Funny Cat Video... Chemo #2 this week... No Sleep for me!!

LisaCast
LisaCast Member Posts: 4
in Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin) #1

16 days after my 26th birthday I was diganosed with Stage 2B Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I had Chemo #1 on June 5th. ABVD in my right arm (3 of the 4 drugs). I had a bad reaction to the "A" and they switched the IV to my left arm and slowed it down so the normally 1 hour drip took 4. It felt like my entire arm was on fire from the inside. I was fine on day 1, day 2/3 I was exhausted and had a headache, and on day 4 my mouth became the sierra desert with cacti included. It was so painful I didn't eat, only sipped for 2 days. Finally it got better just intime for Chemo #2 this Thursday. Last Wednesday I had my port put in so I am officially part robot. 

Strange thing is I was so exhausted the last week and a half, and now I am completely wired. my brain wont shut down at night. I am not sure if it is just the nervousness about this week or what. But as of right now, I am basically watching "Epic Funny Cats" on youtube.com which you can watch here for some comic relief... http://youtu.be/Kdgt1ZHkvnM

 

I am sooooo exciting I know. 

Anyway, Hi everyone! lol

Comments

  • jimwins
    jimwins Member Posts: 2,107
    #2
    Welcome!

    Welcome Lisa and sorry you have to be here but there are great folks on this site who will be chiming in shortly.  Most of us are or were "part robot" here :).  First, lymphoma is very treatable nowadays.  I'm almost 3 years in remission from Diffuse Large B Cell Lympoma.  I still have my port but plan to have it removed when I reach the 3 year milestone. 

    Cancer sucks and I always hate it when it effects someone so young as you but that youth is an advantage when it comes to the fight.  I read your profile and "surreal" is very normal at this stage.  I always tell people that attitude and humor are free weapons in this war.  From what I see so far, you have pleny  of that so use them.  It will help make the roller coaster ride a little easier.  Anti-anxiety medication is also a big help and if you are not on one (like ativan), I highly recommend it as it keeps the "worry monster" quieter.  Your doctors should also be able to give you something to help you sleep (ativan can help with that too).  Since you seem to be prone to mouth issues, tweak what you eat before, during and after treatment by avoiding acidic/irritating foods.  There are also rinses available and you can make your own from grocery store items as well.

    Please know you are welcome here and we'll provide all the support we can. There's a nice mix of folks here.

    Hugs and positive thoughts,

    Jim

     

     

  • Rocquie
    Rocquie Member Posts: 869 Member
    #3
    Welcome

    Hi Lisa and welcome to the group. I, personally, have non-hodgkin but several others here do have hodgkin and the same chemo regimen you are on.

    I'm sorry to hear you had so much trouble (and burning pain) getting your first chemo in your arm vein. I think you will find the robot-port much easier. It also leaves both arms and hands free which makes it easier to move around and pass the time while being infused. And as Jim mentioned, Magic mouthwash is available for mouth pain. Be sure to mention that side-effect to your doctor. 

    Being alternately wired and exhausted all sounds like part of the journey. Sleep when you can. Watching funny videos is a great thing to do when sleep is elusive. I watched your Epic Funny Cats--so cute! Have you seen any of the Simon's Cat cartoons? 

    Take it easy on yourself and join in the conversations here, if you wish. Sometimes we are serious and sometimes goofy.

    Hugs,

    Rocquie

     

  • Max Former Hodgkins Stage 3
    Max Former Hodgkins Stage 3 Member Posts: 3,819 Member
    #4
    Port

    Lisa,

    Your port may seem odd, but it makes infusion much safer and easier. I preferred a port over constantly getting IVs, but my clinic required a port for two of the drugs in abvd anyway: The Adriamycin, and the Vinblastine. 

    These drugs are both "vesicants," or blister agents, and rapidly kill flesh if spilled. http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/adriamycin.aspx 

    My clinic also would not give either of these drugs as a drip. They had to be administered by the nurse with a push cylinder. I asked my nurse about this, and he said, "We cannot leave this drug unattended.  If it spils,we have to call DHEC." 

    The first-ever chemo drug was a severe vesicant, developed in the 1950s, to treat leukemia.  It is still in common use today: Mustargen. Derived from the mustage gas used in World War II.  http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/Mustargen.aspx

    I was consistent on abvd: I was always exhausted, and slept about 18 hours per day, every day. 

    I am a "cat person," an am sure I will like the youtube link.

    Blessings,

    max

    .

  • jimwins
    jimwins Member Posts: 2,107
    #5
    Rocquie said:

    Welcome

    Hi Lisa and welcome to the group. I, personally, have non-hodgkin but several others here do have hodgkin and the same chemo regimen you are on.

    I'm sorry to hear you had so much trouble (and burning pain) getting your first chemo in your arm vein. I think you will find the robot-port much easier. It also leaves both arms and hands free which makes it easier to move around and pass the time while being infused. And as Jim mentioned, Magic mouthwash is available for mouth pain. Be sure to mention that side-effect to your doctor. 

    Being alternately wired and exhausted all sounds like part of the journey. Sleep when you can. Watching funny videos is a great thing to do when sleep is elusive. I watched your Epic Funny Cats--so cute! Have you seen any of the Simon's Cat cartoons? 

    Take it easy on yourself and join in the conversations here, if you wish. Sometimes we are serious and sometimes goofy.

    Hugs,

    Rocquie

     

    LOL

    What?  Anyone goofy on here - especially me?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Xan2dkMouM

     

  • Jeff148
    Jeff148 Member Posts: 184
    #6
    No barriers!!

    Sorry about your HL. I've got a form of HL and just finished 4th dose of R-ABVD. For me, the mouth zingers only followed first dose. I do the salt water gargle throuout the day. If you click on my name, you will find a link to my blog. I really feel positive attitude, exercise and faith are key. Stay strong!!

  • Jeff148
    Jeff148 Member Posts: 184
    #7
    Another good cat video

    Laughter is the best medicine.

     

    http://gifsound.com/?gif=i.imgur.com%2FrNFxyRx.gif&v=PKffm2uI4dk

     

  • LisaCast
    LisaCast Member Posts: 4
    #8
    Jeff148 said:

    Another good cat video

    Laughter is the best medicine.

     

    http://gifsound.com/?gif=i.imgur.com%2FrNFxyRx.gif&v=PKffm2uI4dk

     

    hahaha I love this. Thanks =)

    hahaha I love this. Thanks =)

Discussion Boards