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How to support a loved one with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Caring for Someone With Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Caring for someone with non-Hodgkin lymphoma means you’re providing vital support, medically, practically and emotionally.
You’ll need to juggle multiple roles while dealing with the ups and downs of a serious illness and your own emotions. The demands on your time, energy and feelings are huge.

This guide offers tips and emotional support to help you feel more confident and prepared as you care for your loved one with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Written by: Lisa Merriam | Medical review by: Samuel Sarmiento, MD, MPH, MBA | Legal review by: Sean Duddy, JD |

Updated on:Jul 22, 2025

What to expect on your caregiver journey

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of the blood that affects the lymphatic system, and a diagnosis can have a big impact on the lives of patients and their loved ones. Caregivers manage everything from medications and doctors’ appointments to daily tasks and providing emotional support. You’ll need to deal with a complex healthcare and insurance system, and may also face financial and legal issues.

Providing support for non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients is a marathon, not a sprint, which is why it’s important to take care of your own physical and emotional health. You need to stay strong so you can continue to show up for your loved one, especially on the hard days. When you’re rested, supported and emotionally steady, it will be easier for you to provide the care and comfort they need.

Find out if your loved one’s non-Hodgkin lymphoma was caused by exposure to Roundup

“Exposure to glyphosate, the main ingredient in Roundup, has been linked to an increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma. If your loved one was diagnosed after regular use of Roundup—at home or on the job—they may be entitled to compensation.”

Learn more about the connection between non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Roundup exposure:

— Sean Duddy, JD, Partner at Duddy Czarnecki
Explore Roundup Risks

How can I help a loved one with non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

Supporting a loved one with non-Hodgkin lymphoma means fulfilling multiple roles.

They may need help with daily tasks, from making meals to keeping house and personal care. You may need to play the role of advocate, helping your loved one understand their choices, asking the right questions at doctor visits and making sure their desires are understood. You’ll need to make appointments, track medications and communicate with insurance companies and other payers.

Just as important, you can provide emotional support in the form of companionship and being a good listener. You can help your loved one deal with their emotions, moods and changing energy levels.

Through it all, you must care for yourself and prioritize your own well-being. Caring for yourself is vital when caring for someone with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Here are some ways you can help, as a non-Hodgkin lymphoma caregiver:

Supporting daily activities

Daily tasks can be challenging for someone being treated for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Your loved one’s needs will vary throughout the treatment cycle, with good days and bad days. Managing non-Hodgkin lymphoma care at home involves taking care of the practical details of life.

Here are some ways you can help:

  • Assist with bathing, using the bathroom and staying clean.

  • Lend a hand with dressing.

  • Take on the housework and laundry.

  • Prepare meals.

  • Do the shopping and other errands.

  • Offer to walk the dog or pick up children from school.

  • Mow the lawn and do yardwork.

  • Help with maintenance and deal with service providers.

Staying on top of medications and appointments

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma caregivers often provide help with managing medications and appointments. For example, they may:

  • Make calls or go online to make appointments and handle schedules.

  • Do research so you know what questions to ask at appointments.

  • Take notes between appointments so you can remember what issues to discuss in the future.

  • Track symptoms and side effects.

  • Organize medications and make sure the right dose is taken at the right time.

  • Keep tabs on their condition and watch for signs of infection.

  • Encourage rest, eating well and getting plenty of fluids.

Supporting A Loved One With Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

How non-Hodgkin lymphoma caregivers can help.

Offering comfort and emotional support

Helping someone with non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more than coordinating doctors’ appointments and preparing meals. The mental aspects of dealing with a serious illness are very important. To provide your loved one with emotional support, you can:

  • Listen without judging or trying to fix things.

  • Encourage your loved one to share their feelings.

  • Be ready for changing moods and ups and downs.

  • Do what you can to keep things as normal as possible, making time for hobbies, laughter and light conversation.

  • Offer reassurance, but avoid trying to make guarantees or predict the future.

  • Simply be present—quiet companionship is often more comforting than words.

