singer78
06-07-2007, 10:01 AM
Hi,
I have an appt. later today with my Oncologist for blood work, etc...
I posted a different post yesterday, and quite a few people wrote a few long, enlightening, lenghty explanations about Hodgkin's and it's treatment. One thing that came up, was radiation after chemo. I'm certainly going to address that today, as I've only had 2 small sessions with my Oncologist so far. The last few posts made me aware that I need to ask questions & seek answers, other than the usual "is this normal?" and "is that normal?"---are there any other specific things (other than radiation treatment) I should ask?
I had such an awry of weird symptoms during this first chemo...thank goodness it's subsided on day # 6, to the point that I'm feeling "alive" and somewhat normal again.
I had quite a bit of abdominal cramping throughout it all --I'm certainly going to address that.
Shoulder pain, too---which I practically LIVE on Tylenol's---although it is getting somewhat better.
If anyone has any tips about my appt., and what to address, please let me know. Otherwise, the main topic will probably be about the "rest" of my treatment concerning radiation, which in yesterday's post, raised a lot of questions for me. Linda (the one who posted) spoke of secondary cancers caused by radiation, and speaks first-hand, because it's happened in her family.
Please let me know if you will, and if you've read this & don't have anything to add---Have a wonderful, healthy day :) :)
S.
I have an appt. later today with my Oncologist for blood work, etc...
I posted a different post yesterday, and quite a few people wrote a few long, enlightening, lenghty explanations about Hodgkin's and it's treatment. One thing that came up, was radiation after chemo. I'm certainly going to address that today, as I've only had 2 small sessions with my Oncologist so far. The last few posts made me aware that I need to ask questions & seek answers, other than the usual "is this normal?" and "is that normal?"---are there any other specific things (other than radiation treatment) I should ask?
I had such an awry of weird symptoms during this first chemo...thank goodness it's subsided on day # 6, to the point that I'm feeling "alive" and somewhat normal again.
I had quite a bit of abdominal cramping throughout it all --I'm certainly going to address that.
Shoulder pain, too---which I practically LIVE on Tylenol's---although it is getting somewhat better.
If anyone has any tips about my appt., and what to address, please let me know. Otherwise, the main topic will probably be about the "rest" of my treatment concerning radiation, which in yesterday's post, raised a lot of questions for me. Linda (the one who posted) spoke of secondary cancers caused by radiation, and speaks first-hand, because it's happened in her family.
Please let me know if you will, and if you've read this & don't have anything to add---Have a wonderful, healthy day :) :)
S.
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pinkmada
06-07-2007, 10:09 AM
hey, i don't want to scare you or worry you any more than you already are but secondary cancers are a risk with chemo too. Chemotherapy is another type of radiation therapy. I've never found statistics that say which gives more of an increased risk but i know that chemo increases your risk of a secondary cancer (esp breast cancer) by 23%.
If you think of any questions for your oncologist, write them down because you will forget, and nothing is too trivial if it's causing you to worry!
xx
If you think of any questions for your oncologist, write them down because you will forget, and nothing is too trivial if it's causing you to worry!
xx
singer78
06-07-2007, 10:18 AM
Do you think, they "have" to tell you all the risks, just to cover themselves, because of potential law suits? Like on the back of a bottle of med's--any medication bottle---they always state "this risk" and "that risk"...which doesn't necessarily mean you're going to get it....maybe only 1% of people will get it, but "they" have to let it be known. maybe....? I'm trying to psyche myself into thinking they don't mean "me." LOL
Do you happen to know of any statistics out there for people using the mixture ABVD and it's "cure rate" concerning Hodgkin's?
I'm riding such a rollercoaster here. I feel up....then down....hopeful....scared.... I know knowledge is power, but it's also alarming, at times.
Thanks. You're always informative. I did not know that chemotherapy was a form of radiation. You're teaching me....
X
Do you happen to know of any statistics out there for people using the mixture ABVD and it's "cure rate" concerning Hodgkin's?
I'm riding such a rollercoaster here. I feel up....then down....hopeful....scared.... I know knowledge is power, but it's also alarming, at times.
Thanks. You're always informative. I did not know that chemotherapy was a form of radiation. You're teaching me....
X
pinkmada
06-07-2007, 01:00 PM
ABVD is this first combination to have completely cured a person of hodgkins. And i know that it is one of the least aggressive tyoes of treatment.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are basically poison being pumped into our bodies. Your oncologist will prescribe the best combination he thinks is suited to you and takes everything into consideration including height, weight, age and B symptoms (weight loss, night sweats, fevers etc) because even though we are recieving ABVD i know that i am the only person getting that treatment at the hospital and i think you are the first person i've spoken to on here that is recieving it. everyone else seems to be getting rituxan(?) and CHOPP.
