R-CHOP peeps

thejollyfam
thejollyfam Member Posts: 5
Hi All,

Hope you all have a merry Christmas & are getting ready for the new year! Had a question for those of you that have had R-CHOP or are currently having it now. Did your side effects seem to get worse with each treatment? I know everyones reaction to chemo is different but I was curious to see if anyone's side effects got worse. My dad just finished his 3rd R-CHOP and the nausea seemed to hang around for a lil longer, even though we tried to treat it early. Thanks for your input!


Whitney
«1

Comments

  • merrywinner
    merrywinner Member Posts: 626 Member
    Hi Whitney,
    I have or I should say had FNHL. I had 6 rounds of R CHOP from Oct.,2009 thru Jan.,2010. Yes, at least for me the side effects worsen some with each treatment. I think the reason being that the body gets progressively weaker from the assault and has a harder time recovering in its more weakened state. It is a cumulative effect. I was warned in advance to prepare myself for a hard time by #5 and 6. My main side effect was the fatigue and the warning was justified. I was pretty done in by the end. But it slowly gets better so tell your Dad to hang in there and as always do report all side effects. Best of luck. Mary
  • COBRA666
    COBRA666 Member Posts: 2,401 Member
    SIDE EFFECTS
    Whitney,
    I would say they got progressive. After round #4 it took longer to get any strenght back. By round #5 it had progressed to where I could not get any strength at all and stayed tired all the time with mostly down days. I practically felt like I was dragging across the finish line when I went for round #6. It took a couple of months after that time to feel at least 90% recovered. Its been 3 months now just today and I honestly feel 98%. Those harsh chemicals take a real toll on the body. John(FNHL-1-4A-5/10) REMISSION
  • truckingalong
    truckingalong Member Posts: 445 Member
    Treat his sensitive stomach gently
    Hi, Whitney,

    I just had 10th chemo (2 more to go) and find that my stomach is more sensitive to hard, uncooked or spicy foods. I prefer well cooked stuff - no fresh veg and fruits. My onc told me to now take Prilosec twice a day instead of mornings - I take the second pill before dinner and that helps. Well, I could say more but I don't know specifically how he eats.. let me know if I can help with your questions. Hope he feels better.

    Liz
    (HL-4-8/10, REMISSION)
  • kayebadoe
    kayebadoe Member Posts: 81
    My first one was the worst
    My first one was the worst by far! I was in bed for 5 days. After that I started accupunture and it helped alot.
  • dixiegirl
    dixiegirl Member Posts: 1,043 Member
    kayebadoe said:

    My first one was the worst
    My first one was the worst by far! I was in bed for 5 days. After that I started accupunture and it helped alot.

    Hey Kaye
    How are you? I haven't seen you post much lately and think about you alot!

    I am so happy someone else got relief from acupuncture. It was such an unexpected help to me.

    Take care,
    Beth
  • bicarsa
    bicarsa Member Posts: 4 Member
    R-CHOP
    I had 8 sessions of R-CHOP every 21 days in 2008. They gave me benedryl and some anti-nausea meds IV before giving me the R-CHOP. I must say it really helped. The benedryl made me fall asleep while I was getting the chemo. On the days when the nausea was bad I took Zofran. I guess I was fortunate in that I would feel pretty lousy on day 3 after the chemo and then I would be tired on days 4 thru 6. By day 7 I would start to feel ok again. What I found the hardest to deal with was the diarrhea. I think that is what wiped me out the most. I remember there were days I couldn't stand up long enough to take a shower.
    Please tell your Dad to hang in there. Someone told me that "cancer is not for sissies" and they were correct! But it does get better.
  • tcvine
    tcvine Member Posts: 174
    R-CHOP
    I had 6 rounds of R-CHOP from Aug. through Dec. 2010.
    My experience was that the side effects got continually worse each time, but they were somewhat different. The first couple of cycles were the tiredness. Then the neuropathy set in and it got worse for cycles 3 & 4. Then 4, 5 & 6 the tiredness hit again big time and really laid me out. Everyone is individual and reacts somewhat differently. I was lucky because my nausea meds controlled the nausea very well. For me, that was the saving grace.
    Good luck to you and your Dad.

