care and continued well-being.

Support Networks

Support during treatment can make a world of difference.

Where to Find Help

  • Hospital-based oncology support programs

  • Nonprofits like the Lymphoma Research Foundation or Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

  • Online communities for survivors and caregivers

  • Counseling and wellness workshops

Connecting with others helps reduce isolation and provides motivation to keep going.

Final Thoughts

Coping with the side effects of lymphoma treatment is a journey — one that challenges both body and spirit. But with modern medicine, strong support, and healthy lifestyle choices, most side effects can be managed, minimized, and overcome.

Remember:

  • Report symptoms early — your care team can help.

  • Be patient with yourself — healing takes time.

  • Focus on what you can control — nutrition, rest, mindset, and connection.

Every step you take toward self-care is a step toward recovery. Lymphoma treatment is temporary — but your strength, resilience, and hope will last a lifetime.