Good luck at your oncologists
xxx
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are basically poison being pumped into our bodies. Your oncologist will prescribe the best combination he thinks is suited to you and takes everything into consideration including height, weight, age and B symptoms (weight loss, night sweats, fevers etc) because even though we are recieving ABVD i know that i am the only person getting that treatment at the hospital and i think you are the first person i've spoken to on here that is recieving it. everyone else seems to be getting rituxan(?) and CHOPP.
Good luck at your oncologists
xxx
singer78
06-07-2007, 01:10 PM
Hey there,
If I recall, Ails (Aileen) from England had Hodgkin's a few years back & I believe she had ABVD. The only problem I seemed to have, when they were administering it, was the last "D"---whatever that stuff is....it made my heart pound & when I mentioned it, the nurse's all came running & slowed the drip down quite a bit. I came home & still felt it a little---took half a xanax and that seemed to help. I probably was experiencing a little anxiety, too, from it all.
I've noticed quite a few people getting the other treatment you mentioned. I can't imagine anything harsher, than what I'm getting right now. This has been rough, but I'm beginning to understand the "pattern," and why treatment is so necessary. My collarbone node is still causing me problems---making my shoulder ache...sometimes debilitating....That's where all my problems started. It needs to shrink.
Gotta get ready to see my buddy, the Oncologist. Thanks again ...
I'll be in touch.
S.
If I recall, Ails (Aileen) from England had Hodgkin's a few years back & I believe she had ABVD. The only problem I seemed to have, when they were administering it, was the last "D"---whatever that stuff is....it made my heart pound & when I mentioned it, the nurse's all came running & slowed the drip down quite a bit. I came home & still felt it a little---took half a xanax and that seemed to help. I probably was experiencing a little anxiety, too, from it all.
I've noticed quite a few people getting the other treatment you mentioned. I can't imagine anything harsher, than what I'm getting right now. This has been rough, but I'm beginning to understand the "pattern," and why treatment is so necessary. My collarbone node is still causing me problems---making my shoulder ache...sometimes debilitating....That's where all my problems started. It needs to shrink.
Gotta get ready to see my buddy, the Oncologist. Thanks again ...
I'll be in touch.
S.
Ails
06-07-2007, 04:10 PM
Hiya Hun
How'd it go today?
The D of the ABVD gave me trouble too!! That's why I had to have the central line put it as it was sooo painful getting it put in through the hand / arm. It used to bring me out in quite a sweat and gave me that lump in the back of the throat that is a sign of feeling like you're gonna puke (maybe heart was thumping too but I was always too busy talking - some things never change - to notice it) IT's nasty stuff and begins breaking down as soon as it's made. They had to keep it under a black plastic bag too as light broke it down even faster.
The smell of the red one used to set off my gag reflex too. I still can't look at a glade plug-in air freshener without reaching
ABVD is VERY harsh - the docs said they wanted to throw as much as they could at me and really "pound this thing". I suppose as with anything else it's the strength and prescription used.
Glad to see you're feeling better
Ails xx
How'd it go today?
The D of the ABVD gave me trouble too!! That's why I had to have the central line put it as it was sooo painful getting it put in through the hand / arm. It used to bring me out in quite a sweat and gave me that lump in the back of the throat that is a sign of feeling like you're gonna puke (maybe heart was thumping too but I was always too busy talking - some things never change - to notice it) IT's nasty stuff and begins breaking down as soon as it's made. They had to keep it under a black plastic bag too as light broke it down even faster.
The smell of the red one used to set off my gag reflex too. I still can't look at a glade plug-in air freshener without reaching
ABVD is VERY harsh - the docs said they wanted to throw as much as they could at me and really "pound this thing". I suppose as with anything else it's the strength and prescription used.
Glad to see you're feeling better
Ails xx
singer78
06-07-2007, 06:40 PM
HI AILS!
Just got back from the Oncologist, and had a whole list of questions this forum has been helping me compile.
He spent quite a while with me, did bloodwork (all ok)...answered my questions methodically---specifically about radiation. I had concerns about it. He assured me, that since I'm only having 4 "rounds" instead of 6 rounds of chemo--that the radiation would be a good follow-up, and that it's only to "target" the important areas. (4 small areas in total, I guess). I don't know---I'm still not totally informed about radiation.
He wrote me a couple of script's (for acyclovir--herpes & prevacid?--for my awful stomach cramps) that I take on a daily basis throughout treatment.
He said my shoulder pain was, indeed, from the incision...along with maybe some arthritis setting in (made me feel a little old....) We have a history of arthritis in our family, so that's no surprise.
All in all, I feel it went as good as can be expected. They used my port to do my blood work--and it was "relatively" painless. I've lost 3 pounds, so on the way home we had McDonald's ---big vanilla milkshake & fries...I guess I need the calories. It's the first time I've REALLY enjoyed food, since last Friday.
I need to go lay down---having a few stomach problems, as I type...
I'll be in touch.
Thanks for asking.
