For individuals, friends and families who are looking to connect during life's challenging times. Share personal experiences, evaluate information and get support during times of need, illness, treatment or recovery.
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- What is Lymphoma?
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It really depends on the
It really depends on the specific chemo drugs he's being given, the type of lymphoma he has, and on his general overall health. In addition, chemotherapy affects everyone differently; some people lose their hair, some don't, even when they're being given the same drugs. So what else can you tell us about the chemo he'll be undergoing?
He has non Hodgkin's large
He has non Hodgkin's large cell B stage II. He takes a steroid for 5 days before each treatment. The drugs are Cytoxan, Adriamycin, Oncovin, Deltasone, Rituxan. I do understand each ones purpose. I know that everyone's side affects vary, but I'm so afraid of how bad they will be. Its a horrible feeling not to be able to make the pain he has now go away.I have never seen him in such pain even after back surgery. The doctor said he would go to work the next day, but I don't know. The doctor kept stressing that he's young, very fit,in good health otherwise.The steroid has taken down the huge lumps in his neck so some pain has been helped. I just really wanted to try and connect with some that may be getting this same treatment and what their first experience was like. We will have the first treatment in the hospital and stay over night because the lymph nodes are so so big, as they shrink it will dump those toxins into his body and could cause a kidney problem, so they want to monitor him close while he receives it.We are waiting for bone marrow test results but treatment will start before those are known.Thanks for your help.
My father has the same
My father has the same diagnosis but stage 4 and just completed his 4th chemo R-CHOP. He is 87 yo. His chemo has gone well except for some constipation from the anti-nausea med after the first treatment--he has since learned to prepare and takes Miralax on treatment days and possible a day or 2 after. He becomes very fatigued about a week after treatments and these have gotten worse--possibly the cumulative effects of the chemo including a low red blood cell count. His appetite has decreased and I encourage him to take advantage of the times he is feeling better to eat more. His white cell count falls after treatments and he has to take anti-biotics and basically hibernate during these periods.
Buddy
Thanks Beth I will go buy
Thanks Beth I will go buy some Miralax just to have on hand in case. We go tomorrow I'm so scared. Whats he going to be like after it's done? He has no clue how nervous I am. I just keep positive around him and our son and let loose when I call a friend. Has he lost his hair yet? not that I am concerned for myself, but these changes are things my son will notice that may upset him. I've only told him daddy is sick and the doctor has to give him the medicine to help the lumps in his neck. Auugghhh ! I hope I don't get upset once we get there and start it. He has'nt seen me upset yet in anyway, Ijust tell him were gonna be fine and we are taking care of it, he's young and strong so he'll be fine. Thanks for listening Beth. Francie
You have every right to feel
You have every right to feel scared, and upset, its normal. This is a scary disease. I am 34 and had stage 2 Hodgkins Lymph. I had a massive amount of lumps in the neck/throat and upper chest area. I have taken 8 treatments of ABVD chemo. The first couple were easiest. It almost seemed as it built in my system it got a little worse. Stool softeners are key, due to all of the medicines and chemo. Its okay to let him know your scared. My husband wouldnt show it and it bothered me a little, I almost felt like he was unsympathetic at times. He finally broke down with me one day and we both felt so much better. I do know a man who went all the way through treatment and never missed a day of work. Every case is different. Best of luck and God Bless. Melinda K
Francie, He did lose his
Francie, He did lose his hair. It started after the second treatment and he had my brother give him a buzz cut when he noticed that he was starting to lose it. That wasn't so bad. His chief complaint is the fatigue. There are times he has a tough time just getting up in the morning. But it took 3 cycles before it got particularly tough and a week or two after each cycle it does get better as the body rebuilds itself. It makes sense that when the bone marrow is suppressed time after time, it takes it's toll but it does get better. Another month, and he should be done. Hang in there. This too shall pass.
Buddy
Thanks Beth and Melinda, we
Thanks Beth and Melinda, we are here and waiting. They gave us a single room so I can stay over night with him. Oh man I'm so nervous, but everything will be fine. Thanks again guys.
Thanks Beth and Melinda, we
Thanks Beth and Melinda, we are here and waiting. They gave us a single room so I can stay over night with him. Oh man I'm so nervous, but everything will be fine. Thanks again guys.
Do some research on the white
Do some research on the white blood cell booster shots and blood transfusions. They were my best defense through the whole process. To help keep away the bad germ look into diets for cancer patients. Nutrapenic ?? (spelling) diet is the one I used and it helped keep away some bad germs. Would have never thought fresh fruit and flowers were dangerous to me. Best of luck and speedy recovery.
Neupogen injections are often
Neupogen injections are often used to stimulate the bone marrow to increase white blood cell production (the ones that fight infection) and Epogen, Procrit or Aranesp can be given to stimulate red blood cell production if the doctor feels that this number is of concern. I am guessing that transfusions would only be used as a last resort if the drugs don't work. My father receives Neupogen the day after chemo but though his hemoglobin drops, has not had to receive drugs or transfusions for this. His level typically had improved by the 2nd week post chemo.
Buddy