Hello everyone,
Day 8 first cycle of ABVD and still feel absolutely beaten up! Definitely a glass always half full kind of girl but this has knocked me sideways.
On day 3 I developed a severe migraine and ended up in A&E pumped full of morphine (which took off the edge - no euphoric sensations alas lol). They kept me in overnight because the pain was so bad. Hubby said I vomitted 11 times! They put me on a ward in a separate room but I could hear an old lady screaming throughout the night so didn't sleep. Then I woke up to a builder outside the window on scaffolding starting an industrial drill! I can laugh at this now but seriously you can't make this stuff up LOL.
The following night a crushing chest pain woke me up at 2am. This did subside within an hour but my hubby had called an ambulance so was back in hospital for more tests. They say the heart is ok. Phew.....now left with a super achey right arm where they stuck all the needles in (Side note: always get a nurse to do bloods, never a doctor HA HA sorry any docs out there). It took them 5 attempts at one point.
I guess like many newbies here I'm looking for anyone with a similar experience? I'm reading posts from people who have experienced months and months of chemo with children to look after and I have absolutely no idea how you do it. We have five rescue dogs :)
Aside from the migraines and crushing chest pain (which were terrifying at first) the only way I can describe this is, is like having the flu, add a hangover, and a permanent headache. They did give me morphine to take home for emergencies with cocodamol, and the cancer team are reviewing the drugs / combo for the next treatment next Friday.
I'd like to think that mentally I can handle this but I am concerned my body isn't strong enough. I've lost 4kg in weight in 7 days. Keep reminding myself how lucky I am that they're looking at just 2 cycles (early stage lymphocyte rich classical Hodgkins - it's very rare but treatable!) with radiotherapy.
Whatever fight or struggle you are going through for anyone who's reading this, I salute you and wish you every success with your treatment.
Hi Pod5 and welcome to the Online Community, although I am so sorry to see you finding us and so sorry to hear about your challenges with your HL treatment. I was treated for NHL so do know how hard this journey can be.
A blood cancer diagnosis brings a lot of confusion, stress and many questions but I found talking with other people who are on the same type of journey helped a lot.
The Community is organised into various support groups so can I first direct you to our Hodgkin lymphoma group as this will connect you with people walking the treatment journey.
Follow the link I've created above then choose ‘click to join' on the page that opens.
You can then introduce yourself and post questions selecting '+New' or '+' (depending on the device you're using) and join in with existing discussions by clicking on 'reply'.
It’s always good to talk, so can I highlight the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 This service covers Emotional Support, Practical Information. Clinical Information, Financial Support and Work Guidance mostly open 8.00 to 8.00
Our Online Information and Support Section is a good place to find information covering cancer diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers.
All the very best.
Mike - Thehighlander
It always seems impossible until its done - Nelson Mandela
Click to see how to add some details to your profile
I do keep an eye on the HL group so my drop in past. My last treatment was way back in Oct 2015 (Second Donor Stem Cell Transplant) and have been in remission since Sep 2016 so the hard work was worth it..... you can have a look at members stories by hitting their community names but my one is rather long and complicated.
Always around to help out.
Mike - Thehighlander
It always seems impossible until its done - Nelson Mandela
Click to see how to add some details to your profile
I think that this is one of the new site glitches.
Try and post in the HL Group. If you are still struggling send an email to the Community Admin Team using this email community@macmillan.org.uk and they will help you out.
