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Date & Time; 13th July @ 2pm-4pm

At;  Star Meadow Sports Complex

Darland Avenue, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 3AN

We are joined by Joe Clements - the Prehab facilitator at Medway Hospital.

A reminder there will be no Support Group session for August. We will return on 7th September.

We have established a support group for our Haematology Patients and one guest (friends, family or carer), this will be monthly.

Our wish is for you to join us for a soft drink and a biscuit in a relaxing atmosphere with other patients who are going through similar journeys.

We welcome feedback, ideas and suggestions - the aim is for this to be patient-led in future. We will accommodate where possible and within reason.

The support group will offer patients a chance to socialise and network with other haematology patients and the clinical nurse specialist team.

Please contact the team if you would like to attend.

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Click the link above to watch a short video put together by the Kent and Medway cancer Alliance to offer practical advice and emotional support to patients and their families to better understand and manage cancer fatigue.

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Cancer-related fatigue can be caused by a variety of things: Treatments, travel, multiple appointments, and dealing with a lot of information.

This video has been created by a dedicated team of clinical nurse specialists, cancer support workers and allied health professionals who offer practical advice and emotional support to help patients and their families better understand and manage one of cancer's most common and disruptive side effects.

The video is designed to help patients understand what to expect during and after treatment, while offering self-management strategies to help them feel more in control.

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Supporting you to help manage cancer-related fatigue.

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Click the link above to listen to a few podcast's from patients and their relatives and their experience and journey navigating a haematological diagnosis.

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Blood Cancer UK | Blood Cancer Heart to Heart

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Family members and partners talk about their experience of caring for and supporting their loved one with blood cancer. Includes stories about bereavement, being a carer, and navigating relationships.

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limbo land - personal cancer experiences | Cancer AllianceWorking with patient's, the Cancer Alliance have created a video sharing patient experiences sharing how they felt during uncertainty and the support professionals share.

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limbo land - personal cancer experiences

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A series of films capturing personal cancer experiences.

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Health and Wellbeing Information Event at Medway Hospital

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Health and Wellbeing Information Event at Medway Hospital

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Next Event is 15th July at 5:15 pm at Medway Hospital.

Cancer Services hold an evening event for all cancer patients, their carers/family/friends attending Medway Hospital. This takes place every 2 months.

Please see contact details above to register interest in the event.

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We are the Macmillan Haematology Clinical Nurse Specialist Team, at Medway Hospital.

Our team includes six nurses and two support workers.

Our team is here to be your advocate, support and guide throughout your cancer journey. This can include any practical, social, emotional and spiritual aspects.

The Haematology Padlet is here to help signpost to services that you may find useful.

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A Padlet is an online noticeboard to help our Haematology team share useful information and supportive services available to you in one place.

We have included services and organisations that offer help and advice to our patients, their carers, family and friends.

If you wish to discuss something you see here or have any questions or concerns, please email us at

medwayft.haematologycns@nhs.net

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If you are newly diagnosed with cancer or a condition that can lead to cancer, you can complete the Cancer Registration. This will help to collect data on overall trends, improve diagnosis and improve cancer services.

This will benefit you as Cancer Registration has shown to improve preventions, diagnosing and treating cancer, it may be used by healthcare professionals to check if you may benefit from being in a clinical trial. It will also be used with your permission to see if other members of your family may be at risk and how best to treat them.

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Click the link above for current News and stories from Macmillan Cancer Support.

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Keep up to date with all Macmillan is doing to support people living with cancer. Access our news, annual reports, research and evidence.

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Click the link above for current News and blogs from Blood Cancer UK.

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Blood Cancer UK - Together we can beat blood cancer

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Click the link above for current News and current events for Myeloma UK

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Find out ways to connect with Myeloma UK and the wider myeloma community.

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Click the link above for current news and campaigns from Leukaemia care.

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Leukaemia Care is aware of a shortage of interferon alpha, a medication used by some myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) patients. If you are concerned or affected by this news, here is some advice based on insights we've received from MPN experts and the charity, MPN Voice.

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Click the link above for Current News from Lymphoma Action.

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Read the latest news and views from Lymphoma Action.

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Click the link above for current events from MPN Voice.

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Click the link above for Current events from MDS UK.

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About Our Events | MDS UK Patient Support Group

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MDS UK offers two types of patient meeting events:

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Macmillan Cancer and Information Support.

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Macmillan Cancer and Information Support.

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Do something Mighty in 2024

Take on a Mighty Hike to support people living with cancer. Choose from 15 routes and challenge yourself to a full or half marathon across some of the UK's most breathtaking landscapes! Sign up today and get 20% off with EARLYBIRD20.

Do something Mighty in 2024

Take on a Mighty Hike to support people living with cancer. Choose from 15 routes and challenge yourself to a full or half marathon across some of the UK's most breathtaking landscapes! Sign up today and get 20% off with EARLYBIRD20.

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Macmillan Cancer Support | The UK's leading cancer care charity

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Macmillan Cancer Support is here to listen, support you through treatment, and help with money. We fundraise so we can do whatever it takes.

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The cancer care map is an online resource that aims to help you find cancer support services in your local area. Click the link above to search for services local to you.

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04 August 2023 - Roland Monger

Navigating Cancer | Guest Blog

Navigating cancer is different for every cancer journey. Our latest guest post is from Roland Monger author of My Big Toe is Killing Me. His book follows the four-and-a-half-year cancer journey of a dad, husband, stepdad, colleague, friend, brother, son and blogger.

19 July 2023 - Dotplot

Dotplot Participant Request for Upcoming Workshop | Guest Post

Dotplot is holding workshops to build their mobile app experience so that it meets the needs of people who have had a breast cancer incidence. The aim is to discover, brainstorm and co-create various features that should be offered via their app.

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04 August 2023 - Roland Monger Navigating cancer is different for every cancer journey. Our latest guest post is from Roland Monger author of My Big Toe is Killing Me. His book follows the four-and-a-half-year cancer journey of a dad, husband, stepdad, colleague, friend, brother, son and blogger.

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Please click the link above for The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALs) for support and assistance to problems or concerns you may have - which may not have been solved by staff.

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At Medway Maritime Hospital we work hard to deliver the highest standard of care and are always seeking ways to improve our service for the benefit of patients and families. We would love to receive feedback and learn more about your experience.

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Information on different cancers and treatments, including research trials.

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Try something new and support vital life-saving research. We have over 550 shops across the UK that need your help

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Click the link above for more information and contact details for the Wisdom Hospice's palliative care services.

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Key Information

Team name: Palliative Care

Head of Service: Clare Lux/Dr Rosemary Chester

Team email: medch.wisdom.hospice@nhs.net

Team address: Wisdom Hospice, High Bank, Rochester, Kent, ME1 2NU

Team phone: 01634 830456

About the team

Our specialist palliative care service based at the Wisdom Hospice offers a multi-disciplinary team approach, including a team based in Medway Maritime Hospital, funded primarily by the NHS, with support from the Wisdom Hospice Charity >

The service includes fifteen in-patient beds, bereavement support, advice and psychosocial and family support to patients and families. We provide community palliative care at home, as well as advice and support through our Day Therapy Centre. Our hospital palliative care team provide advice and support for in-patients referred in Medway Maritime Hospital.

