hallo my name is mummins. I’m having chemo for grade 4 follicular lymphoma. To try to get me into remission. It’s not going too bad. I’m in cycle 2 of 8. I experienced pain during the first cycle when taking the bone marrow injections. Particularly in my chest. After a visit to A&E it was decided these pains were oesophageal spasms.
Someone who had previously been through similar suggested that anti histermine could help reduce pain during this time. I asked the nurse at the chemo unit. She said it wouldn’t hurt to try. However I also read that the injections contain histermine to help produce new white blood cells. So if I take anti histermine could this adversely affect the job they’re meant to do?
thank you. Xxx
Hi Mummins and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.
As the community is divided up into different support groups I'm going to recommend that you join the follicular lymphoma group which is a great place to ask your question, share experiences and get support.
To join just click on the link I've created and then choose 'click to join' or 'join' (depending on the device you're using) on the page that opens. You can then introduce yourself and post in the same way as you did here and join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'.
It would be great if you could pop something about your diagnosis and treatment so far into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.
If you have any difficulty navigating the community just drop me a reply and I'll be pleased to help
x
Hi Mummins and a second welcome from me. I am Mike and I help out around our various Lymphoma groups. I see my friend latchbrook has given you the link to our Follicular lymphoma group. Do come over and introduce yourself.
Most folks on Lymphoma Chemos will have the injections (G-CSF Injections - FILGRASTIM or similar) these are designed to wake up your bone marrow and get your blood counts back up as the treatments not only kill off the cancer cells but also good cells as well.
I was on these injections for a few days after each of my 6 main cycles of treatment……. but was also on them each day for 4 months after my second Stem Cell Transplant as the effects of the Stem Cell Treatments stopped my bone marrow working effectively so the injections were helping to keep the bone marrow working until it decided to wake up.
One of the side effects is indeed all over bone pain…….. but I had no real bone pain problems.
I was told that this was down to my team prescribing Piriton or Clarityn Antihistamine as this bizarrely stopped the pain developing,
Yes they are Antihistamine…… but they don’t stop the injections from doing their job but do block the pain that the injections cause.
I will keep an eye open for you in the group.
Hi Mike. Thanks so much for your detailed reply. And for giving me such peace of mind I will indeed have a go! Sounds like you’ve really been in the wars but I can feel a positivity in your message. Again, thank you x
I was diagnosed way back in 1999 with a different low grade NHL (FL is low grade) Cutaneous T-Cell Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (An incurable Skin Lymphoma)
Do come over to the FL group and we can talk more as there will always be bumps on the treatment road.
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
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