Another lymphoma diagnosis

PBL

mossback99,

Prednisone does both: it helps sustain your stamina and appetite (watch your sugar and salt intake on those days), curb nausea, alleviate pain, reduce inflamation etc. and it also contributes to killing off cancer cells.

Keep up the good work. Looking forward to your next update.

mossback99

Thank you, PBL.

mossback99

I had my second R-CHOP cycle a few days ago. It went well and quite a bit faster since they knew I could tolerate the Rituximab.

The doctor said the first treatment was very effective. The lump is totally gone at this point. I still feel some activity in the vicinity- hopefully the chemo further eradicating residual cancer there.

The two largest side effects I have noticed thus far are some moderate fatigue, especially in the evening, and a subtle but noticeable peripheral neuropathy in my hands. Based on the first cycle both seem to slowly subside day by day.

I feel pretty good overall. Eating okay, maintaining weight so far, no nausea or sickness. Drinking a lot of water and green tea. Trying to go for walks everyday and do some light weight training as well as work around the house.

I have noticed that the Prednisone does cause some insomnia for me. But I didn't have too bad of a 'crash' once I finished the course.

At this point I'm just very thankful the treatment seems to be effective and hopefully that trend will continue.

My best wishes to all in this journey.

PBL

Hello mossback99,

This all sounds like excellent news and bodes well for the interim PET (assume you will have one before your fourth infusion…).

You seem to be tolerating it well at this point; just a reminder, though, that side effects are cumulative, meaning that you will likely feel more fatigued as you progress to the end of your treatment. Keep moving, but do allow yourself to take some rest as needed, for example in the late morning and/or early afternoon.

The prednisone-induced insomnia can be limited by taking your pills as early as possible in the morning, to give it as much time as possible to wear off before bedtime. Our body's natural cortisol level is at its peak around 8:00 a.m.

Keep the good news coming.

PBL

mossback99

The cumulative aspect of all this makes sense. I hope I can continue to handle it without too many problems. I don't think I'm pushing myself too much yet but I will absolutely be mindful of resting as needed.

And the plan as of now is to have a PET scan just before the 4th cycle to see how things are doing.

Good to know our natural cortisol peak is around 8am. I have been taking the prednisone in the mornings with breakfast but will aim to take it even a bit earlier and see if that helps. The insomnia is noticeable but not too bad in the scheme of things.

As always, thanks for your insights and support.

tom1953

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1724093#Comment_1724093

Just a note on the hand neuropathy. If you make use of a hand grip strengthener, that will speed up recovery. Just do not overdo it. Before doing that, I had trouble buttoning my shirts.

mossback99

Tom, I appreciate that advice- thank you!

mossback99

Completed my forth cycle of R-CHOP last week. The interim scan showed a complete response in my neck and the rest of my body appears clear as well. Very thankful for that. I think we are going to proceed with six treatments but with a reduced dose of the C, H, O agents to limit long term side effects.

My best wishes to all.

archangel724

Hey Mossback, My friend!

So your interim scan showed, dare I say, remission? Or very close to it? A complete response in your neck & the rest of your body as well? Is that just their more cautious way of saying..NED?? Are they just proceeding with another 6 treatments (modified thank God so hopefully less harsh on you finally?) just to help ensure any microscopic beeotches will b eradicated? Err on the side of caution?
That would b wonderful hun, to b FINALLY seeing an end in sight! U have been so strong, fighting so hard, very inspiring to me & I’m sure all fellow warriors, I’d LOVE to hear that after these 6 modified cycles, u can FINALLY get a well deserved break!!
Always thinking 🤔 of & praying 🙏🏻 for u. Please take care of yourself & keep me/us updated when u can. All my best, always!

mossback99

Rachel, hello. I think it's too soon to say NED but I might be close. And sorry, I didn't mean six more treatments, I meant a total of six. So just two more.

When this all started for me my stage and subtype were such that the doc thought I might only need four treatments total. But just to be on a safe side and err on the side of caution we will probably do two more- with a reduced dose of the cytotoxic drugs (the CHO in CHOP). I'll know more about that in a week or so.

Most importantly, I'm grateful for your prayers and kind thoughts! I hope you're doing well!!

archangel724

Hi mossback99!
please don’t apologize for whats most likely MY misunderstanding! I’m so glad that u have 2 more treatments & NOT 6 more! Erring on the side of caution is always the way to go, as long as it’s not a plan that makes u cringe & wonder how you can summon the strength to get through. That’s why I thought it was 6 more & my heart absolutely ached for u. I’m happy the CHO meds in CHOP are to be reduced. A little light at the end of the tunnel! My prayers & thoughts are always with u, for what that’s worth. I’m hanging in there thank u. Sometimes I’m very frustrated at fatigue that’s continuing or not being able to be on the road bk to my pre cancer life. Maybe I expect too much. I’ve just started 2 years of immunotherapy so loong way to go. And my pre cancer life was crapola w/24 previous surgeries & going nuts trying to find effective chronic pain control. Well, we all have and most likely had our own b.s. to deal with BEFORE the floor really fell out from under us with cancer.
I will always continue to think of u & how u are doing! ❤️😊 Please let me know when u can.

mossback99

Rachel, I am truly grateful for your prayers and thoughts. I send mine to you as well. And, honestly, to everyone here and beyond who is also facing the journey of life with cancer. I'm also very sorry to hear about all the surgeries you went through in the past. 24 surgeries is just insane...

I'm doing well overall thankfully and hope and pray that continues. Just taking one day at a time and appreciating as much of everything that I can. There is a guy named Russ on the Head & Neck forum who always says at the end of his posts: "yesterday is gone, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a blessing." It's all so true and I try to remember that as much as I can while navigating through all of this.

My very best wishes to you.