Our team also support education locally, nationally and internationally as well as volunteer bereavement counsellors who provide support to bereaved families.

Referral into the service can be made by any healthcare professional and for patients at home it is with the agreement of the GP.

The Ward at Wisdom Hospice

We understand that being admitted to the hospice may be a difficult decision for patients and their families, whereas others find it a relief that the nurses, Doctors and other staff are able to care for their loved one so the family can concentrate on just being their spouse, parent, sibling, friend.

You may decide to be admitted for symptom management control, or for your end of life care. However, we are a short stay unit (approximately 2 weeks) and if your condition stabilises we will discuss with you and your family about transferring you to a more appropriate place for ongoing care, which could be your home if you wish with carers/nursing support or to a care home.

The ward is divided into three single sex bays with four beds in each bay and three individual side-rooms with en-suite facilities. Patients may occasionally be required to transfer from one bay to another or to vacate a side-room, in order to assist ward staff in maintaining strict single sex accommodation.

Staying in contact with your loved one

We respectfully ask that only the next of kin telephones the ward for updates on patient's condition and they pass information to other family members and friends to avoid frequent and repeated telephone calls to staff. Ward staff can transfer calls to the patient's bedside, please note these phones do not allow outgoing calls.

Please be aware that staff may be busy with patients and unable to answer the telephone immediately. Our telephone number is 01634 830456.

Staff are able to support patients with telephone or zoom calls to stay in touch. Please discuss with a member of staff.

Spiritual care

Nursing staff are able to contact faith leaders at any time. Please ask a member of the nursing staff if you would like a visit.

Infection control

Visitors who are feeling unwell are respectfully asked to avoid visiting patients, and should not visit following diarrhoea and vomiting until free of symptoms for at least 48 hours.

Covid - if you have any symptoms please DO NOT attend.

Property

You are advised to bring as little as possible in with you, 2 changes of night clothes, slippers and toiletries with some clothes if you are coming for symptom control if you think you may feel well enough to get dressed. We do have a supply of nightwear and toiletries if needed.

We strongly advise you do not bring items of sentimental or high financial value as MCH does not take responsibility for any items bought into the hospice by patients. If you decide to bring in such items e.g mobile phones, jewellery and wish to keep them with you, you will be asked to sign a disclaimer.

We are able to store a few small items for you in our safe if you so wish. Patients, or their next of kin, will be asked to sign that they are happy to hand these over.

If you bring in additional items, please inform a member of staff

Visiting

Visiting is closely monitored and may change at short notice as protecting our patients, staff and visitors from infection is of great importance to us.

Staff will be able to help and support visitors. Please note that visitors will be required to use the night entrance outside of normal visiting hours. However, it may be necessary to wait a short time for a member of staff to answer the intercom as attending to our patients remains our priority at all times.

Visitors will be asked to wash their hands on arrival and will be advised on the level of protective clothing they need to wear during their visit which may include mask, apron and gloves. Visitors are requested to practice good hand hygiene at all times. You will be shown how to put on and take off this protective clothing, or please ask staff. Protective clothing must be worn for the duration of your visit.

Curtains will be drawn around the beds for privacy and to support social distancing.

Please note that visitor behaviour considered to be inappropriate or abusive will not be tolerated, and staff will ask such visitors to leave and they will not be allowed to visit again.

Parking

Free parking is available within the Hospice grounds but spaces are limited. Medway Community Healthcare cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage to your vehicle.

Visitors may park along St William's Way but are requested not to park in High Bank: there are steps up to the Hospice from St Williams Way.

Information about local public transport can be obtained from reception.

Smoking

In accordance with NHS guidance and legislation, smoking is strictly prohibited within the Hospice building and grounds.

Visitors must not smoke on the patio, or in the Hospice grounds, or anywhere within the building.

Pets

Pets are welcome to visit patients, please speak to nursing staff to arrange this prior to visiting.

Access to information

If you would like to talk to one of the medical team, or wish to access counselling or listening support, please speak to a member of the nursing team.

Mobile phones

These should only be used outside the building in consideration of patients and other visitors.

Medication

Our team of doctors and specialist practitioners may make suggestions about your medication and we would be happy to discuss questions about medicine with you, however your routine medication and repeat prescriptions will continue to be managed by your GP.

Community Palliative Care Team (CPCT)

We are a team who offer patients, families and carers help in supporting their loved one to remain at home with their symptoms controlled by the use of medication or alternative therapy. We will provide advice on medication, symptom management, and what to expect as your clinical condition changes or as you approach the end of your life. We will liaise with your GP, Oncologist or other healthcare professionals in order to support your changing needs and help maintain an acceptable quality of life. Your GP will remain your primary carer and community nurses will provide clinical aspects of your care, such as injectable medication when needed. Our support will be in addition to theirs.

Our support is by clinic appointments, telephone and visits to the home. A member of the CPCT will refer you to other members of the multi-disciplinary team if needed,for example, Doctors, OT, physio or listening support.

The CPCT does not provide personal care but can facilitate a referral for a package of care if assistance is needed for washing, dressing, toileting or prompting for medication.

My Wishes - 24 hour palliative care line

Please note that for Medway and Swale patients there is a 24 hour palliative care line 01634 792098 (My Wishes). This is a patient line and is to be used when advice is needed out of hours.

Hospital Palliative Care Team (HPCT)

We are a small team of palliative care nurses and palliative clinical nurse specialists. We have additional support from Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs) and Palliative Consultants, though they are based primarily at the Wisdom Hospice.

We provide specialist palliative advice and support for patients with palliative/terminal diagnoses. We provide advice, support and management for specialist symptoms that may occur as a direct result of these diagnoses. However, the patient's primary doctors and treating teams should be pro-active in reviewing, monitoring and aiding symptom control where they feel able to, in the first instance.

You may be referred to our CPCT when you leave the hospital, if it is appropriate. Most of our patients need ongoing support on leaving hospital, and this is available from the Wisdom Hospice. With your consent, we can inform them to make contact with you after discharge. The team work closely with your GP and community nurse to care for you at home. We will also provide them with information about your recent hospital stay.

Holding on Letting go (HOLG)

This is a charity for bereaved children, young people and their families in Kent. Weekend grief support programmes are provided for children, young people and their parents/carers.

For more information please contact: info@holg.org.uk or 03445 611511

Donations

The Wisdom Hospice makes no charge for any of its services. Over 85% of the Hospice funding is from the NHS, however it is supported by the charity the Friends of the Wisdom Hospice or Medway Cares.
Should you wish to consider supporting the charity pleases contact them directly:
The Friends of the Wisdom Hospice
Wisdom Hospice,High Bank, Rochester, Kent, ME1 2NU
Email: info@fowh.org.uk
Tel No: 01634 831163

Alternatively, the Medway Cares charity, established by MCH in 2012, aims to promote and protect the physical and mental health of people living in the community. You can decide to support our general funds to support our work with the local community or, if you prefer, decide what activities or project that you would specifically like to support.

Medway Cares is a safe and secure way for patients or their families, who wish to make a donation, to give and to decide what they would like their donation to support. Please speak to a member of staff for more information.

How to refer

The following forms are for use by healthcare professionals only (patients are unable to self-refer):

Tour

The day in the life of the hospice staff

Scan the QR code above to view our self care leaflet

How to find us

Contact us on 01634 830456.

