My husband was recently diagnosed

nikkig43
nikkig43 Member Posts: 73
in Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin) #1
My husband has Stage 2 Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma. He had his first R-Chop infusion 6 days ago. He always says he feels fine, but I've noticed today that he seems to be moving kind of slow and he does admit that he feels "foggy headed". I'm wondering if this could be from not tapering down his Prednisone. He took 100mg each day for the last 5 days. I always thought Prednisone should be tapered down slowly, then stopped. How does everyone else take Prednisone and are these symptoms normal?

Comments

  • po18guy
    po18guy Member Posts: 1,508 Member
    #2
    Normal
    Welcome! First of all, chemotherapy is toxic. It is poison that can kill the human body if allowed to. However, when used in limited doses, it is intended to kill the cancer (or control it to the point that it is not a problem). What you husband is likely beginning to notice is the sudden stoppage of the steroid, combined with possibly a little "chemo brain". Since the chemo is toxic, it does have an undetermined effect upon one's thought processes. There can be memory lapses or confusion. It may worsen or it may not. As to the prednisone, what I have experienced in stopping it is depressiveness and/or lack of energy and appetite. It is impossible to tell if what you see is one or the other, or a combination. Discuss it with doctor, and you will find out if it is within normal expectations. If not, there is likely some therapy that can be applied to bring back up to speed. There will likely be some other side effects - some not so bad and others that are not pleasant. Yet, this is a war against the silent malignancy that is growing, so we are forced to accept the "collateral damage" of war. He will bounce back significantly afterward. It is tough to watch him go through - probably tougher on you than him, if you can imagine that. So, now is an excellent time to exercise your faith, family and friends in support.
  • nikkig43
    nikkig43 Member Posts: 73
    #3
    po18guy said:

    Normal
    Welcome! First of all, chemotherapy is toxic. It is poison that can kill the human body if allowed to. However, when used in limited doses, it is intended to kill the cancer (or control it to the point that it is not a problem). What you husband is likely beginning to notice is the sudden stoppage of the steroid, combined with possibly a little "chemo brain". Since the chemo is toxic, it does have an undetermined effect upon one's thought processes. There can be memory lapses or confusion. It may worsen or it may not. As to the prednisone, what I have experienced in stopping it is depressiveness and/or lack of energy and appetite. It is impossible to tell if what you see is one or the other, or a combination. Discuss it with doctor, and you will find out if it is within normal expectations. If not, there is likely some therapy that can be applied to bring back up to speed. There will likely be some other side effects - some not so bad and others that are not pleasant. Yet, this is a war against the silent malignancy that is growing, so we are forced to accept the "collateral damage" of war. He will bounce back significantly afterward. It is tough to watch him go through - probably tougher on you than him, if you can imagine that. So, now is an excellent time to exercise your faith, family and friends in support.

    Thank you
    You make some very good points. I really appreciate your input. This is all so new. We are still trying to figure out what happened here. How did this become our life :) Like I said before, my husband never complains. I think he keeps it inside so as not to worry me. I find myself watching him, looking for signs that he's not feeling well. Anyway, I'm making myself crazy. I know I need to stay positive, pray and take it day by day. Thanks again. Take care.
  • nikkig43
    nikkig43 Member Posts: 73
    #4
    nikkig43 said:

    Thank you
    You make some very good points. I really appreciate your input. This is all so new. We are still trying to figure out what happened here. How did this become our life :) Like I said before, my husband never complains. I think he keeps it inside so as not to worry me. I find myself watching him, looking for signs that he's not feeling well. Anyway, I'm making myself crazy. I know I need to stay positive, pray and take it day by day. Thanks again. Take care.

    Small World
    po18guy, I was just reading your "bio". I am so sorry for everything that you have been through. I pray for a long, healthy, happy life for you. Interesting though, my husband is also being treated at SCCA.
  • natalie14
    natalie14 Member Posts: 36
    #5
    nikkig43 said:

    Small World
    po18guy, I was just reading your "bio". I am so sorry for everything that you have been through. I pray for a long, healthy, happy life for you. Interesting though, my husband is also being treated at SCCA.

    po18guy
    I happened to read your Bio as well...amazing! I have been fighting anaplastic large t-cell lymphoma...which try have said peripheral also...since august 2008. I underwent 8 rounds of chop chemo and given a 80-90% chance of a cure. I was in remission for one year and a couple months, then relapsed. I then undewent ICE chemo, total body radiation, followed by a stem cell transplant using my own cells..I was given a 50% of a cure. One year and a couple months after..the past October I was told it as back. Now I am taking the new sgn-35 in prep for an all stem cell transplant..my sister being a perfect match. Just told last week my chance of a cure is 40%. I was shocked and felt broken. Thank you for sharing your numbers..they give hope...but most importantly, thank you for your words on faith. We look at life differently now. The Lord is the Ultimate Physician and those 40%' s we were given are just that...numbers! Many blessings your way! Thank you again,
    Natalie

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