R-CHOP peeps

Hi Whitney,
I have or I should say had FNHL. I had 6 rounds of R CHOP from Oct.,2009 thru Jan.,2010. Yes, at least for me the side effects worsen some with each treatment. I think the reason being that the body gets progressively weaker from the assault and has a harder time recovering in its more weakened state. It is a cumulative effect. I was warned in advance to prepare myself for a hard time by #5 and 6. My main side effect was the fatigue and the warning was justified. I was pretty done in by the end. But it slowly gets better so tell your Dad to hang in there and as always do report all side effects. Best of luck. Mary

Treat his sensitive stomach gently
Hi, Whitney,

I just had 10th chemo (2 more to go) and find that my stomach is more sensitive to hard, uncooked or spicy foods. I prefer well cooked stuff - no fresh veg and fruits. My onc told me to now take Prilosec twice a day instead of mornings - I take the second pill before dinner and that helps. Well, I could say more but I don't know specifically how he eats.. let me know if I can help with your questions. Hope he feels better.

Liz
(HL-4-8/10, REMISSION)

kayebadoe said:

My first one was the worst
My first one was the worst by far! I was in bed for 5 days. After that I started accupunture and it helped alot.

Hey Kaye
How are you? I haven't seen you post much lately and think about you alot!

I am so happy someone else got relief from acupuncture. It was such an unexpected help to me.

Take care,
Beth

R-CHOP
I had 6 rounds of R-CHOP from Aug. through Dec. 2010.
My experience was that the side effects got continually worse each time, but they were somewhat different. The first couple of cycles were the tiredness. Then the neuropathy set in and it got worse for cycles 3 & 4. Then 4, 5 & 6 the tiredness hit again big time and really laid me out. Everyone is individual and reacts somewhat differently. I was lucky because my nausea meds controlled the nausea very well. For me, that was the saving grace.
Good luck to you and your Dad.

Tom (DLBCL-4-7/10-Remission)

bobmcghee said:

R-CHOP
I had 7 rounds of r-chop. Each person has a different reaction to treatments as I have seen reading these posts. I agree each treatment beats you down a little more. My eighth treatment was cancelled because my white count was so low I ended up in the hospital for four days. To me there is a psychological weakening in addition to the physical stress. I dreaded the thought of the next treatment and the various problems it would cause to my system. Just keep in mind that it is not going to last forever. Think of the fun you will have watching your hair grow back. Does anyone know the purpose of ear hair?

Running a Marathon of Treatments - the Final Leg
To Bobmcghee:

What? Having fun watching ear hair grow back? Ha-ha, LOL! Yes I know you mean just the hair but I cannot help think of the ear hair too! I understand it prevents from particles coming in the ear? I notice that now that I have no ear hair, I get less protection from the cold and noise as well.

I am having anxiety for my upcoming 11th chemo tomorrow - since my last chemo my stomach is not taking it well and my throat is almost gagging me - will report that to my onc. I had my PFT last week (pulmonary function test) - looks like my lungs performed less than before. I was told there may be changes in my chemo cocktail... whatever. You said it - the more treatments the more anxious and beaten down I get and that also with the nose dive blood counts... I pray that I'll be treated gently tomorrow and this week. How many more you are supposed to go for treatments? I just have 2 more to go but it is HARD. Sorry this has been hard on you too. I will think about the ear hair tomorrow, ha.

With positive thoughts,
Liz
(HL-4-8/10, REMISSION)

truckingalong said:

Running a Marathon of Treatments - the Final Leg
To Bobmcghee:

What? Having fun watching ear hair grow back? Ha-ha, LOL! Yes I know you mean just the hair but I cannot help think of the ear hair too! I understand it prevents from particles coming in the ear? I notice that now that I have no ear hair, I get less protection from the cold and noise as well.