Facilities and other info

Opening Times

Return to header

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Palliative, palliative care, hospice, death, dying, end of life, symptom control, advanced care plan, bereavement, Friends of the Wisdom Hospice/FOWH, wellbeing, my wishes, volunteers, hospital,

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National Charity providing telephone information and support for people in BAME communities. There is face to face support available in the London area.

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Providing support for all those living with and affected by cancer with an emphasis on black people and people of colour

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LGBT Foundation – A national charity with LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.

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A national charity with LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.

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There may be times when members of your healthcare team ask you about:

sexual and romantic orientation

sexual activity

gender identity.

Your team may ask because they want to give the right care and support to you and the people close to you. They may also ask to collect some of this information for equality monitoring. This means the information is used to ensure that NHS services are accessible for everyone.

If you are unsure why you are being asked these questions, you can ask:

why they need the information

why they think the information is relevant to your care.

You do not have to give your team this information. But it may be an important part of who you are. It might be helpful for your team to know. And you may find it makes things easier or less stressful for you. Tell your team if the questions they ask do not fit with who you are or how you identify.

If your healthcare team have not asked, it is still important that you feel able to come out to them, if you want to. You may choose to do this when you first meet someone from your team. Or you may decide to wait until you find someone you feel comfortable with.

If a healthcare professional is wearing an NHS Rainbow Badge, you could start by asking them about it. The badge means they should be open to talking about LGBTQ+ needs and able to offer support. Some healthcare professionals wear rainbow lanyards or other items because they are LGBTQ+ themselves. Others do so to show they support the LGBTQ+ community.

It may also help your healthcare team to know the following things:

Whether you are out or not. Your team should treat information about you confidentially. They may only share information with other healthcare professionals when it is needed for your care. If you are not out in all areas of your life, explain this to your team. They should not share your sexual orientation or trans status without your permission.

Your name, title and pronouns. You can ask your team to make a note and use these even if they are different from those in your medical records.

The people who are important to you. Your team needs to understand who supports you and your relationship to them. Tell your team who you give consent for them to talk to about your care.

What is important to you. Tell your team if they are offering you the wrong information or support. For example, some cancer treatments can affect your ability to get or make someone pregnant (your fertility). If you want information about this but have not been offered it, ask your team. If they talk to you about it but you do not want or need this information, tell them.

What you are worried about. You may be worrying about things your team are not aware of. Tell them if something is making you anxious so they can help.

This page was developed in partnership with OUTpatients (formerly called Live Through This). OUTpatients is a cancer support and advocacy charity for the LGBTIQ+ community. They provide a safe space for anybody who identifies as part of the queer spectrum and has had an experience with any type of cancer at any stage, from testing, diagnosis, treatment, remission to long-term care.

LGBTQ+ is an acronym for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people, plus (+) any other romantic or sexual attraction other than heterosexual, and any gender identity other than cis.

Macmillan is working to improve how our cancer information works for LGBTQ+ people. There are areas of our information that we are still working on to make more inclusive.

When we write or update our information, we think about the needs of all different audiences. This includes people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We are careful about the language and wording we use. We include information about specific LGBTQ+ issues when needed. We offer other useful sources of information and support when this is helpful.

We welcome feedback on any of our information. If you have feedback, please contact us at cancerinformationteam@macmillan.org.uk

Below is a sample of the sources used in our information for people who are LGBTQ+. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at cancerinformationteam@macmillan.org.uk

Alpert AB and Cicero E. Removing barriers to health care for transgender people with and without cancer. Ethics, Medicine and Public Health. 2020. 13. Available from doi.org/10.1016/j.jemep.2020.100468 (accessed Feb 2022).

Alpert AB, Gampa V, Lytle MC, et al. I'm not putting on that floral gown: Enforcement and resistance of gender expectations for transgender people with cancer. Patient Education and Counselling. 2021. 104 (10): 2552-2558. Available from doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2021.03.007 (accessed Feb 2022).

De Blok CJM, Dreijerink KMA and den Heijer M. Cancer risk in transgender people. Endocrinol Metab Clin N Am. 2019. 48: 441-452. Available from doi.org/10.1016/j.ecl.2019.02.005 (accessed Feb 2022).

Fish J, Brown J and Williamson I. Coming out in cancer care: Is disclosure of sexual orientation beneficial? Cancer Nursing Practice. 2019. 18(2): 36-41. Available from doi.org/10.1186/s12885-019-5895-7 (accessed Feb 2022).

Fish J, Williamson I and Brown J. Disclosure in lesbian, gay and bisexual cancer care: towards a salutogenic healthcare environment. BMC Cancer. 2019. 19: 678. Available from doi.org/10.1186/s12885-019-5895-7 (accessed Feb 2022).

Kerr L, Fisher CM and Jones T. "I'm not from another planet": The alienating cancer care experiences of trans and gender-diverse people. Cancer Nursing. 2021. 44(6): E438-E446. DOI: 10.1097/NCC.0000000000000857 (accessed Feb 2022).

Webster R and Drury-Smith H. How can we meet the support needs of LGBT cancer patients in oncology? A systematic review. Radiography. 2021; 27: 633-644. Available from doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2020.07.009 (accessed Feb 2022).

This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support's Cancer Information Development team. It has been approved by Chief Medical Editor, Prof Tim Iveson, Consultant Medical Oncologist.

With thanks to: Dr Alison May Berner, Medical Oncologist; Julie Cain, Clinical Nurse Specialist; Charlotte Etheridge, Clinical Nurse Specialist; Ben Heyworth, Survivorship Network Manager/ Consultant in LGBT and Cancer; Kirstie McEwan, Psychotherapist and Counsellor; Stewart O'Callaghan, Chief Executive, OUTpatients; and Rachael Webster, Radiographer.

Thanks also to the other professionals and the people affected by cancer who reviewed this information.

Our cancer information has been awarded the PIF TICK. Created by the Patient Information Forum, this quality mark shows we meet PIF's 10 criteria for trustworthy health information.

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LGBTQ+ people and cancer treatment - Macmillan Cancer Support

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Find out more about coping during cancer treatment.

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Life Alongside Cancer | TrekstockTrekstock is a charity supporting those in their 20s and 30s to navigate through life and beyond an experience that does not stop when treatment ends. Supportive services and resources available to the community.

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Shine Cancer Support offer an online community, blog, podcast and events all across the UK.

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Fruit Fly Collective offers support, advice and resources online to help patients and their family's parenting through their cancer journey.

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Myeloma, commonly known as Multiple Myeloma is a blood cancer arising from plasma cells which are a type of white blood cell in the bone marrow. Myeloma develops when the DNA is damaged during the development of a plasma cell which spreads within the bone marrow. Myeloma does not exist as a lump or tumour.

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Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, is a blood cancer arising from plasma cells. Learn more about myeloma and how it develops.

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When suspected you will be referred to a haematologist (someone who specialises in blood and blood-related disorders) and tests and investigations will be organised. This may include any of the following; blood tests; imaging tests; and bone marrow biopsy.

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Find out how myeloma is diagnosed, including what types of tests are involved, and get more information on prognosis and life expectancy.

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Myeloma can affect your body in numerous ways. These can include; pain, fatigue, recurring infection, easily broken bones, and kidney damage.

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Find out more information about the most common symptoms and complications of myeloma and how they’re treated.

