R-CHOP

RCHOP
Hi Mike,

I just finished my 6 cycles of RCHOP on 2/15/10. It was hard but in the end very do able. My main problems were with the Vincristine and the Prednisone. I had the expected constipation and neuropathy from the V, all gone now, and mood swings with the P. I never experienced any problems with the Rituximab, not even with the first infusion. And I did not experience weight gain from the steroids, in fact I lost 6 pounds during treatment. My main problem during chemo was with fatigue. Two weeks out of every cycle were pretty much lost to a fatigue filled haze. And with the last 2 cycles the fatigue gets even worse. My doctor said this would happen and he was very correct. I'm now 10 weeks out and still need naps and a slower pace, but each day gets better and better. Especially because I am now in remission. YEAH!!! I did all my treatments in out patient oncology at our local hospital, took around 8 hours once every 3 weeks. Could have done it at my doctor's office but much preferred the hospital setting. I guess I made it all sound pretty awful, which really wasn't the case. It was just very difficult and as others have expressed on this board, it is do able.

Good luck to you. I'm sure you will do just fine and we are here for you if you have any question or concerns. When will you start treatment? And let us know how you are doing.
Best to you,
Leslie

Robomaz said:

R-Chop
Hi Mike:

I finished R-CHOP in December 09. I had 6 treatments. The first treatment was just CHOP. I had 2 tumors, one in my chest and the other in the mesentery lining of my abdomen. They administered the first treatment in the hospital because of the tumors. My second treatment included the Rituxan and Chop. I was very fortunate. Everything went well, I didn't have any problems, thank God. I found it difficult to sleep because of the steroids and I had some numbness in my fingertips and toes. I never got sick, but I did lose my appetite. After my 4th treatment I had a PET Scan and Cat Scan which came out clean. I will have to continue the Rituxan for 2 years, every six months for follow up. I have indolent NHL. I will start my Rituxan this June (once a week for 4 weeks, and then repeat in December). Stay positive, they have come such a long way with treating this disease.

Drink a lot of water. I made sure I had at least 64oz during my treatments. It really helps to flush out all of the chemicals. I did lose my hair 2 weeks after the first treatment. Being a woman it was very hard for me to accept. Make sure you get rest so your body can heal.

You're not alone.

HI Mike,
I had the same
HI Mike,
I had the same b-sell NHL...same chop-R treatments 6 followed by 18 radiations. I am a SURVIVOR!!!! that was 4 years ago. Hang in there...wishing you the best of luck...sending prayers!
Cindy

mikeheadfl said:

Thank you very much. Was
Thank you very much. Was that 64oz of water per day?

R-CHOP
Yes. 64oz of water minimum a day to flush your system.

mikeheadfl said:

R-chop
I am going for my second infusion tomorrow. On day 20 my hair literally fell out.It really hit home for my wife. So far the treatment has not been too bad. Fatigue,bone ache, and a bit of nausea. I learned here what to expect. Someone hit the day on the head about their hair falling out. My attitude is possitive and my hopes are high. This site has been very helpfull.

I had
I had cvp + rituxan....just missed out on the adriamycin. I gained 30 pounds because of the prednisone...ate everything not locked down. I loved being bald when I did my treatments even being a girl. It was 104 outside and chemo gave me hotflashes from hell.

Drinking lots of water is very important. It does help wash out the chemicals. Take naps when you need them.....I still miss the napping and do it every weekend still. I did my treatments in 2006 lol.

Take care. Good luck with the treatment tomorrow.

Beth

mikeheadfl said:

R-Chop
Last night was the worst. I felt like I was going to burn up. Hot flashes from hell. I soaked the bed linen twice.I am weak this morning. Is this the norm? This is day 8 of treatment 2. I hope that I'm not any different than the rest of you guys. Thanks, Mike

Hi Mike
Sorry to hear about the bad night. I had R CHOP 6 cycles 3 weeks apart from Oct. 2009 and finished in mar. 2010. As you can see from the stories of others anything goes as far as side effects. Some people have minimal trouble others have a very hard time but most fall somewhere in the middle. I remember getting some night sweats from time to time throughout treatment. I would let your Md know so he can reassure you and also I am sure they told you to report any fevers. So check your temp to make sure that is not the cause. If you have even a slightly elevated temp..99.5 and greater report that and I was also told not to take any Tylenol etc. because they don't want to mask any fever. Don't forget to replace all of that lost fluid. When in doubt drink water. Hang in there it gets better as far as the reaction to all of this. Less fear as you realize that you are getting through it. Best of luck. Mary