Hi, I have just been diagnosed with low grade non Hodgkin’s lymphoma and will start treatment in August with clinical trial chemotherapy.
I have a naturally positive outlook and have faith in treatment and the NHS.
My main concern is I don’t know if my immune system is compromised and if so by how much? I have just started seeing my grandchildren ages 1,2,4,9 & 12 again but as little ones are notorious germ carriers should I keep away from them? My wife babysits the younger ones regularly and wants to bring them to our house but should she continue to see them at our children’s houses?
Experienced opinions please. Many thanks.
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Welcome to the forum, and to our community. I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis, but pleased that you are starting treatment soon.
The best people to discuss this with are your treatment team, as each case is different, and really our experiences are individual and unique. Added to that, we are going through unusual times, where the rules are being rewritten.
If you need any support or to chat through anything connected with your treatment, the details of the support line are at the top of the page.
Best wishes
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Hi @Jsa, a warm welcome to our forum and thanks for posting. @Pisces56 has replied so well but I expect you are still in shock and very anxious, quite naturally. All blood cancers were categorised as vulnerable at the start of Covid-19 and obviously the shielding guidance is changing all the time, but my philosophy ( I also have a naturally positive outlook) is that better safe than sorry. I cannot say medically if and how much your immune system is affected, but I attach a sentence from the Blood Cancer UK website:
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects white blood cells called lymphocytes, which are an important part of your immune system.
I know my husband likes to go round with his head in the sand as if I am fine and I need to get my support from friends and from people on this site that really understand me better than anyone else. It must be such a dilemma for you because I expect you miss them all so much. Are you able to talk to your wife and children about your anxieties?
Please keep posting what is going on for you as we are all here to support you.
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Thank you for your feedback and advice.
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Thank you Erica. Having discussed this with my wife we have decided that she babysits at their houses and I visit them occasionally but keep my distance.
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A warm welcome to the forum to you @Jsa. I hope you’re doing okay in what must be an uncertain time for you. It’s totally understandable you have questions around this.
As @Pisces56 mentioned, members of your treatment team such as your clinical nurse specialist or consultant would be best placed to give you guidance and advice around this, as they’re equipped with the information around your individual circumstances and medical history. Do you have the contact details of a member of your hospital team? You don’t have to wait until your next appointment to chat through any questions or concerns you might have.
In case it’s helpful at all, we have an information booklet on low-grade NHL, which you can find here, but also we can also send you free copies in the post if that’d be helpful at all. (If so just get in touch with us on the support line on 0808 2080 888 or support@bloodcancer.org.uk.
In case it’s helpful for you, we also have this booklet on Eating Well if you have a lowered immune system - https://media.bloodcancer.org.uk/documents/Eating-well-with-neutropenia-Blood-Cancer-UK-info-booklet.pdf
Wishing you all the very best with your treatment plan. We are only a phone call or an email away if there is anything we can do to support you or your wife at any point.
We’re glad you’ve joined the forum and hope you find it a supportive and friendly place 
Alice
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Thank you Alice it’s very comforting to know that all this is available
Regards, John.
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