A Patient’s Guide to Understanding
Cutaneous Lymphoma
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patients developing cataracts due to exposure to UVA lights. With that in
mind, it’s a good idea to have an eye exam prior to the start of treatment to
determine that your eyes are healthy. Also, make sure you have protective
eyewear, UVA-blocking wrap-around sunglasses, to wear during PUVA
treatments. These are available at many superstores and also treatment
centers that administer phototherapy.
Because you will be sensitive to light after undergoing PUVA, you’ll want
to schedule your treatment sessions accordingly. Getting PUVA first thing
in the morning may not be a wise choice as you’ll likely spend the rest of the
day going in and out of sunlight. Discuss your specific lifestyle demands
and routines with your healthcare provider to determine the best time of
day to schedule light treatments.
Also discuss with your healthcare team the potential side effects of this or
any treatment (which can include nausea) because certain natural remedies,
like ginger products, may aid in alleviating such symptoms. You will
want adequate time to stock up on any such remedies so that when the
symptoms arise you are prepared.
Preparing for Photopheresis
The better informed a patient is about photopheresis, the better the
procedure will go. Certain blood tests are recommended before beginning
photopheresis, where the blood is treated with drugs that are later
activated with ultraviolet light. Physicians often check a patient’s T-cells
and blood-clotting to have a baseline before beginning this course of
treatment.
Eye care is an issue with photopheresis, so make sure you have your
protective eyewear before beginning treatment. Hydration is also
important in this course, so patients should make sure to be well-hydrated
for several days before each treatment session. The better hydrated a
person is, the easier it will be to access veins for treatment. Many doctors
recommend that patients tour the photopheresis unit before undergoing
treatment and have their veins checked for accessibility.
Because the treatment takes time, bring reading material or movies to
watch to make the time go faster. You will likely develop relationships
with others in the treatment unit because many people remain on the same
schedule and see familiar faces each time.
