Hypotensitivity Pulmonary Fibrosis?

[Suzy6]

Can some one help on this please. A friends Mother has this and is going into hospital in January for Chemo. Is this usual for HPF?

[dall05]

Hi Suzy, I have PF which they think was caused by my immune system attacking my lungs so I had 6 sessions of chemo/cyclophosphamide over about 3 months. Each session took about 7 hours which included 2 hours of steroids on a drip also.

It was a rheumatology dosage so I didn't lose any hair and I didn't get sick but I did feel pretty tired. I've done well for 2 years since so tell her not to worry, it'll be just fine.

Tony x

[Suzy6 in reply to dall05]

Thanks Tony. I have copied your reply and sent it to her. I think she was thinking lung cancer. This should make her feel happier.

[dall05 in reply to Suzy6]

I must admit I was a little concerned when they first mentioned Chemo to me but it was just a way of suppressing my immune system. You only hear of chemo linked with cancer so that's the first thing that comes to mind but it seems it is used for many other things too.

The worst part of having the chemo was sitting in the chair for 7 hours while they dripped it in but as long as you take a good book and the nurse is a good one then the time soon passes.

My neighbor lent me her bright red wig just in case my hair fell out and I have a photo somewhere that I must post. Luckily my hair didn't fall out so the wig wasn't needed, Whew!!

They told me after treatment that it is very rare for hair to fall out on the lower rheumatology dose of chemo.

Your friend should have nothing to worry about.

[Suzy6 in reply to dall05]

I'm sure you would have looked real good in the red wig. Waiting for the photo please

[dall05 in reply to Suzy6]

The photo takes up more than the maximum kb used on this site so you'll have to check it out on my facebook . Request a friend, tony dalley and you should be able to have a laugh.

[BugsBunny]

Suzy

Like Tony, I too had six sessions of mild chemo spread over 6 months. I did feel sick and dizzy after the sessions and so I needed a friend to take me home. I saw a great improvement in my pulmonary fibrosis over the following year. My pulmonary fibrosis is still fairly stable 4 year on. Please tell your friend that it has nothing to do with lung cancer its just a tool the respiratory consultant will use for pulmonary fibrosis.

All the best

Mandy

[Suzy6 in reply to BugsBunny]

Thanks BugsBunny I'm certain she will be reassured now.

[sandy126]

my husband had a kind of chemo and went to the hospital for numerous visits - sadly it only delayed the inevitable for him..but it gave us both hope. The nurse that we saw weekly became a friend during that time and gave us hope

[Suzy6 in reply to sandy126]

Thanks Sandy I'm sure she is feeling nervous but hopefully the replies here will calm her.

[maggie44]

Hi Suzy

Like Bugs bunny I had this treatment a couple of years ago. No hair loss, did feel rather sick but was given some pills to control this (which it did). My husband drove me to and fro from hospital - felt a bit tired and dizzy after the session. Good book ot ipod needed although sometimes one of the other patients or their companion wanted to chat.

She shouldn't worry - definitely stabilised my immune system and fibrosis for some time.

Maggie

[Suzy6 in reply to maggie44]

Hi maggie thanks for your information I think she is just a little apprehensive. Glad it helped you.