Chemo: after-effects - Lymphomas Message Board

Caregiver21 · 11-01-2007, 09:41 PM

Hello,

I just found this site today and I think it's wonderful. My husband (37 yrs) was diagnosed with Nodular Sclerosing Hodgkin's Lymphoma (IIB Bulky), earlier this year. He's completed 6 cycles of ABVD with minimal side effects (dehydration was a big problem), and 17 rads. He was pronounced clean before he started rads, but because of the large tumor in his chest, the rads were a necessary precaution.

I wanted to say "hi", and also to find out if there are many who have gone the ABVD route, and what they are experiencing after the chemo. For instance, any residual side-effects that may come and go? I know fatigue is something that takes some time to go away. My hubby experienced a "tightness" in his belly the days following chemo. Also, the Neulasta shot after each treatment gave him achiness and bone pain.

He's about 3 months post-chemo, and is experiencing this "tightness" and some achiness again. Would love to know if there are others that may have some insight on what to expect in the next couple of months.

Thanks, and God Bless!

Nassau one · 11-02-2007, 05:54 AM

Hi, I am glad you found this site ....this is the club none of us want to join! I think pinkmada had a similar chemo treatment as your husband, but all chemotherapy treatments tend to leave the patient with some fatigue, as can radiotherapy, which your husband also had. It can take quite some months to get back to feeling "normal".

It is always advisable to mention to the oncologist any symptoms that might be causing concern. I found that I would go with my list of problems and they would be explained away, making me feel much better! We have to remember that both chemotherapy and radiotherapy are powerful treatments and, while they are necessary to get rid of the cancer, they also affect the rest of our bodies.

I hope you will keep us updated on how you are your husband are doing.

Love,

Caregiver21 · 11-02-2007, 09:49 AM

Thanks for the response! I belong to an email group (since early this year) which has been awesome for support.

I hope to find the same with this group here. It's a great way to be able to give support and receive it. With Hodgkin's especially, because of the great cure (not just remission) rate, it's so helpful to share all the positives.

I think you're right and that we can have the Onc explain the symptoms. I guess it just takes time for the fear of recurrence to dull. Take care!

Eva

singer78 · 11-03-2007, 09:46 AM

Hi,
I finished 8 rounds of chemo & have 5 more of 20 rad's to go.
I'm wondering about side-effects down-the-road, too....Sometimes to the point of obsessing about it. I'm seeking out help now, for emotional support, but as far as physical side effects, I think each and every person is different.
Nassau One is right....mention it to your husband's Onc.
He is the one with the the knowledge and knows what's "normal."
Congrat's on your husband's "clean" diagnosis, too.
That's what I'm praying for very soon.

XO

Caregiver21 · 11-03-2007, 02:26 PM

You're right, the Onc knows best.

I didn't know the side effects could come and go. That's what scared me. He was doing great and all of a sudden, he started becoming fatigued again.

I wish you much luck on the rest of your treatment. Truly, don't worry about the long-term effects. It's one battle at a time and this is the battle you should focus on. Who knows what new research and treatments will provide in the future for other issues?!

I know it's hard not to obsess (really). The only thing that saves me most days is talking to others like you and getting support from people who are going through the same thing. It's hard to talk yourself down, isn't it?!

I'll be saying a prayer for peace and comfort for you. Take care, and God Bless!

Eva