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Treatment for Myeloma is given to reduce and/or control the myeloma for as long as possible and relieve the symptoms and complications myeloma can cause. Treatment can improve the quality of life and prolong life. Treatment may include Chemotherapy, Bisphosphonates, Radiotherapy or surgical intervention.

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Find out more about the different types of myeloma treatments and how they help control it, reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

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Worried your myeloma has relapsed? Find all the information and support you need if your myeloma has relapsed.

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Leukaemia is a blood cancer that affects the blood cells in your bone marrow - usually the white cells. In leukaemia blood cells are not produced they way they should and you may have too many or too few cells or blood cells that don't work properly. There are different acute (fast-growing) types and chronic (slow-growing) types. Click the link above to find out all the different types.

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Leukaemia is a type of blood cancer. Leukaemia symptoms include tiredness, bruising and bleeding, repeated infections and high temperatures.

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Symptoms can include fatigue, bruising and bleeding more easily, recurrent infections, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, generally feeling unwell.

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Blood Cancer UK | Leukemia symptoms and signs

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Leukaemia symptoms commonly include fatigue, breathlessness, infections, and bruising or bleeding more easily.

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Treatment for Leukaemia can include chemotherapy, targeted therapies, Stemcell transplants or active monitoring (watch and wait).

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Leukaemia is a type of blood cancer. Leukaemia symptoms include tiredness, bruising and bleeding, repeated infections and high temperatures.

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Click on the link above to find out side effects of treatments you may receive. Please remember not everyone will be effected by side effects.

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Blood Cancer UK | Leukaemia treatment and side effects

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Some side effects of leukaemia treatment are short-term and go away after treatment has finished, but others can last longer. Find out about the common side effects here.

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Click on the link above for support groups available through Leukaemia Care.

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Discover leukaemia support groups near you and online. Connect with others affected by leukaemia, share experiences, and access emotional support tailored to patients and families.

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Buddy support for Leukaemia patients - Leukaemia Care

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Get one-to-one buddy support for leukaemia patients. Connect with someone who understands and receive guidance during your journey.

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Lymphoma develops when the white blood cells called lymphocytes, these are apart of your immune system which help fight infection. They travel around your body in the lymphatic system, the fluid carried inside is called lymph which passes through glands - the lymph nodes. These lymphocytes divide in an abnormal way or do not die when they should.

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What is cancer?

We all start life as a single cell - the microscopic building block of our bodies. While we're in the womb, this cell divides to form two cells, then four cells, then eight cells, and so on. As they divide, these cells gradually develop into all the different types of cell we're made of, such as blood cells, muscle cells and nerve cells. By the time we're born, our bodies contain about 200 different types of cell - and trillions of cells in total.

Figure: Cell division. Content supplied by the world's largest charitable funder of cancer research © Cancer Research UK [2002] All rights reserved

After we're born, most of these cells carry on dividing to allow us to grow and develop. Even when we're fully grown, cells continue to divide to replace old cells that die off naturally. In fact, every minute, around 100 million of our cells die and are replaced by new ones.

Cell division and cell death are normal processes. They are controlled by chemical signals. Usually, cell division and cell death are kept carefully in balance so we only make the number of new cells our body needs.

Cancer

Cancer develops when a mistake happens during cell division that changes the DNA inside a cell. This is called a 'mutation'. Mutations can create abnormal cells that stop responding to control signals. These cells might:

start dividing when they shouldn't

carry on dividing when they should stop

stay alive when they should die.

This forms a population of cells that divide faster than they die, leading to an uncontrolled build-up of abnormal cells.

One mutation on its own is not usually enough to cause cancer. For cancer to develop, the abnormal cells need to be able to divide and grow uncontrollably, hide from the body's immune system and get all the nutrients they need to survive. This normally takes a number of different mutations.

Once cancer develops, the abnormal cells might stop your body from making normal, healthy cells. This can prevent organs from working properly. The abnormal cells might spread to other parts of the body and start growing there too. Cancer also uses up the energy and nutrients your body needs.

There are many different types of cancer depending on what type of cell became abnormal. Different types of cancer can have different effects, depending on where the cancer is and how fast it is growing.

What is lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that develops when white blood cells called lymphocytes grow out of control. Lymphocytes are part of your immune system. They travel around your body in your lymphatic system, helping you fight infections. Your lymphatic system runs throughout your body, similar to your blood circulatory system, carrying a fluid called lymph. The fluid passes through lymph nodes (glands), which are spread throughout your body.

Figure: The lymphatic system
(lymph vessels and lymph nodes are shown in green)

If you have lymphoma, your lymphocytes divide in an abnormal way or do not die when they should. The abnormal lymphocytes build up, usually in lymph nodes in your armpits, neck or groin. However, they can collect in almost any part of your body.

The symptoms of lymphoma depend on where the lymphoma starts, what parts of your body it affects, and what type of lymphoma it is. There are over 60 different types, broadly grouped into Hodgkin lymphomas and non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas are further grouped depending on whether they are slow-growing (described as 'low-grade') or fast-growing ('high-grade'). Different types of lymphoma behave differently and need different treatment.

What is the difference between lymphoma and leukaemia?

Lymphoma and leukaemia are both types of blood cancer (also known as 'haematological' cancers). Although there are similarities between some types of lymphoma and leukaemia, most types develop differently. They also behave differently and are treated differently.

Lymphoma affects lymphocytes. The abnormal cells develop in the lymph nodes or organs of the lymphatic system.

Leukaemia affects white blood cells, including lymphocytes. The abnormal cells develop in the bone marrow or the bloodstream.

Bloodwise and Leukaemia Care have more information about leukaemia.

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Lymphoma is the fifth most common type of cancer in the UK. It can occur at any age, even in children. It is nearly always treatable; most people live for many years after being diagnosed with lymphoma. Dr Andrew Davies, Consultant in Medical Oncology, explains what lymphoma is.

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Common Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, infections, and sweats. These symptoms may be local (affecting one or more confined areas) or systemic (affecting your whole body)

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Common symptoms of lymphoma

We outline the common symptoms of lymphoma below. However, it's important to note that these can have other causes. Having one or more doesn't necessarily mean that you have lymphoma.
Swollen lymph nodes
The most common sign of lymphoma is a lump or lumps, usually in the neck, armpit or groin. These lumps are swollen lymph nodes, sometimes known as 'glands'. Usually, they're painless.
Fatigue
Fatigue is different to normal tiredness. It means feeling exhausted for no obvious reason or feeling washed out after doing very little.
Unexplained weight loss
Losing a lot of weight quite quickly without trying to can be a symptom of lymphoma.
Infections
Getting infections more easily and having difficulty getting rid of them can be a symptom of lymphoma.
Sweats
Sweats can happen at any time of the day with lymphoma, but they are most common at night. They are often described as 'drenching' and can make your nightclothes or bed sheets soaking wet.
Itching
Itching ('pruritus') without a rash can be a symptom of lymphoma. It can be very uncomfortable, particularly when you get hot.
Fever
Some people get fevers (temperatures above 38°C or 100.4°F). Fevers often come together with night sweats and weight loss, but they can happen separately. They can also be a sign of infection.
Watch Dr Andrew Davies, Consultant in Medical Oncology, talk about the most common symptoms of lymphoma
B symptoms

You might hear the term 'B symptoms'. This means that you have:

Doctors often use these during staging (working out how many different parts of your body are affected by lymphoma). B symptoms are more common with some types of lymphoma than others.