How are you, Ails????
Exercising and enjoying life????
XO S.
p.s. About "smells"---I had to make my husband stop wearing men's cologne, and I used to love it. He understands, though.....
Just got back from the Oncologist, and had a whole list of questions this forum has been helping me compile.
He spent quite a while with me, did bloodwork (all ok)...answered my questions methodically---specifically about radiation. I had concerns about it. He assured me, that since I'm only having 4 "rounds" instead of 6 rounds of chemo--that the radiation would be a good follow-up, and that it's only to "target" the important areas. (4 small areas in total, I guess). I don't know---I'm still not totally informed about radiation.
He wrote me a couple of script's (for acyclovir--herpes & prevacid?--for my awful stomach cramps) that I take on a daily basis throughout treatment.
He said my shoulder pain was, indeed, from the incision...along with maybe some arthritis setting in (made me feel a little old....) We have a history of arthritis in our family, so that's no surprise.
All in all, I feel it went as good as can be expected. They used my port to do my blood work--and it was "relatively" painless. I've lost 3 pounds, so on the way home we had McDonald's ---big vanilla milkshake & fries...I guess I need the calories. It's the first time I've REALLY enjoyed food, since last Friday.
I need to go lay down---having a few stomach problems, as I type...
I'll be in touch.
Thanks for asking.
How are you, Ails????
Exercising and enjoying life????
XO S.
p.s. About "smells"---I had to make my husband stop wearing men's cologne, and I used to love it. He understands, though.....
pinkmada
06-07-2007, 08:40 PM
Just read your post before I'm going to bed. I'll reply properly tomorrow. I have HUGE cravings for vanilla milkshakes throughout my treatment and generally fatty foods. My doctor said that if my body is craving a bacon sandwich in the morning then have the bacon sandwich cause your body needs the fat! Bet it's the only time in my life a doctor tells me that!!!
Glad everything went ok.
Night night
xxx
Glad everything went ok.
Night night
xxx
singer78
06-07-2007, 08:59 PM
Yes, that's what I understand...that through chemo, whatever your body "asks" for--give it. My nurse was telling me, that one patient she had, all throughout the whole chemo routine, ONLY ate hot-fudge sundaes! She said she refused anything else...and she apparently got through it o.k.
I've been on a milkshake/pudding/ice cream/ diet, with occasional scrambled eggs and toast & 2 PIECES OF PIZZA (minus cheese--only last night) thrown in! I have a tendency to get queasy easy (hey, that rhymes) and anything bland is A-OK. The McDonald's on the way home earlier, was great--but, I've really got to watch indigestion....it's somewhat debilitating at times---the "double-over" type, where you can't stand up straight. I hope the Prevacid helps that (fingers crossed).
Anyway, I guess this is one time in your life to forget about calories and live it up---well, not entirely.... But, anything you can 'stomach' is good.
I wish my treatment were as close to the end as yours---
I'm hanging in there! :)
I've been on a milkshake/pudding/ice cream/ diet, with occasional scrambled eggs and toast & 2 PIECES OF PIZZA (minus cheese--only last night) thrown in! I have a tendency to get queasy easy (hey, that rhymes) and anything bland is A-OK. The McDonald's on the way home earlier, was great--but, I've really got to watch indigestion....it's somewhat debilitating at times---the "double-over" type, where you can't stand up straight. I hope the Prevacid helps that (fingers crossed).
Anyway, I guess this is one time in your life to forget about calories and live it up---well, not entirely.... But, anything you can 'stomach' is good.
I wish my treatment were as close to the end as yours---
I'm hanging in there! :)
pinkmada
06-08-2007, 12:32 PM
hey, my treatment has went by so quickly, it feels like yesterday i was dx! I keep getting cravings for mac and cheese and pizza and generally fatty stodgy foods. It also stops me feeling nausous! I overheard a nurse tell a girl just to eat ben and jerrys if she could stomach it!
xxx
xxx
singer78
06-08-2007, 02:51 PM
In the very beginning of treatment, here I am complaining like a fool....I just can't imagine this "going by quickly"... But, when I think about, even last month & all the tests & treatment, etc.. It DOES seem pretty fast.
I'm still having stomach problems---I suppose it's just plain ole' gas! --Both ends. They just told me the "Prevacid" I'm taking, will not help, until it builds up in system. Until then, look out----Didn't Popeye (the sailor man from the cartoon) used to say, "Blow me down....!" That's me!
So, I'm staying on a pretty bland diet. But, yes--ice cream ANYTHING is great! :)
I'm still having stomach problems---I suppose it's just plain ole' gas! --Both ends. They just told me the "Prevacid" I'm taking, will not help, until it builds up in system. Until then, look out----Didn't Popeye (the sailor man from the cartoon) used to say, "Blow me down....!" That's me!
So, I'm staying on a pretty bland diet. But, yes--ice cream ANYTHING is great! :)