    Tom (DLBCL-4-7/10-Remission)
  • bobmcghee
    bobmcghee Member Posts: 44 Member
    tcvine said:

    R-CHOP
    I had 6 rounds of R-CHOP from Aug. through Dec. 2010.
    My experience was that the side effects got continually worse each time, but they were somewhat different. The first couple of cycles were the tiredness. Then the neuropathy set in and it got worse for cycles 3 & 4. Then 4, 5 & 6 the tiredness hit again big time and really laid me out. Everyone is individual and reacts somewhat differently. I was lucky because my nausea meds controlled the nausea very well. For me, that was the saving grace.
    Good luck to you and your Dad.

    Tom (DLBCL-4-7/10-Remission)

    R-CHOP
    I had 7 rounds of r-chop. Each person has a different reaction to treatments as I have seen reading these posts. I agree each treatment beats you down a little more. My eighth treatment was cancelled because my white count was so low I ended up in the hospital for four days. To me there is a psychological weakening in addition to the physical stress. I dreaded the thought of the next treatment and the various problems it would cause to my system. Just keep in mind that it is not going to last forever. Think of the fun you will have watching your hair grow back. Does anyone know the purpose of ear hair?
  • truckingalong
    truckingalong Member Posts: 445 Member
    bobmcghee said:

    R-CHOP
    I had 7 rounds of r-chop. Each person has a different reaction to treatments as I have seen reading these posts. I agree each treatment beats you down a little more. My eighth treatment was cancelled because my white count was so low I ended up in the hospital for four days. To me there is a psychological weakening in addition to the physical stress. I dreaded the thought of the next treatment and the various problems it would cause to my system. Just keep in mind that it is not going to last forever. Think of the fun you will have watching your hair grow back. Does anyone know the purpose of ear hair?

    Running a Marathon of Treatments - the Final Leg
    To Bobmcghee:

    What? Having fun watching ear hair grow back? Ha-ha, LOL! Yes I know you mean just the hair but I cannot help think of the ear hair too! I understand it prevents from particles coming in the ear? I notice that now that I have no ear hair, I get less protection from the cold and noise as well.

    I am having anxiety for my upcoming 11th chemo tomorrow - since my last chemo my stomach is not taking it well and my throat is almost gagging me - will report that to my onc. I had my PFT last week (pulmonary function test) - looks like my lungs performed less than before. I was told there may be changes in my chemo cocktail... whatever. You said it - the more treatments the more anxious and beaten down I get and that also with the nose dive blood counts... I pray that I'll be treated gently tomorrow and this week. How many more you are supposed to go for treatments? I just have 2 more to go but it is HARD. Sorry this has been hard on you too. I will think about the ear hair tomorrow, ha.

    With positive thoughts,
    Liz
    (HL-4-8/10, REMISSION)
  • allmost60
    allmost60 Member Posts: 3,178 Member

    Running a Marathon of Treatments - the Final Leg
    To Bobmcghee:

    What? Having fun watching ear hair grow back? Ha-ha, LOL! Yes I know you mean just the hair but I cannot help think of the ear hair too! I understand it prevents from particles coming in the ear? I notice that now that I have no ear hair, I get less protection from the cold and noise as well.

    I am having anxiety for my upcoming 11th chemo tomorrow - since my last chemo my stomach is not taking it well and my throat is almost gagging me - will report that to my onc. I had my PFT last week (pulmonary function test) - looks like my lungs performed less than before. I was told there may be changes in my chemo cocktail... whatever. You said it - the more treatments the more anxious and beaten down I get and that also with the nose dive blood counts... I pray that I'll be treated gently tomorrow and this week. How many more you are supposed to go for treatments? I just have 2 more to go but it is HARD. Sorry this has been hard on you too. I will think about the ear hair tomorrow, ha.

