First, one needs to know the type of lymphoma it is, such as Non Hodgkins, Hodgkins, small lymphocytic lymphoma, mantle cell, hairy cell, whether it is T cell, B cell, and so forth. Yesterday I read an excellent overview of lymphomas on the Medscape site, which details all the varieties. "Full blown" can mean enlarged nodes at multiple sites, lymphoma cancer cells in organs (not only blood/lymph system), bone marrow infiltration, significantly compromised immune system with subsequent infections or secondary cancers occurring, and pleural effusions of some note. Perhaps at a later stage, there can be tumor masses pressing on nerves, or even enlarged nodes can do this, resulting in significant discomfort. This is general, and what I have observed in "full blown lymphoma", but it was in one individual and again there is alot of diversity in the lymphoma type of cancer. I would imagine if there is "full blown" lymphoma, a course of chemotherapy or monoclonal antibody (or both) treatments have started, to attempt to shrink the nodes, or even allow a remission, unless it is too advanced.
I am a layperson, so hopefully a physician can give a more precise medical description.

Thank you very much. This was very helpful.