Handling bills, insurance and paperwork

When you’re not feeling well, dealing with insurance, bills and paperwork can be overwhelming. If you can handle these tasks, you take a big burden off your loved one:

  • Help with filling out forms.

  • Keep track of bills and payments.

  • Follow up on insurance claims, correcting errors and filing appeals.

  • Research financial assistance programs and legal options.

  • Coordinate with financial counselors and social workers.

  • Keep track of due dates.

Speaking up when it matters

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatments are physically demanding. Your loved one may often feel nauseated and exhausted, and may not have the energy to focus on important issues or advocate for themselves. To help ensure their voice is heard and needs are met, you can:

  • Communicate with healthcare providers.

  • Ask questions about treatment plans and alternatives.

  • Share concerns about pain, side effects and your loved one’s emotional health.

  • Share notes on symptoms, side effects and how they’re doing in general.

  • Take notes and do follow-up research.

  • Talk to your loved one about their wishes and preferences.

  • Get second opinions when possible.

More information about non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma early warning signs & symptoms
Early warning signs of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma early warning signs & symptoms

Learn about the early warning signs of non-Hodgkin lymphoma so that you can take action as soon as possible.

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Diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Newly diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Find out more about what to expect after a non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis so you can be informed and ready for what comes next.

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Dealing with the costs of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma financial help.

Dealing with the costs of non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Explore non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment options and costs, along with options for financial support.

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How can I help if I’m not the main caregiver?

You don’t have to be the primary caregiver to support a friend or family member with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. From helping with practical, everyday tasks to providing emotional support, there are many thoughtful ways that you can help. Ideas include:

  • Bring a home-cooked meal or deliver groceries.

  • Offer to run errands like picking up prescriptions.

  • Help around the house with cleaning, laundry or yardwork.

  • Take care of pets and babysit children.

  • Visit or call, and if you can’t do that, send cards from time to time.

  • Drive your loved one to appointments.

Self-care tips for non-Hodgkin lymphoma caregivers

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma caregiver struggles.

Caring for someone with non-Hodgkin lymphoma can be draining. The course of the disease and treatments demand a lot out of you emotionally and physically. Research has documented common non-Hodgkin lymphoma caregiver struggles, such as emotional distress, burnout and health problems.

You must devote some of your energy to taking care of yourself. Doing things that keep your strength up and keep you emotionally resilient are not selfish; they make you a better caregiver.

Here are some non-Hodgkin lymphoma caregiver tips for self-care:

  • Take breaks and make sure you get plenty of sleep.

  • Schedule time for your own interests and hobbies.

  • Try to watch your diet and set aside time for exercise.

  • Set limits. It’s okay to say no when you feel like you’re reaching your breaking point.

  • Talk to someone about your feelings. A non-Hodgkin lymphoma caregiver support group, therapist or clergy can help.

  • Ask for help from friends and family, and consider hiring healthcare professionals for non-Hodgkin lymphoma home care.

  • Seek out non-Hodgkin lymphoma caregiver resources online and at your treatment center.

Your family and loved ones bear an emotional burden, too. You and your caregivers must have a good support system. Connect with in-person and online support groups, and don’t hesitate to talk to a mental health professional or clergy.

What to know about non-Hodgkin lymphoma outlook and life expectancy

It’s easy to let your mind go to the worst-case scenarios. The reality is that some types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma grow slowly and can be managed for many years. Others are more aggressive, but respond to treatment. New drugs, immunotherapy and other advances are bringing about significantly better outcomes. Much depends on the type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and the individual’s health.

Understanding the outlook for your loved one’s particular case can help you adjust and plan. A longer life expectancy is a reason for hope. You need to plan on caring for someone with non-Hodgkin lymphoma for the long term. However, with a shorter life expectancy, you need time to deal with your emotions and to prepare.

Here are the most common types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and typical outcomes:

  • Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL): This is one of the faster-growing types of lymphoma, with a 64% 5-year survival rate. Many people can achieve remission, with the growth of the cancer being suspended, with the right treatment.