    With positive thoughts,
    Liz
    (HL-4-8/10, REMISSION)

    Will think of you...
    Hi Liz,
    I will be thinking of you with positive thoughts that your chemo treatment will go ok. I'll be so glad when you are finished and can start the process of resting WITHOUT anymore chemo. It has really been rough on you Liz, but you have really been a trooper through it all. God bless you sweet lady and hang in there. Love, Sue (FNHL-2-3A-6/10)
  • bobmcghee
    bobmcghee Member Posts: 44 Member

    Running a Marathon of Treatments - the Final Leg
    To Bobmcghee:

    What? Having fun watching ear hair grow back? Ha-ha, LOL! Yes I know you mean just the hair but I cannot help think of the ear hair too! I understand it prevents from particles coming in the ear? I notice that now that I have no ear hair, I get less protection from the cold and noise as well.

    I am having anxiety for my upcoming 11th chemo tomorrow - since my last chemo my stomach is not taking it well and my throat is almost gagging me - will report that to my onc. I had my PFT last week (pulmonary function test) - looks like my lungs performed less than before. I was told there may be changes in my chemo cocktail... whatever. You said it - the more treatments the more anxious and beaten down I get and that also with the nose dive blood counts... I pray that I'll be treated gently tomorrow and this week. How many more you are supposed to go for treatments? I just have 2 more to go but it is HARD. Sorry this has been hard on you too. I will think about the ear hair tomorrow, ha.

    With positive thoughts,
    Liz
    (HL-4-8/10, REMISSION)

    Final leg
    Liz,

    These treatments are like hitting yourself in the head with a hammer, it feels much better when you stop. My 8th and last r-chop was supposed to be on 11-17-10 but the doctor said since my pet scan after the 6th treatment was good he decided to skip the last one. It was nice because I got to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner and every meal since except for some that I cooked. Things will get better.
    Thinking of you,
    Bob
  • yesyes2
    yesyes2 Member Posts: 591
    bobmcghee said:

    Final leg
    Liz,

    These treatments are like hitting yourself in the head with a hammer, it feels much better when you stop. My 8th and last r-chop was supposed to be on 11-17-10 but the doctor said since my pet scan after the 6th treatment was good he decided to skip the last one. It was nice because I got to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner and every meal since except for some that I cooked. Things will get better.
    Thinking of you,
    Bob

    Almost There
    Hi Liz,

    Sending you much love and lots and lots of healing thoughts. You have been through so much and my heart really goes out to you. You are so right, it is a marathon, but you are almost at that finish line.

    I pray that this round goes better for you,

    With blessings,
    Leslie
  • yesyes2
    yesyes2 Member Posts: 591
    yesyes2 said:

    Almost There
    Hi Liz,

    Sending you much love and lots and lots of healing thoughts. You have been through so much and my heart really goes out to you. You are so right, it is a marathon, but you are almost at that finish line.

    I pray that this round goes better for you,

    With blessings,
    Leslie

    So Right
    Bob, you are so right, it is like hitting your self in the head with a 2X4. But what choice do we really have. We are all very brave people and need to give ourselves lots and lots of credit for the fact we are doing this journey.
    I'm so happy that you are completed with your treatments and now are growing ear hair, LOL.
    Leslie
  • C_Reich
    C_Reich Member Posts: 10
    R-CHOP
    Hello I am newly diagnosed and new here, I am also curious of R-CHOP (i am actually on just CHOP), I started it last week at St Jude. The side effects I have gotten so far, are stomach pain, extreme indigestion/heartburn & acid reflex, and I am always tired and very weak. I just started 7 days ago, and am going in tommorow to receive my Vincristine (oncovin). I am just curious if my side effects are going to progressively get worse as the treatment goes on. I am also curious, to know how long it will take on this regiment until my hair begins to fall away.

