Chemo effects

[Russ70]

Hi,

49 year old, been on watch and wait for 2 and a half years, but now have a very large node in groin. Anyway, I have to get some treatment, namely chemo and some sort of immunotherapy. I have read common effects of chemo (and I know everybody is different), but what has everybody here encountered? I am quite relieved to get it done and out the way and not be on watch and wait anymore (sounds strange i know). Hematologist, said as I am on the younger end of the scale, it will probably the tiredness I will feel mostly. I think I have to get it every 3 weeks for 6 rounds and I'm just wondering if the effects stay for a few days after treatment and then get less.

[Larwil]

Russ70, as you stated everyone is different, but i had chemo (R-CHOP) about 5 years ago to treat DLBCL, i only had 3 rounds of chemo followed of by 15 rounds of radiation, my cancer was in my jaw bone, but besides losing my hair the chemo was not that bad, did not get sick, but used anti Nausea pills, was a little tired but not all that bad, I was surprised on the lack of systems from it as I was expecting it to be much worse than it was, I had a much harder time with the radiation as it was in my jaw bone i had sores in my mouth that were very painful. But as far as the chemo it was not to bad at all, good luck, Larry

[Russ70 in reply to Larwil]

Cheers Larry

[Jean49]

A lot depends on what type of chemo you have. Sometimes there is an initial reaction with the first infusion. I had hives from the Rituxan but my doctor and nurses were there to counter act it.

[Lovedogs47]

Hello, what really stuck out to me was the finally....& waiting for 2 yrs! I went through the same thing. I don't think anyone (my fam & friends) really understood. My cancer journey started oct of 18 & I just "finally" started treatment beginning of this month. I was on the wait & watch too. I honestly thought that was harder because it was like I was just waiting around to get sicker. So when I read your post it was just a relief that I am not the only 1 feeling that way! Thank you for that! I am sorry that I can't answer your question. I have lymphoma so I started a chemo thing called rituxan (its spelled differently, but that's how it's pronounced) i get my last out of 5 treatments this Friday! then a scan 6 wks later & as long as it helped I will get an infusion once every 3 months. The 1st was rough but doing well w the others! Good luck to u!

[Russ70 in reply to Lovedogs47]

Yes i kinda felt the whole waiting was worse than getting treatment news. I don't know how spaced apart my treatment will be, but as i work from home, i was hoping i would just be tired and could still function....as i can sit on a recliner

[Bharris23]

Russ70 -

I'm sorry that you and your family are having to deal with this. At 43, I was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma and had 6 rounds of (R-CHOP) with rituxan (immunotherapy) in 3-week increments. As Jean49 stated, your body will have a reaction to the rituxan and solved with benadryl. The chemo/rituxan itself is tough stuff. I'm sure you know, everything builds and you feel a little worse each treatment. Chemo takes away the good and bad in your body. Ask about your Dr about probiotic drinks to help replace your stomach bacteria that's lost. Also, I gained weight b/c of the prednisolone I was prescribed. This was the most difficult part for me. I was asked, how does the chemo make you feel? I described it as feeling "gray". The steroid was very powerful and made me feel like I wasn't myself. I spoke with my head-nurse and was able to help with Xanax. Ask your nurses questions. Ask to learn, but if something doesn't feel right, tell them. They will be like extended family when it's over. Drink plenty of water - now, during, after. Keep moving - exercise if you can. Best of luck in your journey. Please keep us posted on your progress. Prayers to you and your family!

[Russ70 in reply to Bharris23]

Thanks for the reply. Sounds like the initial reaction is quite common, so will keep that in mind. Doctor said the main effects are tiredness, so if thats the case that is manageable. As i work from home, many times from a recliner (software tester), i have the feeling that also may be manageable with naps during the day. I will keep everyone informed. I am actually looking forward to getting it now (sounds weird). I know follicular is very manageable, so thats good

[Lala1950]

I too had enlarged lymph nodes in my groin, armpits and neck. I did very well with Rituxan and didn't have any problems at all. I am glad you are off the craziness of watch and wait and now can proceed. Keep us posted!

[Russ70 in reply to Lala1950]

Thanks! I am confident my age will go for me, with the side effects. Just want to start now. Watch and wait is crazy and goes against everything you would think at the start. Gad I was on it, but it was a bit of a mind f*** at times. Sorry for the language (even if it is starred out)

[BBMmyname]

I had Non Hopkins Lymphoma in my neck also. Chemo was rough, 2 days a month for 3 months and I didn’t do very well with it. First month I had about 5 days feeling half azz, second about 2-3 days and the third treatment lasted about 6 weeks. 1 month of radiation, got a sore throat and they bolt your head to the table which takes getting use too. Chemo went through stages for me like 5 days of feeling this way and then another. The steroids in the Chemo my sugar went into the 500’s which isn’t good. Chemo is No joke straight poison as far as I’m concerned. Your choices are limited your in there hands for sure but you do make the final decisions on like extended chemo. They offered me 3 more months if I wanted it, I did not. I asked for radiation cause something told me I needed it so that’s what I did. Sweats that would come out of no where even in the AC are gone now. I guess all I’m trying to say don’t let them give you more than your body can handle. Good Luck and God Bless

[BLP1211 in reply to BBMmyname]

Great advice,!!

[Russ70]

Thanks for or all the replies. Kinda knew that it totally depends on the person. Symptoms vary wildly. Also depends on what one you have. Follicular for me. We will see what happens

[Russ70]

Well, I had my first round on Wednesday. It was a full day treatment as it was my first time and they had to start off slow incase I had reactions. I was told if any reactions will show it will be immediately after I start. I got pumped with benadryl first, and then the r in rchop began. Nurse was great as she talked to me the whole time so I didn't notice the change over. I had not side effects, which was great from the initial infusion. The benadryl did make me very sleepy, but that's to be expected. The only one where I had a slight reaction was the one they push into your veins (red) from a huge syringe. If it is pushed too fast, the veins hurt. They started to get uncomfortable, but I told the nurse and she slowed down to a good pace. When I got home, I had a big sleep and honestly when I woke up I felt fine. Still feel fine, so that is really good news. Long may it continue