NHL, Indolent Follicular--Brand new diagnosis--

Go_go_Gi_gi

I'm 67, diagnosis 8/22/2011; Grade 1, I think Stage 3 --to start chemotherapy Bendamustine/Rituxan 8/31--It has been a whirlwind month--doctors were superb and communicative-- Faith in the Lord will see me through, along with being prepared as much as I can prior to starting the Chemo--

Any suggestions to prepare and hope to lessen some of the side effects?
Any other thoughts, ideas that might be helpful.

Praying for those I've followed a little on the new boy with NHL

Thanks in advance--I imagine I'll be checking this out from time to time!! So glad I found this site!!

Susan

JoanieP

Susan
Hi Susan, You have come to the right place. I was dx in Jan 2009 with follicular NHL. I am 64 and this is my 3rd year back to teaching after being dx. I had R-Chop. I took good care of myself. Stayed away from people even church for a couple months while I was going throu chemo. I drank plenty of liquids and did very well. I had two years of Rituxin maintance and just finished it. There are so many ways to treat our "chronic disease" as I have heard it referred to. Take care of your self. Know the steriods might give you a little trouble at first. I took ambien to forget cancer and had many people praying for ke. God was my strength. I started a support group called HOPE. You will be on the other side of this and believe me Life will be so more special than you ever thought before. I appreciate everything especially my husband of 41 years. If you want to talk on the phone I live in Florida and you can email me on my work e-mail address. pickensj@pcsb.org. Joanie

allmost60

You've been busy!
Hi Susan and "Welcome" to the group...
I was reading a different post you put up and I must agree with you..it's been one "crazy" week for you..cancer diagnosis, earthquake and hurricane...wow! I think things will slow down and feel more manageable once you get your treatment started...it sure can't get any worse after last week! I was diagnosed a year ago June with Follicular NHL-grade2-stage3-typeA. Did 6 rounds of CVP-R and now doing maint Rituxan for the next 2 years. The best advice I can give regarding your chemo, is to just listen to your body. Rest as much as you can, accept help when offered and ask for help when it's not being offered, and try to stay as peaceful as possible..(easier said than done). Chemo of any kind is no walk in the park, but it is do-able. Mine was not as harsh as others, but it was still chemo and felt harsh to me! Please come back and let us know how your doing. I'll be keeping good thoughts and prayers for you. Love...Sue (age 60)

Go_go_Gi_gi

allmost60 said:

You've been busy!
Hi Susan and "Welcome" to the group...
I was reading a different post you put up and I must agree with you..it's been one "crazy" week for you..cancer diagnosis, earthquake and hurricane...wow! I think things will slow down and feel more manageable once you get your treatment started...it sure can't get any worse after last week! I was diagnosed a year ago June with Follicular NHL-grade2-stage3-typeA. Did 6 rounds of CVP-R and now doing maint Rituxan for the next 2 years. The best advice I can give regarding your chemo, is to just listen to your body. Rest as much as you can, accept help when offered and ask for help when it's not being offered, and try to stay as peaceful as possible..(easier said than done). Chemo of any kind is no walk in the park, but it is do-able. Mine was not as harsh as others, but it was still chemo and felt harsh to me! Please come back and let us know how your doing. I'll be keeping good thoughts and prayers for you. Love...Sue (age 60)

Thanks Sue, appreciate your
Thanks Sue, appreciate your encouragement---Chemo is now scheduled to start Wed. 8/31---8AM. Bendamustine/Rituxan apparently less toxic than others---Time will tell how I will react. Fortunately, I am in overall good health--otherwise--and have a strong faith and support teams---family and friends. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers; This susan is thinking of this NHL family with thoughts and prayers also!!! Susan

dixiegirl

Go_go_Gi_gi said:

Thanks Sue, appreciate your
Thanks Sue, appreciate your encouragement---Chemo is now scheduled to start Wed. 8/31---8AM. Bendamustine/Rituxan apparently less toxic than others---Time will tell how I will react. Fortunately, I am in overall good health--otherwise--and have a strong faith and support teams---family and friends. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers; This susan is thinking of this NHL family with thoughts and prayers also!!! Susan

Good vibes
Susan,

Good vibes headed your way for your treatment today. I would think you're still there, so take it easy tonight honey!

Take care,
Beth

Go_go_Gi_gi

dixiegirl said:

Good vibes
Susan,

Good vibes headed your way for your treatment today. I would think you're still there, so take it easy tonight honey!

Take care,
Beth

Day one easy goin'
First day of chemo yesterday--no adverse reactions side effects--went well; great staff, comfortable surroundings, pretty good food and drink--Oral and IV!! It couldn't have been any easier (unless i didn't have to be there)
Thank all of you for your encouragement--keep on keepin' on.

you take care too!! Susan

allmost60

Go_go_Gi_gi said:

Day one easy goin'
First day of chemo yesterday--no adverse reactions side effects--went well; great staff, comfortable surroundings, pretty good food and drink--Oral and IV!! It couldn't have been any easier (unless i didn't have to be there)
Thank all of you for your encouragement--keep on keepin' on.

you take care too!! Susan

Great
Hi Susan,
So glad your first chemo went well for you. The first one is always the scariest just not knowing what to expect. Now you need to rest and listen to your body and try to stay as stress free as possible. Chemo is no fun, but it is do-able. Take care...Sue
(FNHL-2-3A-6/10)