Doctors will take account of whether you have any B symptoms when they plan your treatment.

'Local' and 'systemic' symptoms

Symptoms of lymphoma can be:

local, which means that they affect just one area of your body

systemic, which means that they affect the whole of your body.

Local symptoms

Local symptoms affect the area in and around the lymphoma itself.

The most common local symptom is a swollen lymph node or nodes. Other local symptoms are caused by swollen nodes pressing on nearby tissues. The symptoms you have depend on where the swollen lymph nodes are. You might have:

Less common symptoms include:

Systemic symptoms

Systemic symptoms affect your whole body. They can include:

Systemic symptoms are more common with Hodgkin lymphoma and high-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma. They are less common in people with low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Swollen lymph nodes

Lymph nodes help to fight infection. They can become swollen for lots of reasons (for example, having an infection such as a cold), even when they're working as they should.

A swollen lymph node or nodes is the most common symptom of lymphoma. However, there are many other possible causes of swollen lymph nodes. Most people who have swollen lymph nodes do not have lymphoma. Also, a cyst or harmless fatty growth can sometimes look a bit like a swollen lymph node.
If you notice a lump that doesn't go away within 2 to 3 weeks, or you find that a lump is getting bigger, see your GP.
It isn't possible to tell if someone has lymphoma just by feeling a lymph node. However, your GP can examine you to check whether they should refer you for further tests and scans.

Lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or groin are close to the surface of the skin and are easy to see and feel. Others that are deep inside the chest or tummy (abdomen), can't be felt from the outside. They might only be found on a scan. They can cause pain if they swell and press on tissues inside your body.

Swollen lymph nodes caused by lymphoma:

are most commonly found in the neck, armpit or groin

are usually smooth and round

usually move out of the way when you press on them (are 'mobile')

have a 'rubbery' texture

are usually painless - although they can sometimes ache or cause pain in nearby areas (for example, if they're pressing on a nerve)

can become very large.

Rarely, swollen lymph nodes can become painful soon after drinking alcohol. This affects up to 5 in 100 people with Hodgkin lymphoma.

Where might lymphoma cause swollen lymph nodes?

Swollen lymph nodes might be in just one area of your body. This can happen with any type of lymphoma.

You might have swollen lymph nodes spread throughout your body ('generalised lymphadenopathy'), which is more common in non-Hodgkin lymphoma than Hodgkin lymphoma.

Why does lymphoma cause swollen lymph nodes?

Swollen lymph nodes in lymphoma are caused by a build-up of cancerous cells in the lymph nodes.

Sometimes the lymphoma is active, which means that it's making lots of cancerous cells. At other times, it's less active, and some of the lymphoma cells die. Lymph nodes sometimes grow (during times of high activity) and shrink (when activity is lower), especially in people with low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

What else can cause swollen lymph nodes?

There are many other possible causes of swollen lymph nodes, including:

infections, such as coughs, tonsillitis, colds, ear and throat infections

illness that affect the immune system, such as rheumatoid arthritis

skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis

some medicines, including penicillin, drugs used to treat epilepsy (phenytoin and carbamazepine), cephalosporins (a type of antibiotic) and the covid-19 vaccination.

Fatigue

Fatigue is exhaustion that can be physical, emotional or mental. You might feel tired after doing very little. Sometimes, people describe it as 'debilitating' or feeling 'drained of energy'.

Fatigue can be a symptom of lymphoma and there are lots of possible reasons for this. However, there are many other possible causes of fatigue. For example: anaemia (a low number of red blood cells), an underactive thyroid gland, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or 'ME') and glandular fever.

Unexplained weight loss

Unexplained weight loss means losing weight over a short amount of time without trying to.

The NHS advises that you see your GP if you lose more than 5% of your normal body weight over 6 to 12 months.

For an average person, this means losing around half a stone (7lbs or 3kg) or more.

People with lymphoma can lose over 10% of their body weight within 6 months. For example, someone with lymphoma who usually weighs 11 stone (70kg) might lose 15lbs (7kg) or more.

Speak to your GP if you lose a lot of weight over 6 to 12 months without trying to.
Lymphoma can cause weight loss because cancerous cells use up your energy resources. At the same time, your body uses energy trying to get rid of the cancerous cells. Weight loss is more common with fast-growing (high-grade) lymphomas as these can put a sudden demand on your body.

Lymphoma is just one of the possible causes of unexplained weight loss. As with many other symptoms, weight loss can happen for a lot of other reasons, such as stress, depression, digestive problems, or an overactive thyroid gland.

Night sweats

Lymphoma can cause night sweats that make your nightclothes and bedsheets soaking wet. They are often described as 'drenching'. Although they are usually called night sweats, they can also sometimes happen during the day.

Any type of lymphoma can cause night sweats, though doctors don't really know why. One possibility is that they happen as part of your body's reaction to chemicals the lymphoma cells produce. Another is that they are a natural response to your body's temperature rising above a normal level ( fever) - as sweating is a way of cooling your body down.

Night sweats can have other causes, such as infection, anxiety, menopause, overactive thyroid gland and some medicines.
Speak to your doctor if you have night sweats that wake you up or if you also have other symptoms, such as fever or unexplained weight loss.
Itching

Itching ('pruritus') is much more common with Hodgkin lymphoma than non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Itching caused by lymphoma can affect:

areas of skin near lymph nodes that are affected by lymphoma

patches of skin lymphoma

your lower legs

your whole body.

It can be severe and might also cause a burning sensation. It's uncommon to have a rash with it, unless you have skin lymphoma.
Contact your GP if you have itching that affects your whole body or lasts for more than 2 weeks.
Itching can be very uncomfortable, particularly in the heat. It is usually worse at night in bed. If you have a diagnosis of lymphoma and you are struggling with itching, there are things you could try that might help. Speak to your medical team for advice.

Itching in lymphoma is thought to happen because of your body's reaction to chemicals released by your immune system in reaction to the lymphoma. These chemicals irritate the nerves in your skin and make it itch.

Although itching is common in people with lymphoma, having itchy skin does not necessarily mean you have lymphoma. Itching can have many different and far more common causes, including allergies, skin conditions such as eczema, skin infections or menopause.

Fever

Fever is high body temperature of 38°C or 100.4°F or over. It is almost always caused by an infection, but there are a few other less common causes, including lymphoma.

With lymphoma, fevers are usually mild (low-grade). This means that they are only a little over normal body temperature. Usually, these fevers come and go.

Lymphoma causes fevers because the lymphoma cells produce chemicals that raise your body temperature.
Contact your doctor if you have a fever that goes on for a while without an obvious infection.
Difficulty recovering from infections

Having lymphoma can mean that your immune system is weakened.

Normally, white blood cells fight infections. If you have lymphoma, cancerous white blood cells (that make up the lymphoma) are produced instead of the healthy white blood cells. This can make you develop infections more easily. The infections could be more severe or last for longer than they would normally.

Infections often cause a high temperature and make you feel hot and shivery. Other symptoms depend on where in your body you have the infection - for example, you might have an earache, a cough, a sore throat, pain when you wee, or sickness and diarrhoea.
See your GP if you're worried that you're not getting better after a minor infection.
Chest symptoms

Swollen lymph nodes in the chest are quite common in Hodgkin lymphoma and some types of high-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma. However, any type of lymphoma can cause them.

