Follow up after treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma

After treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), you have regular check ups at the hospital. You might also have blood tests. Over time, these appointments become less frequent. 

You usually have follow up appointments with your doctor or specialist nurse.

Why you have follow up appointments

You usually have follow up appointments every few months. These are to check how you are and see whether you have any problems or worries. The appointments also give you the chance to raise any concerns you have about your progress.

How often are my check ups?

How often you need follow up appointments depends on your type of NHL and what treatment you had.

You generally have an appointment every 2 to 3 months when you first finish treatment. As time goes by and if all is well, you will go to outpatient clinics less and less often. Your appointments may only be once a year once you are in long term remission.

Where you have them

You go to the cancer clinic if you have had chemotherapy or radiotherapy and see your lymphoma specialist. 

You might go for check ups at the surgical outpatients department of the hospital if you have had surgery. But most of your follow up appointments will be with your lymphoma specialist. 

What happens during the appointments?

Your doctor or nurse examines you at each appointment. They ask:

• how you are feeling
• whether you have had any symptoms or side effects
• if you are worried about anything  

You will probably have blood tests at each appointment. You might have any of the following tests if you develop any new symptoms:

• CT scans
• x-rays
• ultrasound scans
• MRI scans
• PET-CT scans

Between appointments

Contact your doctor or specialist nurse if you have any concerns between appointments. You should also contact them if you notice any new symptoms. You don’t have to wait until your next visit.

Many people find their check ups quite worrying. A hospital appointment can bring back any anxiety you had about your cancer.

It can help to tell someone close to you how you’re feeling. Sharing your worries can mean they don’t seem so overwhelming. Many people find it helpful to have counselling during or after cancer treatment.

You can also find people to share experiences with by using our online forum, CancerChat.