    -Cameron Reicheneker
  • bobmcghee
    bobmcghee Member Posts: 44 Member
    C_Reich said:

    R-CHOP
    Hello I am newly diagnosed and new here, I am also curious of R-CHOP (i am actually on just CHOP), I started it last week at St Jude. The side effects I have gotten so far, are stomach pain, extreme indigestion/heartburn & acid reflex, and I am always tired and very weak. I just started 7 days ago, and am going in tommorow to receive my Vincristine (oncovin). I am just curious if my side effects are going to progressively get worse as the treatment goes on. I am also curious, to know how long it will take on this regiment until my hair begins to fall away.

    -Cameron Reicheneker

    R-CHOP
    Cameron,

    For me the week after r-chop was the worst as far as stomach issues and weakness. They told me 10 days after the treatment would be about the time the white count would be the lowest. For me this was true. From about day 8 to day 13 after treatment I had bad stomach pain sort of like gas pains, then it got better. Each treatment takes a toll on your body but the changes in how I felt were not dramatic after each one. The way I felt in the 8 to 13 days after the treatment period was pretty standard for all treatments. My first treatment was on 6-23-10 and I had all my hair buzzed off on 07-10-10 because it was coming out in clumps. In general keep the onc informed about how you feel and any problems that bother you. If the doctor tells you nobody else has the problem you have go online and find out how many others experience the same treatment issues as you do.
    You can do it. Best of luck,
    Bob
  • COBRA666
    COBRA666 Member Posts: 2,401 Member
    C_Reich said:

    R-CHOP
    Hello I am newly diagnosed and new here, I am also curious of R-CHOP (i am actually on just CHOP), I started it last week at St Jude. The side effects I have gotten so far, are stomach pain, extreme indigestion/heartburn & acid reflex, and I am always tired and very weak. I just started 7 days ago, and am going in tommorow to receive my Vincristine (oncovin). I am just curious if my side effects are going to progressively get worse as the treatment goes on. I am also curious, to know how long it will take on this regiment until my hair begins to fall away.

    -Cameron Reicheneker

    r-chop
    Cameron,
    First of all what is your diagnoses. There are so many different types of Lymphoma. I had the r-cvp treatment. It takes about 3 weeks for your hair to start falling out. Some will start a little before that,but not that you will really be concerned about. In about 3 weeks it will probably start in clumps. We are all different in how we react to the chemo. Some even went a couple of months with no fallout. The side effects of being tired will get worse and last a little longer with each additional treatment. The chemo does accumalate in the body. Please get back to us with your exact diagnoses. I am curious as to why you are not getting the Rituxin. John(FNHL-1-4A-5/10 remission)
  • COBRA666
    COBRA666 Member Posts: 2,401 Member
    C_Reich said:

    R-CHOP
    Hello I am newly diagnosed and new here, I am also curious of R-CHOP (i am actually on just CHOP), I started it last week at St Jude. The side effects I have gotten so far, are stomach pain, extreme indigestion/heartburn & acid reflex, and I am always tired and very weak. I just started 7 days ago, and am going in tommorow to receive my Vincristine (oncovin). I am just curious if my side effects are going to progressively get worse as the treatment goes on. I am also curious, to know how long it will take on this regiment until my hair begins to fall away.

    -Cameron Reicheneker

    r-chop
    Cameron,
    First of all what is your diagnoses. There are so many different types of Lymphoma. I had the r-cvp treatment. It takes about 3 weeks for your hair to start falling out. Some will start a little before that,but not that you will really be concerned about. In about 3 weeks it will probably start in clumps. We are all different in how we react to the chemo. Some even went a couple of months with no fallout. The side effects of being tired will get worse and last a little longer with each additional treatment. The chemo does accumalate in the body. Please get back to us with your exact diagnoses. I am curious as to why you are not getting the Rituxin. John(FNHL-1-4A-5/10 remission)
  • yesyes2
    yesyes2 Member Posts: 591
    COBRA666 said:

    r-chop
    Cameron,
    First of all what is your diagnoses. There are so many different types of Lymphoma. I had the r-cvp treatment. It takes about 3 weeks for your hair to start falling out. Some will start a little before that,but not that you will really be concerned about. In about 3 weeks it will probably start in clumps. We are all different in how we react to the chemo. Some even went a couple of months with no fallout. The side effects of being tired will get worse and last a little longer with each additional treatment. The chemo does accumalate in the body. Please get back to us with your exact diagnoses. I am curious as to why you are not getting the Rituxin. John(FNHL-1-4A-5/10 remission)

    RCHOP
    Welcome Cameron,

    So sorry you are in need of joining us here on CSN. This is a great place to get information and meet others who have walked the cancer path before you.

    I finished RCHOP in Feb 2010 for NHL. My first chemo was the worst for me as I didn't know what to expect and had a real rollercoaster ride with the preds. The Vincristine for me was also the very worst of all the drugs, causing constipation and neuropathy of hands and feet. Ask you onc to give you something for your stomach problems as Pred is really hard on digestive tracts.

    My hair began to fall out at exactly 14 days after first treatment. I had it all buzzed off 3 days later.

    Your treatments will probably be different than mine as I assume you are on a pediatric regiment. Please due let us know how your doing and come back if you have any other questions.

    Leslie
  • allmost60
    allmost60 Member Posts: 3,178 Member
    bobmcghee said:

    R-CHOP
    Cameron,

    For me the week after r-chop was the worst as far as stomach issues and weakness. They told me 10 days after the treatment would be about the time the white count would be the lowest. For me this was true. From about day 8 to day 13 after treatment I had bad stomach pain sort of like gas pains, then it got better. Each treatment takes a toll on your body but the changes in how I felt were not dramatic after each one. The way I felt in the 8 to 13 days after the treatment period was pretty standard for all treatments. My first treatment was on 6-23-10 and I had all my hair buzzed off on 07-10-10 because it was coming out in clumps. In general keep the onc informed about how you feel and any problems that bother you. If the doctor tells you nobody else has the problem you have go online and find out how many others experience the same treatment issues as you do.
    You can do it. Best of luck,
    Bob

    Welcome Cameron
    Hi Cameron,..(had to go back and edit the name after posting) sorry!
    I did not have the R-Chop...I had CVP-R. I unlike some of the others did not lose all of my hair. It thinned ALOT, but I'm still able to style it without having to resort to using a wig or head covers. I had no major issues with my chemo other than the awful prednisone...we won't EVEN go there with conversation...ha! Others here in the group that did R-Chop will be better educated on answering your questions, so I just wanted to drop in and welocme you to the group. Keep sharing...all information is greatly appreciated.
    Best wishes...Sue (FNHL-2-3A-6/10)
  • allmost60
    allmost60 Member Posts: 3,178 Member
    bobmcghee said:

    R-CHOP
    I had 7 rounds of r-chop. Each person has a different reaction to treatments as I have seen reading these posts. I agree each treatment beats you down a little more. My eighth treatment was cancelled because my white count was so low I ended up in the hospital for four days. To me there is a psychological weakening in addition to the physical stress. I dreaded the thought of the next treatment and the various problems it would cause to my system. Just keep in mind that it is not going to last forever. Think of the fun you will have watching your hair grow back. Does anyone know the purpose of ear hair?

    Wecome Bob
    Hi Bob,
    I'm loosing track with all of the new members, so forgive me for not welcoming you sooner. Hate to see new folks appear, because their reason for being here, but always glad when they find us because the group is such a wonderful place! Your nose hair comment made me smile...the best answer i found for your question was something about keeping particles out of the nose..??!! Who knows for sure...just glad I don't have any hair there...ha! Anyhow..."welcome"...and keep coming back...we can use all the advice and info shared and all of the hope and support...it's what keeps us going!
    Best wishes...Sue..(FNHL-2-3A-6/10)