Swollen lymph nodes in the chest can press on your airways and lungs. They can also cause fluid to collect around your lungs.

Swollen lymph nodes in the chest can cause symptoms such as:

dry cough

shortness of breath

noisy breathing

pain behind the breastbone

a feeling of pressure in the chest.

These can be worse when you lie down.
If you have a cough or shortness of breath that lasts for more than 3 weeks, speak to your GP.
Swollen lymph nodes that press against blood vessels can lower the blood flow through them. This can cause swelling and, in some cases, can increase the risk of a clot forming.

Tummy (abdominal) symptoms

Lymphoma can develop in lymph nodes in the abdomen or lymphatic tissue in your liver or spleen. It can also develop outside your lymphatic system ('extranodal' lymphoma). The gut is the most common place for extranodal lymphoma to develop.

Symptoms depend on which parts of your body are affected. For example:

If your spleen is very swollen, you might have pain behind your ribs on the left side, or you might feel bloated or full after eating only a little. You or your doctor might be able to feel the swollen spleen as a lump in the top left side of your tummy.

If you have lymphoma affecting your liver, your tummy might become swollen and the whites of your eyes and your skin might develop a yellow tinge (jaundice). Lymphoma affecting your liver might also cause you to feel bloated, which can happen from a build-up of fluid in your abdomen.

Lymphoma in the stomach can cause swelling of the stomach lining (gastritis), which can cause pain or nausea (feeling or being sick).

Lymphoma in the bowel can cause abdominal pain, diarrhoea or constipation.

See your GP urgently if your skin or the whites of your eyes look yellow. Speak to your GP if you have any of the following symptoms:

blood in your poo

a change in bowel habits (such as diarrhoea or constipation) that goes on for more than 7 days

green or yellow vomit

vomiting lasting more than 2 days

vomiting that causes you to become dehydrated by being unable to drink liquids without vomiting.

Pain

Lymphoma isn't usually painful but sometimes, swollen nodes press on other tissues and nerves which can cause pain. Lymphoma in the bone itself (rather than in the bone marrow) is rare but when it does happen, it can cause pain in the affected bone.

Skin symptoms

Lymphoma can cause itchy skin.

If you have skin lymphoma, you might have symptoms that affect your skin. Common symptoms depend on the type of skin lymphoma, but could include:

lumps, which are often a purple colour

patches of skin that are dry, red, scaly or itchy

patches of skin that are different to other areas - for example, are flatter, shiny, raised, scaly or red.

Lymphoma in the skin can look a lot like other skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis.

If you have been diagnosed with skin lymphoma, you might be interested in our information about living with skin lymphoma.
Speak to your GP urgently if you have a rash that:

starts suddenly and spreads quickly

is all over your body

comes with other symptoms such as pain, fever of breathlessness.

If you have a new rash that doesn't go away within a few days, seek advice from your GP.
Brain and nerve symptoms

Symptoms that affect your brain and nerves depend on where the lymphoma is.

Lymphoma that affects your central nervous system (CNS)

Central nervous system lymphoma is an uncommon type of lymphoma that is in your brain, spinal cord or eyes (your central nervous system, or CNS). Symptoms depend on where the lymphoma is, but can include:

fits (seizures)

problems with balance

dizziness

difficulties with memory and concentration

weakness or tingling in an arm or leg.

Lymphoma that affects your peripheral nervous system

Other types of lymphoma can cause damage to the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord (the peripheral nervous system). This is called peripheral neuropathy.

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy depend on which group of nerves are affected. They can include:

pins and needles, numbness or a burning sensation, often in the hands or feet

pain

increased sensitivity to touch or temperature

muscle twitches (small muscle contractions).

Tell your GP if you have any of these symptoms.
Peripheral neuropathy can happen if the lymphoma produces chemicals that stick to nerves and damage them. It is quite common in people with Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia (WM).

Rarely, lymphoma spreads into the nerves. It can push up against them or grow around the tiny blood vessels that supply them. This can cause symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy can also affect the nerves of your autonomic nervous system, which carry messages between your brain and your internal organs. This can cause symptoms such as blood pressure changes and light-headedness.

Thinking processes (cognition)

Lymphoma can affect thinking processes (cognition) such as memory, attention and speed of response. This is known as cancer-related cognitive impairment ('chemo brain'). However, anyone with lymphoma might be affected, not only people treated with chemotherapy. Fatigue or emotional factors, such as stress and anxiety, can also have an impact.

Swelling in the arms or legs (lymphoedema)

Swollen lymph nodes can sometimes block the lymphatic vessels (tubes that run throughout your body and carry lymph fluid). This stops the lymph fluid draining properly from the tissues in your body.

The lymph fluid can then build up, causing lymphoedema (swelling in the body's tissues). Possible symptoms include swelling, feelings of tightness, heaviness, aching or soreness. It usually affects an arm or a leg, although it can affect other areas of your body, depending on where the lymphoma is.

Other conditions can also cause lymphoedema. For example, infection, injury, genetic conditions and surgery.
If you have any symptoms of lymphoedema, speak to your GP.
Anaemia

Many people with lymphoma are affected by anaemia at some point during their illness.

Anaemia means that you have a shortage of red blood cells. This can make you feel tired and breathless because your body has to work harder than usual to get enough oxygen.

You might experience anaemia if lymphoma affects your red blood cells, for example:

Lymphoma in the bone marrow can affect the production of healthy blood cells, leading to anaemia.

Lymphoma in the gut can cause bleeding, which can lead to anaemia.

If red blood cells collect in the spleen or get destroyed in the spleen, this can cause anaemia.

Symptoms of anaemia can include:

weakness and tiredness

dizziness

headache

fluttering or pounding heart (palpitations)

a paler skin tone than is usual for you.

If you experience symptoms of anaemia, contact your GP.

There are lots of other causes of anaemia, including nutritional deficiencies (particularly iron), heavy periods, pregnancy and some infections.

Frequently asked questions about symptoms of lymphoma

In this section, we answer some of the common questions about symptoms of lymphoma. If you have been diagnosed with lymphoma, seek guidance about symptoms from your medical team. If you have not been diagnosed with lymphoma, speak to your GP for advice.

What are the most common symptoms of lymphoma?

Lymphoma can cause many different symptoms, depending on its type and where it is in your body. The most common symptoms of lymphoma are:

Will I get all of the symptoms of lymphoma?

There are over 60 types of lymphoma, broadly divided into Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These lymphomas can start almost anywhere in the body and can have many different symptoms. The exact symptoms they cause depend on the type of lymphoma and where it is in the body.

Even with the same type of lymphoma, different people are affected differently. For example:

You might have lots of symptoms or only a few symptoms. Sometimes lymphoma is discovered during tests for something else and you might not have had any symptoms at all.

You might have symptoms in one area (local symptoms) or symptoms that affect your whole body (systemic symptoms).

You might feel generally well or you might become very unwell quickly.

I haven't been diagnosed with lymphoma but I'm concerned about symptoms - what should I do?

If you are concerned about any symptoms you're experiencing, speak to your GP.

