Round 2 FCR complete

[Marie-54]

I have completed round 2 of FCR and am past the lowest point (10 days post) so am starting to recover.

The infusion days themselves were easy. I have a port so it is a simple hook up and away they go. No reactions day one and two, but by end of day 3 I was starting to feel some nausea. I take Ondansetron for the first 4 days of the cycle and that helps, but for days 3,4,5 and 6 I also needed to top that up with Prochlorazine to knock back any nausea that was trying to arise. That combination kept it under control and after day 6 there was no more nausea. Acid reflex is another matter. That is rather constant. Thank goodness for Tums.

After Round 1, I did not notice any health or fatigue issues. But at this stage of Round 2, I find I cannot do a whole lot. Folding a batch of laundry will set me into a sweat and out of breath with a rapid heart rate. (100-110 beats per minute) I just sit down for a few minutes and it passes, but even a walk around the block is a stamina test. I am presuming it is because 10 days after treatment our blood levels are lowest, and over the next 2 weeks they will build up again for the next round Dec 18,19,20.

My spirits are still good, and family and friends have been very good at not coming around when they are ill or have been exposed. I do miss going to my hockey games though. I am a season ticket holder and my family now gets to use all my tickets instead of me. Oh Well - GO SENS GO - I will see them in person again next year.

[devonrr]

Well done. Seems like your FCR treatment and affects are normal and you are coping well. Yes, mid cycle is your lowest point in recovery and you need to take it easy but by week four you should be getting towards “normal”. Two cycles gone the next will be half way. If the hockey game is the last week of the cycle is it possible? My consultant saw no reason for me to stop going to the theatre during treatment but I still tried to stay away from coughers. However, abstention from some treats is not too bad for 6 months to a year if we are going to feel much better.

[Marie-54 in reply to devonrr]

Dr said no Hockey Games, no malls, no restaurants until treatments are complete. Reasons: 18K people at the games where at least 1000 will be actively contagious, malls still too full of sick people, restaurants are a listeria concern.

I can go to stores mid week, just need to avoid crowds and wash well when I get home.

[Cindy1462]

Hi. I have just had my third cycle of FCR and my second cycle was my worst so far. I had the rapid heartbeat and sweating if I tried to do simple tasks like mopping the floor. This third cycle was completely different although I hope am not speaking to soon as I am only on day 4 of the F and C tablets, but I’ve got lots more energy and haven’t had to go to bed during the day at all which I did on cycle 1 and 2. Hopefully this will be the same for you. Take it easy. Xxx

[Marie-54 in reply to Cindy1462]

Thanks for the update Cindy. As they say everywhere - each person is different and each cycle is/can be as well. Here's hoping the 3rd and subsequent cycles go well for you. You are Half way done !

[holly2]

All the best Marie, I completed 5 rounds of FCR Feb to June this year and soooooo glad when it finished.

Do ask them to be sure about the number of rounds you will need. They tend to go for 6 but a lot of people on this forum have had less and still achieved remission. My blood results have remained very low and I think I should not have had the 5th cycle. But we are all different so it is worth asking the question. I did not think of asking the question but was more worried about not having all 6.

Hope you continue doing well. Holly

[Marie-54 in reply to holly2]

Hmmm - I wonder how they know you are in remission? What test gives them that data?

I ask specifically, as I have SLL not CLL so bloodwork is not going to give them an answer for me.

[Cindy1462 in reply to Marie-54]

I think they do a bone marrow biopsy to see if you have no residual disease left in bone marrow.

[Rose-white in reply to Marie-54]

I have SLL and only completed 4 rounds due to problems. I had a CT scan and another bone marrow biopsy after the chemo which showed only a small number of enlarged nodes in my tummy and no detectable SLL cells in my bone marrow. My doctor tells me I’m now stable and back on watch and wait.

[Marie-54 in reply to Rose-white]

Thanks Rose for the info. May I ask what the problems were that prevented you from completing the course?

[Rose-white in reply to Marie-54]

Unfortunately my bloods didn’t recover after 4th round leaving me needing a blood transfusion. My Hymotology doctor decided that further chemo would do more harm than good. I have since been having weekly blood tests. Hymoglobine and platelets are fine, nutropils are .7 not great but ok.

[Marie-54 in reply to Rose-white]

I hope they pick up soon. good luck.