R-CHOP Progressive Side Effects

momals2532

I was diagnosed with stage 3 two months ago. I have had three of my projected six rounds. The first two after periods were relatively mild nausea, fatigue, constipation, and diarrhea. The third session, however, resulted in much more illness for these first ten days. Can someone tell me what 4, 5 and six are going to be like? I know we’re all different but three or four personal stories would help frame things for me.

tom1953

momals2532

As everyone's experience is different, I can give you mine. I was diagnosed at stage 2. I had a bad case of the shivers from the Rituximab during the first RCHOP round followed by hair loss. After that round other than fatigue, I went through rounds 2,3,4,5, and 6 with no issues. I was in remission when they scanned me after the 3rd round. I also did 15 rounds of low dose radiation to help prevent a relapse. Only side effect after the chemo was hand and foot neuropathy. I hope rounds 4.5, and 6 go well for you. Best Regards, tom1953

Epenaloza818

Were you diagnosed with Hodgkin's or Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

mossback99

Like you mentioned, it is fairly different for everyone. The side effects did get worse for me as the treatments progressed. After the first cycle I thought to myself it really wasn't bad at all. Had some fatigue that night but otherwise felt good and it really reduced the size of the lump on my neck pretty much immediately, so I was just amazed and very happy. Had some constipation and a little bit more fatigue but was otherwise pretty good. The second cycle I had significantly more fatigue. Started to notice some hair loss, more constipation, noticed peripheral neuropathy in my arms and hands (mostly in my fingers) and just some slight nausea. The third cycle the fatigue that night was pretty intense. Didn't feel too great that entire week prior. More hair loss, about the same constipation, a bit more neuropathy (most pronounced in my fingers and finger tips), more nausea and even some slight mouth sores. The most significant side effect I have experienced thus far has been some tinnitus in, mostly, my left ear. That has been scary, honestly. It's very subtle, but it's there and even though it's subtle it's the kind of thing you're always aware of. I have spoken to my doctors about it as well as other doctors who are audiology and hearing experts who are studying the effects of chemo and other substances on how they affect the ears. The bottom line is, while somewhat rare, the C, H, and O agents in R-CHOP have been studied and found to cause tinnitus and even hearing loss in some people. It seems, unfortunately, I am in the group. There is no consensus if the tinnitus will subside after treatments end. I'm very concerned it won't. But I have heard from at least one other NHL survivor who said hers did go away in time. So we'll see. Hopefully you will not experience any of that. I just had my fifth cycle last week with a greatly reduced dose of the C, H and O agents as a result of the tinnitus. And I might only have Rituximab for my sixth cycle. Will know more about that in a few weeks.

I should add, I was stage 1A with a complete response on my PET scan after the third cycle. So that's another reason we might de-escalate the sixth cycle. The tinnitus is no joke and I really don't want it to get worse. Again, tinnitus is not a typical side effect of this regimen so it shouldn't be an issue for you but do pay attention if you start to hear anything like that.

Best wishes to you on this journey.

tom1953

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1724907#Comment_1724907

 Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma (DLBCL).

tom1953

Mossback….

I can offer a little possible advice on the tinnitus. I have had it for decades unrelated to cancer. Hopefully it will subside with time. However, if it does not, I would make an appointment with an audiologist can get your hearing checked. If the loss is enough to qualify for hearing aids, properly programmed, for many they can give much relief on the tinnitus. They did for me.