You might find it helps to keep a note of your symptoms and how they're affecting you. You could have this with you when you speak to your GP so that you remember everything you want to discuss.

If your GP suspects lymphoma, you might be referred for tests and scans.

If you would like to speak to a member of our helpline team about any aspect of lymphoma, contact us for support.

I have been diagnosed with lymphoma and I'm finding my symptoms difficult to cope with - what can I do?

Speak to a member of your medical team for advice about how to manage symptoms of lymphoma. Depending on the symptom and how it's affecting you, they might be able to offer tips, treatment, or a referral to another health professional.

You might also be interested in our information about coping with symptoms of lymphoma; however, check with a member of your medical team whether the approaches outlined are suitable for you.

Contact us if you'd like to speak to a member of our helpline team about any aspect of your lymphoma.

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Symptoms of lymphoma depend on the lymphoma type and where it is in the body. This information is about the common symptoms of lymphoma.

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Tests and scans help doctors diagnose lymphoma this will be through blood tests, PET, CT and PET/CT scans, MRI scans, Ultrasound scans and X-ray, biopsy's, bone marrow biopsy's or lumbar puncture's.

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Tests, scans and lymphoma staging | Lymphoma Action

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Tests and scans help doctors diagnose lymphoma and find out more about it after a diagnosis is confirmed. This helps them plan the best treatment for you. You might have further tests and scans during treatment, follow-up and if you are on active monitoring (‘watch and wait’).Find out more in this section about the referral process and the tests and scans you might have. You might also be interested in watching our video on scans.

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Treatment for lymphoma can include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted treatments, stem cell transplants, CAR-T, and active monitoring (watch and wait). As well as supportive treatments which can include blood transfusions, maintenance therapy, splenectomy (spleen removal).

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Treatment for lymphoma | Lymphoma Action

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This section of our website is about treatment for lymphoma.We have information covering getting ready for treatment (prehabilitation), different types of treatment, and remission (where there is no evidence of lymphoma in your body).We have a separate information about lymphoma in children and young people.

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Living with and beyond lymphoma | Lymphoma Action

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In this section, you’ll find information to help you live well with and beyond lymphoma. Although it takes time and can involve making some changes to your everyday life, most people adjust well to life after a diagnosis of lymphoma and find a ‘new normal’. You might also be interested in our Live your Life (self-management) programme. If you are about to start treatment, we have information about getting ready for treatment as well our our Preparing for Treatment Service.

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Lymphoma can affect different relationships in different ways - some might grow closer, while others feel more strained. You might find the information in this section of the website relevant if you are the person with a diagnosis of lymphoma, or if your partner, a family member or friend has been diagnosed. However you are impacted, we are here to support you.

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Relationships, family, friends | Lymphoma Action

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Lymphoma can affect different relationships in different ways - some might grow closer, while others feel more strained. You might find the information in this section of the website relevant if you are the person with a diagnosis of lymphoma, or if your partner, a family member or friend has been diagnosed.

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Lymphoma and the end of life | Lymphoma Action

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This information is about what someone with lymphoma in the final stages of life might experience. You might be reading it because doctors have said that you, or someone you love, is nearing the end of life. We give suggestions to help you get practical, social and emotional support. We also have information about bereavement, loss and grief, if you, or someone close to you, is nearing the end of life. You might find this information emotionally difficult to read. Our Information and Support Team are here to support you.On this pageStopping active treatment for lymphomaWhose decision is it for me to stop active treatment?Is further active treatment likely to work?How does lymphoma lead to the end of life?Symptoms towards the end of lifeFrequently asked questions about lymphoma and the end of life

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MPN - Myeloproliferative Neoplasm - is when blood cell production has gone wrong. The bone marrow produces too many blood cells or too few. There are 3 common types; Essential Thrombocythemia (ET); Polycythaemia Vera (PV); and Myelofibrosis (MF).

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MPNs are rare blood cancers that affect how blood cells are produced in our bodies.

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ET patients have an elevated platelet count - their bloods contain too many platelets which can cause their blood to be 'sticky'. Symptoms include persistent or repeated headaches, bruising and bleeding, dizziness, leg pains, silent migraines. Treatment may include medication to reduce risk of clotting, reduce platelet count.

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ET is a rare blood cancer which causes the body to produce too many platelets.

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MF affects the bone marrow which produces the blood cells - it causes scar tissue and fibrous tissue to build up inside the bone marrow so it cannot produce blood cells effectively. As a result blood making tissues leave the bone marrow and take place elsewhere in the body - commonly the spleen or liver. This results in low red cells, white cells and/or platelets.

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Myelofibrosis (MF) is a blood cancer which affects the way blood cells are produced in the body. People over the age of sixty are most likely to have this disease, with men and women equally at risk.

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PV produces more red blood cells than normal, which can also affect the other blood cells; for example too many platelets or white blood cells may produce. Symptoms include redness of skin, bleeding and/or clotting, skin itchiness, joint pain/gout, fatigue etc.

Treatment aim is to control complications and reduce the number of red blood cells and platelets. This is through a process call Venesection - removing blood from the body or through drug therapy.

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People with polycythaemia vera (PV) produce more red blood cells than normal. PV may also affect the production of your other blood cells, for example your body may also produce too many platelets and white blood cells. Recent research shows that nearly 97% of people with PV have a mutation (or change) in a protein called JAK2, a protein that is part of the mechanism which regulates blood cell production in our bodies. The cause of this mutation is unknown but may result from viral infections or radiation damage, but more research needs to be done to determine the causes of PV.

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Click the link above for advice and guidance on ways to cope with MPN side effects.

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These tips for reducing side effects have been compiled by MPN Specialist Nurses.

If you take interferon

If you take interferon and suffer from fatigue it can sometimes help to:

Take more injections of a lower dose (e.g. 3 × 3 MU vs 2 × 4.5 MU)

Change the time of your injection

Switch brands of interferon (from Roferon® to Intron® and vice versa)

If you experience sleepiness with medication

If you feel tired or sleepy when taking hydoxycarbamide, try taking the tablets before you go to bed - they do not need to be divided during the day.

If you experience palpitations

If you suffer palpitations after taking anagrelide (Xagrid):

Divide the doses up through the day

Avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, diet coke)

Avoid exercise for about an hour after taking your medication

If your skin is dry

As a first step, have a talk with your GP and haematologist and ask them to verify that there aren't any other causes for this problem.

Thyroid disease can cause dry skin, and thyroid problems may relate directly to interferon if you take that medication. Iron deficiency can also cause dry skin.

Check that you have not changed the soap or detergent that you use. Some soaps cause irritation.

Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Tea and coffee, caffeinated sodas and alcoholic drinks can be dehydrating, so you may need to reduce consumption and/or drink more water.

Use an emollient soap or a soap substitute. Find a good moisturizer and use it often.

If your skin is itchy rather than just dry, check our section on itchy skin. This is a common problem for people with polycythaemia vera (PV).

If you have trouble swallowing

If you find hydroxycarbamide tablets difficult to swallow please talk with your nurse or pharmacist. Some people find it helpful to sprinkle the contents in water. Hydroxycarbamide is dangerous for people for whom it was not prescribed (including children, other adults and pets). The powder must be handled with extreme care. Be sure to drink all the water and wash the glass carefully. Wipe up any spills using kitchen roll (paper towel) and dispose of carefully.