  • Follicular lymphoma (FL): This type of lymphoma is very slow-growing. The survival rate after 5 years is 90% and many live more than 10 years.

  • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): This is a slow-growing type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that often progresses over many years. The 5-year survival rate is about 89%, and many people live long, full lives with ongoing treatment and monitoring.

Could exposure to Roundup be linked to your loved one’s non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

“Research has shown that long-term exposure to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, may increase the risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma. People who used Roundup regularly—especially in agricultural or landscaping work—may have been exposed to this risk without knowing. If your loved one was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, you may be able to take legal action and seek compensation.”

Learn more about the connection between non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Roundup exposure:

— Samuel Sarmiento, MD, MPH, MBA, CEO at Juniper Life Sciences
Explore Roundup Risks

FAQs

  • What support is available for non-Hodgkin lymphoma caregivers?

    Caring for someone with non-Hodgkin lymphoma can feel lonely at times, but you don’t have to deal with this disease alone. Caregiver resources are available to help you with emotional issues, practical help and financial and legal challenges.

    In-person support groups, online communities and discussion groups are ways to connect with other people dealing with this disease. The Lymphoma Research Foundation and CancerCare can both help you deal with non-Hodgkin lymphoma caregiver struggles and common challenges. Depending on the cause of this disease, you may also want to explore your legal options.

  • Can I take time off work to help someone with non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

    Keeping a job and being a non-Hodgkin lymphoma caregiver at the same time isn’t easy. Several programs and laws can help you balance caregiving without risking your job or losing all of your income. These include:

    • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): This federal law makes it possible to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year, if eligible, with protection against losing your job.

    • State paid family leave: Some states have similar programs that give you time off and job protection. Some allow you to get partial wage replacement so you don’t lose all of your income.

    • Taking vacation/paid time off: If you have unused vacation time or sick days, you may be able to use them to give you time to provide care, while still having an income.

    • Arranging flexible work: You may be able to work out flexible hours, work from home or make a job-sharing arrangement that gives you time to provide care, but also keep your job and income.

  • How can I comfort someone who has non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

    You might be tempted to try to fix the situation or to keep the focus on the bright side. While that is well-meaning, it may make your loved one feel like they can’t share their real worries, fears or anger. They might feel like they’re letting you down when they’re feeling tired. It’s better to truly listen. Let them know it’s okay to feel what they are feeling, and that you’re there for them.

    You can say things like:

    • I’m here for you and am ready to help with anything.

    • What are you thinking about today?

    • I’m thinking about you, and I appreciate you.

    • I’m always here to support you.

    • I don’t know what to say, but I love you.

  • Is non-Hodgkin lymphoma considered a disability?

    Yes. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a disability under most situations, according to guidelines from the Social Security Administration. If you cannot work or handle your normal daily activities, you might be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

    You’ll need to have your diagnosis, the severity of your case, how you’re responding to treatment and other factors evaluated under the malignant neoplastic diseases guidelines in the SSA Blue Book.

Meet the experts behind the article

Lisa Merriam
Lisa Merriam

Written by:

Lisa Merriam

Lisa Merriam is an experienced copywriter specializing in medical content, combining technical precision with clarity to ensure articles are accessible and accurate.

Read more
Samuel Sarmiento, MD, MPH, MBA
Dr. Samuel Sarmiento

Medical review by:

Samuel Sarmiento, MD, MPH, MBA

Dr. Sarmiento is a physician, consultant, and entrepreneur with a diverse background in surgery, public health, and business. His experience includes solving complex problems in healthcare and beyond, with a strong focus on personalized, preventive medicine.

Read more
Sean Duddy, JD
Sean Duddy

Legal review by:

Sean Duddy, JD

Sean Duddy is a seasoned attorney with a strong background in technology and litigation. He specializes in mass torts and class action cases. He is recognized for his innovative approach to legal challenges, having developed platforms to manage large-scale arbitrations and secure substantial settlements.

Read more