Radiotherapy for early stage Low Grade MCL stage 2 low risk

Dear Biddymoo,

Thank you for getting in touch with us, and welcome to our online community. My name is Annerose I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses here at the Macmillan Cancer Support line.

I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis of low-grade low risk indolent MCL and understand that treatment decisions can sometimes be difficult to understand.

You mentioned the Lymphoma action booklet on MCL, and treatment for MCL. In the online version of the booklet on MCL, it is mentioned,  I quote:

’If you have a slow-growing form of mantle cell lymphoma and you don’t have troublesome symptoms, you might not need treatment straightaway. Instead, your doctor might recommend an approach called ‘active monitoring’ (or ‘watch and wait’). This involves having regular check-ups with your medical team to monitor your health and to see how the lymphoma is affecting you. You do not have treatment for the lymphoma unless it starts causing significant health problems. Active monitoring means that while you are well, you avoid the side effects of treatment for as long as possible. Treatment is still available when you need it, but this might not be for many months or, rarely, years.

If you develop troublesome symptoms, your lymph nodes become very large, or the lymphoma starts to affect your organs or blood counts, your medical team are likely to recommend treatment.’ 

Unfortunately, as we are not part of the NHS, and do not have access to medical record, we cannot comment on any decisions that have been made by your GP or your hospital team.

We would however advise for you to contact your consultant or your clinical nurse specialist if you have one, to discuss your concerns with them. They can access your records and can explain their decision-making process to you and answer any questions you might have about it.

I hope this has been helpful, but please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if you need any further information or support.

Best wishes and take care.

Annerose (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist) 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

Ref/ LB/AM

Hello Annerose thank you very much.  

Do you have any information about improving fitness with lymphoma please? 

Thank you  

Hi BIDDYMOO,

Thanks for getting back in touch.

My name is Fiona and I’m one of Annerose’s colleagues on the Macmillan Support Line.

We don’t have specific information about improving fitness with lymphoma, however we do have a booklet on physical activity and cancer. You can look at this online or order a copy to be sent to you.

You may find this information about exercise helpful. It’s from Lymphoma Action.

The Cancer Care Map shows you what support services are available in your area and it might help you to find support with exercise.

Maggie’s centres offer a range of exercise classes. You can read more about that here.

I hope this information helps. Please feel free to get back in touch if you want more information or support.

Best wishes,

Fiona P,

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

Ref: FP/DC