I am having anxiety for my upcoming 11th chemo tomorrow - since my last chemo my stomach is not taking it well and my throat is almost gagging me - will report that to my onc. I had my PFT last week (pulmonary function test) - looks like my lungs performed less than before. I was told there may be changes in my chemo cocktail... whatever. You said it - the more treatments the more anxious and beaten down I get and that also with the nose dive blood counts... I pray that I'll be treated gently tomorrow and this week. How many more you are supposed to go for treatments? I just have 2 more to go but it is HARD. Sorry this has been hard on you too. I will think about the ear hair tomorrow, ha.

With positive thoughts,
Liz
(HL-4-8/10, REMISSION)

Final leg
Liz,

These treatments are like hitting yourself in the head with a hammer, it feels much better when you stop. My 8th and last r-chop was supposed to be on 11-17-10 but the doctor said since my pet scan after the 6th treatment was good he decided to skip the last one. It was nice because I got to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner and every meal since except for some that I cooked. Things will get better.
Thinking of you,
Bob

yesyes2 said:

Almost There
Hi Liz,

Sending you much love and lots and lots of healing thoughts. You have been through so much and my heart really goes out to you. You are so right, it is a marathon, but you are almost at that finish line.

I pray that this round goes better for you,

With blessings,
Leslie

So Right
Bob, you are so right, it is like hitting your self in the head with a 2X4. But what choice do we really have. We are all very brave people and need to give ourselves lots and lots of credit for the fact we are doing this journey.
I'm so happy that you are completed with your treatments and now are growing ear hair, LOL.
Leslie

C_Reich said:

R-CHOP
Hello I am newly diagnosed and new here, I am also curious of R-CHOP (i am actually on just CHOP), I started it last week at St Jude. The side effects I have gotten so far, are stomach pain, extreme indigestion/heartburn & acid reflex, and I am always tired and very weak. I just started 7 days ago, and am going in tommorow to receive my Vincristine (oncovin). I am just curious if my side effects are going to progressively get worse as the treatment goes on. I am also curious, to know how long it will take on this regiment until my hair begins to fall away.

-Cameron Reicheneker

R-CHOP
Cameron,

For me the week after r-chop was the worst as far as stomach issues and weakness. They told me 10 days after the treatment would be about the time the white count would be the lowest. For me this was true. From about day 8 to day 13 after treatment I had bad stomach pain sort of like gas pains, then it got better. Each treatment takes a toll on your body but the changes in how I felt were not dramatic after each one. The way I felt in the 8 to 13 days after the treatment period was pretty standard for all treatments. My first treatment was on 6-23-10 and I had all my hair buzzed off on 07-10-10 because it was coming out in clumps. In general keep the onc informed about how you feel and any problems that bother you. If the doctor tells you nobody else has the problem you have go online and find out how many others experience the same treatment issues as you do.
You can do it. Best of luck,
Bob

bobmcghee said:

R-CHOP
Cameron,

For me the week after r-chop was the worst as far as stomach issues and weakness. They told me 10 days after the treatment would be about the time the white count would be the lowest. For me this was true. From about day 8 to day 13 after treatment I had bad stomach pain sort of like gas pains, then it got better. Each treatment takes a toll on your body but the changes in how I felt were not dramatic after each one. The way I felt in the 8 to 13 days after the treatment period was pretty standard for all treatments. My first treatment was on 6-23-10 and I had all my hair buzzed off on 07-10-10 because it was coming out in clumps. In general keep the onc informed about how you feel and any problems that bother you. If the doctor tells you nobody else has the problem you have go online and find out how many others experience the same treatment issues as you do.
You can do it. Best of luck,
Bob

Welcome Cameron
Hi Cameron,..(had to go back and edit the name after posting) sorry!
I did not have the R-Chop...I had CVP-R. I unlike some of the others did not lose all of my hair. It thinned ALOT, but I'm still able to style it without having to resort to using a wig or head covers. I had no major issues with my chemo other than the awful prednisone...we won't EVEN go there with conversation...ha! Others here in the group that did R-Chop will be better educated on answering your questions, so I just wanted to drop in and welocme you to the group. Keep sharing...all information is greatly appreciated.
Best wishes...Sue (FNHL-2-3A-6/10)