Long Term effects from chemo

angel813
angel813 Member Posts: 6 Member
edited March 2014 in Childhood Cancers #1
Hi...I am a childhood cancer survivor (rhabdomyosarcoma). In 1973 it was very rare and I had almost nil chances of survival. I had aggressive chemo (vincristine,dactinomycin,cytoxan). I was 16 then and am 44 now. I have had a very hard and strange life since the cancer and am just finding out that I may have long term effects from chemo. I am trying to find out any information about the long term effects. I would also like to communicate with others my age who went through chemo in the earlys 70's. I have early menopause...tinnitus...elecrtical-shock feelings in foot...numbness in my toes...depression/panic... I am finding the medical community very lacking... Can anyone help me?

Comments

  • mariaru
    mariaru Member Posts: 6
    #2
    angel813, my cancer treatment was in 1985, but I did receive vincristine and cytoxan in addition to other agents. I was 20/21 at the time, and am 36 now. I have found a book that is tremendously helpful. It was actually recommended by a person in one of these discussion groups on this site! The book's name is "Childhood Cancer Survivors" and it is written by Nancy Keene, Kathy Ruccione, and Wendy Hobbie. It is a paperback and chock full of the info you need. I found it very empowering to know the things that we could be facing in the future, rather than just waiting around for something (or nothing) to happen. Good luck, e-mail me if you have any questions!
  • themodeldoctor
    themodeldoctor Member Posts: 3
    #3
    I just saw Oprah today. She was talking about early menopause. I have all of the symptoms. What were your symptoms?
  • nurit
    nurit Member Posts: 1
    #4
    Hi! I was diagmosed wiht ALL in 1972 (I was 12 years old), received chemiotherapy and now after so many years I have dilated cardiomegaly due to an overdose of daunomycin. I would like to get in toch with others who have been in the same boat. You can E-mail me at: nurit@icnet.com.ve
  • iskiit
    iskiit Member Posts: 1
    #5
    Where was your rhadomyosarcoma? My husband had it in his nasalpharnx when he was 6. He is now 35 and experiencing stroke like symtoms that we have been told are a result of the ratdiation he had. We are trying to find anyone that has experienced similar problems.
  • CyndieLou
    CyndieLou Member Posts: 1
    #6
    I am a female, stage IV rhab. survivor, diagnosed in 1968. I am right there with you!
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #7
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • Jannifert
    Jannifert Member Posts: 1
    #8
    iskiit said:

    Where was your rhadomyosarcoma? My husband had it in his nasalpharnx when he was 6. He is now 35 and experiencing stroke like symtoms that we have been told are a result of the ratdiation he had. We are trying to find anyone that has experienced similar problems.

    Hi ,
    Do your husband suffer

    Hi ,

    Do your husband suffer other side effect from the radiation on his nasalpharnx? My son had the same disease and has radiation on his nose cavity area.

    Thanks.

     

     

Discussion Boards