Survivors of acute leukaemia and highly malignant lymphoma- retrospective views of daily life problems during treatment and remission.

The purpose of this study was to investigate retrospectively the experience of the treatment and nursing care provided to AL and HML patients in remission, and how the disease and treatment affected their current life. A further purpose was to investigate the relationship between the patients´ previous experiences of the nursing care and their current situation.  

This study showed that energy loss and nutritional problems predominate during the treatment phase. They should perhaps be the central focus for nurses in the care of AL and HML patients, because the extent of  these problems also indicated the presence of other physical problems. The overwhelming fatigue hinders the patient from doing things and from physically taking care of her/himself, and may be overlooked by the nurses since the patients motor capability may seem intact. Regular systematic assessment and properly adapted nursing care may lead to early detection and nursing intervention. This, may in turn decrease the emotional strain of having a life-threatening disease. When in remission, data indicated reduced psychological and sexual energy, existential problems along with sensitivity to infections, which implies the need for systematic follow-up care, including counselling. The much reduced psychological and sexual energy and the serious existential problems together with sensitivity to infections may lead to a persistent crisis reaction. It makes sense to establish strategies for identifying and treating this syndrome within a context of comprehensive follow-up care including prior emotional adjustment, the presence of environmental support and the offer of planned counselling.