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Gazyvaro side effect / reaction

Mae888
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Hello

I’m looking for support as I’m feeling totally helpless. 
My brother was diagnosed with chronic leukaemia stage 3 and an auto immune illness a few months ago. 

The doctors decided he should have the same treatment for both.  He started ‘infusions’ about a week ago,  He was already quite weak before treatment and I’m very worried as he isn’t well.  They had to slow down and currently stopped the treatment as since the start he has been getting fevers and shaking episodes. They give him paracetamol pretty much all day.

Two days ago his temperature was 41 degrees and his kidney function and red blood cell count not great. 

i keep thinking I’m going to loose him. He wasn’t in great shape before treatment but he’s worse just now. I cry all the time and he’s in a different country. He’s only 56. Why these reactions ? Is his immune system compromised for good because of the treatment? How can he ever recover? Seemingly he also has stomach pains. They haven’t found anything or any infection so far so I guess it’s a reaction to the treatment.  What now? Is he going to deteriorate and shake until he dies ? I’m devastated. 

  • Hi Mae888,

    Thank you for contacting Macmillan Cancer Support. My name is Anne, and I am one of the nurses on the Support Line. Welcome to the online community. I’m very sorry to read of your brother’s diagnosis of leukaemia and the symptoms he is experiencing. It sounds like a very difficult time for you both.

    I understand you have many questions around his treatment and prognosis. It is very difficult for us here on the Support Line to answer these questions as we are not directly involved in his care. If your brother gives his permission, you could speak to his health care team to get a better understanding of his situation. You mention he is in a different country. I’m not sure if this means he is out with the UK or not. If your brother is receiving care here in the UK, he should have his own Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). He should have their contact details, but if not, his Consultant’s secretary can provide him with their name and number. Perhaps having a chat with them may be a good place to start.

    You mention your brother is on Gazyvaro (Obinutuzumab). This is a type of targeted cancer drug and is used for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and another type of leukaemia. Side effects vary from person to person, but it sounds as though your brother is having a particularly challenging time. Hopefully his team will be able to explain more about the reactions he has been having.

    It can be difficult coping with a family member’s cancer diagnosis. Sometimes chatting to others in a similar situation can be helpful. Perhaps it may be helpful to join our online forum for family and friends or perhaps Blood Cancer UK’s.

    If you would rather talk to one of my colleagues about the situation, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0808 808 0000. We know how upsetting and worrying it can be when a family member is going through cancer treatment, so it may help to talk things over.

    Take care for now,

    Anne - Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

    Ref/**LA

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