Wondering about Simon - Lymphomas Message Board

singer78 · 07-02-2009, 07:55 PM

Hi All..
Once again, I've been away from the board.
My husband has had some issues going on....all is well now.

I haven't heard from Simon for quite some time & was wondering how he's doing.
I'm doing well, after my gallbladder removal & port removal in May.
No major problems to speak of...just some tiredness occasionally. I suspect it has to do with the whole "post treatment" thing.

I see my Oncologist in mid-July for blood work. I think I need an "iron" study done. I'm still taking it. Hopefully, I can get off of it soon. It's upsetting to my digestive system.

Anyway...just checkin' in, since it's been quite a while.

Simon, if you're reading this, please let me know how you're doing.

S.

lymphpre · 07-06-2009, 12:21 PM

HI Singer

I've been away from the board for a while as well.

As far as I know, still in remission. Lungs have never returned to normal, but appear to be stable (i.e. not deteriorating further), so am gradually tapering off the prednisolone. I think part of the reason I feel so rough all the time is related to having been on this drug for so long, and each time I reduce the dose, even though it is only slightly, I have a period where I feel exhauted all the time.

These drugs really do mess you up.

Hope you continue to do well.

Best wishes
Simon

singer78 · 07-06-2009, 12:36 PM

Hi.
Nice to hear from you.

That's good news, considering...
I know all about steroids. They do the job, but the side-effects are rough.

Continue to do well & keep me posted.

I feel I'm still battling a mild depression-- I can't help but think it's part of the repercussion of chemo. I'm taking celexa, and was wondering if I might need to "up" the dosage. I try to take the least amount possible. I think I'm on 10 mg.

Will you eventually be off the prednilosone altogether?

Take care.

S.

lymphpre · 07-08-2009, 11:09 AM

10mg of celexa is a low dose. I think 20mg is usually the minimum dose prescribed for depression. I really do not know the extent to which antidepressants work: I think they just take the edge off things.

I do hope I will be off the steroids at some stage. If my breathing tests remain stable, the dose will continue to be gradually reduced. It would be nice to get a full nights sleep without waking up continually, and feeling exhausted every morning, which I assume is due to the steroids.
S

singer78 · 07-08-2009, 11:17 AM

Are you still on Celexa?
I think I recall you taking it, also.

I hope, too, that you get to discontinue the steroids.
I remember that feeling when I was taking them.
I didn't know, until a few month's ago, that my ABVD included a dose of steroids.
I was wondering why I couldn't lose my "chemo" weight, and they told me it might take a few months.
I also heard antidepressants cause weight gain.
It's just about 10 extra pounds I'm carrying...nothing outrageous...but, I want to be back down to my svelte 135,...if possible.
Oh...I forget you're in the UK, you measure in "stones," right?

Hope today is a good day for you.