Do you have tips to share? Please email your solutions to info@mpnvoice.org.uk.

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These tips for reducing side effects have been compiled by MPN Specialist Nurses. If you take interferon If you take interferon and suffer from fatigue it can sometimes help to: Take more injections of a lower dose (e.g. 3 × 3 MU vs 2 × 4.5 MU) Change the time of your injection Switch brands...

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Click the link above to explore complimentary therapies to support your diagnosis.

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There is no universal definition of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM), and there are sometimes misunderstandings over what complementary therapies actually are and the distinct differences with alternative therapies. From a medical view point complementary therapies are any treatments that run alongside conventional treatments for people with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), whilst alternative therapies is usually…

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Complimentary Therapies available to all patients who are going through their cancer journey - free of charge for NHS patients.

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The Harmony Therapy Trust | Caring hands in Kent

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The Harmony Therapy Trust offers free supporting therapy for seriously ill patients in Kent.

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Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) - is a group of malignant blood disorders where the bone marrow fails to produce healthy blood cells. Symptoms include chronic tiredness and weakness due to low red blood cells, often platelets may below causing bleeding and bruising, when white cells are low the body is unable to fight off infection. Treatment most often is a bone marrow transplant. Click the link above to find out more information on MDS.

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A person with MDS will suffer from chronic tiredness and weakness due to the low levels of haemoglobin in the red blood cells, which carries oxygen to the body.
This is debilitating in itself and often requires regular blood transfusions. Transfusions are time consuming and restrictive.

In MDS, platelet numbers, which prevent bleeding and bruising, can often be very low. This can result in spontaneous bleeding and bruising.
If an injury is sustained blood loss may be excessive. Clearly these factors result in many constraints and difficulties. Platelet transfusions may be required on a regular basis.

When white cells numbers become very low (as they often do in MDS) the body is unable to fight off infection normally. This results in a greater than usual incidence of infections which take longer than usual to clear and might require hospitalisation. White cells cannot be given by transfusion.
Learn more about the symptoms of MDS
There are a number of options to treat MDS. Treatment decisions are based on the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R).

The only cure is a bone marrow transplant for those patients who are fit enough and who have a suitable donor. Recovery may take months or even years and during this time the patient has to be monitored regularly and where necessary, be supported with transfusions.
Learn more about MDS treatment options
Prognosis means the expected outcome or survival from MDS. Your prognosis depends on many factors including those not related to MDS, such as your general fitness and age. Because each person is unique, and each person's disease is different, a prognosis can be difficult to make. Also, how a disease progresses over time is unpredictable.

However, to allow your doctor to make the right treatment choices, MDS doctors and scientists around the world have designed a number of systems by which we can score how your MDS is likely to behave.
Learn more about MDS Risk Scoring

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What Is MDS? | MDS UK Patient Support Group

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MDS is a form of bone marrow cancer, although its progression into leukaemia does not always occur. The failure of the bone marrow to produce mature healthy

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Symptoms can include being anaemic which can cause fatigue and shortness of breath, recurrent and persistent infections, easy bruising and bleeding.

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MDS Symptoms | MDS UK Patient Support Group

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About 8 in 10 patients have anaemia, whilst about 2 in 10 present to their doctor with infections or bleeding.

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MDS treatment may include supportive care to help manage the symptoms, chemotherapy, and/or stem cell transplant. Click the link above to see the spectrum of treatments available for MDS.

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Treatment Of MDS | MDS UK Patient Support Group

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Once the diagnosis of MDS has been made, you and your doctors will decide on the best treatment for you. The treatment that you are offered will depend on the

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Living Well With MDS | MDS UK Patient Support Group

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The impact of having MDS can be significant, affecting both your body and your emotional state.

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Sign up for a weekly phone call or visit from one of our trained Macmillan Buddies. Our volunteers are here to talk so you don’t have to face cancer alone.

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Relationship advice, for couples, for children and young adults.

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Relate offers counselling services for every type of relationship nationwide. We provide advice on marriage, LGBT issues, divorce and parenting.

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The Cinnamon Trust is a national charity to support terminally ill people and their pets. They provide hands on assistance to pet owners across the country when caring for their pets poses a problem, as well as providing lifelong care for pets who outlive their owners.

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The National Charity for older people, the terminally ill and their pets

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Imago is a social prescribing service available for patients to access resources and services in the community.

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Imago working in partnership with NHS DGSS Clinical Commissioning Group ( DGSS CCG), are pleased to announce that we are one of twenty-three organisations across England that have been awarded funding to deliver an innovative social prescribing project to improve patients ' quality of life, health and wellbeing.

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This is the META Descroiption for this section.

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Click on the link above for information regarding patient transport available to you.

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1. You will always be told what is happening, from your initial booking to the moment you arrive home after your appointment 2. You will be kept informed and given a new, realistic arrival time should your pick-up be delayed 3. You will always receive a friendly, helpful service that will keep you safe and secure 4. You will be listened to and your feedback will be acted upon wherever possible

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Please click the link above to see the new AML Hub for more information on Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.

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Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) | Leukaemia Care

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Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a fast-growing blood cancer. Find out about the main signs and symptoms of AML, how AML is diagnosed, and treatments for AML.

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The Fruit Fly Collective is a team of experts who are either living with cancer or providing cancer care/parenting support.

Their very detailed website provides information for parent support, resources and props for children, and professional support.

Fruitfly Collective

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On their website, the Fruitfly Collective provide support PDFs and links to resources available to help you through the difficult conversations and situation where you may need help.

For example; a checklist of 'How people can help you'; 'The Art of Parenting From the Sofa'; and a poster where you are able to demonstrate your energy supply.

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Fruitfly Collective offers supportive resources and toolkits for all ages; pre-school; primary; secondary school and aimed for Neurodivergent Children.

Resources and toolkits include:

Websites,

Books,

Apps and Games

Animations

Family Fun.

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A Kid's Guide to Cancer by Camp Quality.

Cancer education for Kids up to 15years.

Download for free on Apple or Android.

Camp Quality's Kid's Guide to Cancer empowers kids to learn more about cancer on their own terms, at their pace. It caters age-appropriate information about cancer, hospitals, medicines, treatment and people available to help. Animated stories are available to promote peer support!

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Download the Kids’ Guide to Cancer app | Camp Quality

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Download the award-winning educational app for parents to help answer children’s questions about cancer interactively and educationally.

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The Fruitfly Collective have produced toolkits age-appropriate to help children understand cancer, treatments and their side-effects. This supports with communications, changes to routines and the emotional impact cancer can bring.

Cancer Cloud Kit (12-14years)

Tiger Cloud Kit (6-11years)

Hedgehog Cloud Kit (3-5years)

Pip's Kit is especially designed for children who have a parent with incurable cancer or is under palliative care. The kit can be used to help support children facing any bereavement.

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Age-appropriate tools designed to help children understand cancer, treatments, and side-effects.

Tools also support communication, changes in a family's routine, and the emotional impact a cancer diagnosis can bring.

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2024_Cancer Cloud Kits - Fruitfly Collective

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Age-appropriate tools designed to help children understand cancer, treatments, and side-effects. Tools also support communication, changes in a family's routine, and the emotional impact a cancer diagnosis can bring.

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Health and Wellbeing Event for Cancer Patients 

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Health and Wellbeing Event for Cancer Patients 