10 Replies
Last post:
Oct 21, 2009 8:22 AM by
sope
Hi Sabrina-
I agree with Peter. Everyone experiences things a little differently but each person kind of gets into a rhythm with their side effects. I have found it interesting how predictable they have become, even to the point where I can almost "set my watch" as to when to expect what. I was diagnosed in May of this year and started ABVD in June. I have had 8 treatments (4 cycles) and have another 4 treatments to go. They give me five pre-chemo drugs the day of chemo and one of those is Decadron (a steroid). That helps hold off those flu-like symptoms for a day and a half and also helps one not be so fatigued. After that wears off, I experience what they call the Decadron crash--extreme fatigue. I also get the achy muscles and I experience some nausea even with the anti-nausea meds, although I am sure it would be a lot worse without those meds. I can eat very little during that first week and can only eat very easy to digest foods, like breakfast stuff. I am really knocked out for three to four days, pretty much a couch potato, and then slowly I start coming back to life. The second week is better energy wise and I can start participating in life again (going to stores, visiting with friends, doing some chores around the house, etc). Just when I hit my stride, it's time for the next chemo. I still get tired very easily even in the second, better week and often find myself having to nap and be careful how I spend my energy. If I have something to do in the afternoon I try to rest in the morning. As I realized there was a pattern to how I reacted to the chemo, I began to relax a little more and have not been as "hyper-vigilant" as I was in the beginning. It's really important to tell your doctor everything that you are experiencing when you go in for your checkups. They keep a close eye on things and can be very helpful if you get an unexpected side effect (for me it was thrush after chemo #3).
I am sorry that you have to go through this but you will get through it. Keep asking your questions and keep us updated! 
Denise
I did ABVD alone, 3 cycles. I did find that side effects were predictable. Day of chemo I was fine. Next day food was less appealing and I felt a little tired. 3rd day I was not happy. I was VERY naseated, tired and weak. I had to force myself to eat, and usually felt a big wave of depression. I drank TONS of water to clear my system out. I tried to eat protein, even if it was just a spoon of peanut butter. Day 4 was bad, and then day 5 I was much better. I would load up on calories while I felt good to prep for the next round. As time progressed I got weaker. I used anti anxiety meds to help me sleep, tylenol for aches, zofran for naseau, and an antidepressant. I lost my hair starting after the second chemo, but never lost all of it. My mouth got a little icky, but I used a Rx mouthwash (think it was st george or something). I think the bleomiacin did not work well with my lungs and I would get winded going upstairs. My WBC was always way low treatment day, but I never did the neulasta shot. I remember that I started to smell funny the day after chemo from the chemo 
I found a support group to be VERY good, my family was my lifeline and on the rough days I reminded myself I was not alone. Radiation was a walk in the park compared to chemo for me, After treatment was over I gradually felt better. I walked a lot, ate really well, went to counseling and I feel totally normal now.
SOme helpful tips, if you don't have a port and do IV, drinking lots of water the day before helps. If your veins won't cooperate, sometimes a heating blanket on the arm before the IV helps. Doing the Look Good Feel Better program with lots of free cosmetics can be a boost. I would try to eat the best you can to support your body. Ask for help when you need it, especially before you get too run down (I had a 2 yr old at the time). Look into the financial aid program with LLS. The First Connection program with LLS is very good too. There is a toothpaste out there (cant remember name) that is very gentle (your office probably knows the name).
I wish you the very best. Things will get better in the future. Remember to ask for help when you need it.
