First ABVD treatment

Hi I have had 2 chemos and got third tomorrow, and your right it is brutal, I've had no sickness but my symptoms are pain from my head down to my stomach, can't describe the pain but it's awful ,got told to take oramorph every 2 hours but didn't help one bit, been a lot better the last 2 days but then it starts all over again, we have to stick in there and beat this, good luck xx

Hi Becky, 

Hope you see this and I hope you beat this horrible disease. I have been diagnosed with classical hodgkin's lymphoma stage 2 and started my chemo last Thursday. I've been quite lucky that I have not exsprienced any nausea or vomiting, however the jaw pain I have felt is ridiculously painful. The codine that has been prescribed for it had done absolutely naff all did you ever get any relief of this pain? Or do you have any tips for coping? Thanks, Luke X

Hi Luke. Sorry to hear you are going through it all at the moment! I finished 6 cycles of ABVD two years ago and I have beaten it, am in complete remission. Amazing to see you don’t have any nausea, make sure to keep up with any anti-sickness meds’ you have. I got brave once and decided I didn’t need them, I learned I did haha! The jaw pain was horrendous, nothing compared to it but I was told it could possibly be a sign of the Chemo taking effect. The pain got less every infusion I had. With the first session, it started the day after my infusion and lasted for about 10 daysish. Every session I had, it eased off. I think by the 6th session it was pretty minimal, certainly managed well managed with painkillers and only lasted a couple of days. I have everything crossed it settles quickly for you too! How many cycles are you due to have? I know everyone tells you this but drink as much water as you can to keep hydrated and flush everything out! I managed to work a bit during it all, gave me some normality which helped me focus on something else for a bit. 

If there is anything else I can answer for you, I am very open about everything, please do message me anytime! Hope I helped a bit? 

The last treatment may seem so far away but it really will come around quickly! 

Becky x

Hi Becky,

Thanks for replying and I'm so happy your 2 years in remission! I have to have 6 cycles of ABVD however the doctor has said he is very optimistic as we have caught it very early. The nurse did tell me she was very surprised that I have had no nausea so fingers crossed it continues. Just can't believe how painful this jaw ache is, I'm astonished by it, usually see myself as a strong hard bloke, but that is definitely not the case this week! Haha

Did your doctor prescribe you anything for the jaw pain at all do you know? They have mentioned putting the last drug into me at all slower rate as it was done in 30 mins previously.

Luke x

Hi Luke, 

could be that the jaw ache is the HL being bumped off? Were your major nodes in your neck? As if so that really could explain the ache. Keep on top of pain relief, and you can take anti inflammatory meds too if your specialists agree, if so then you can take them together with paracetamol.

Hope you continue with no nausea, too....

hugs xxx

Hi moomy, 

Luckily the tablets have done the trick, I've woke up this morning with abit of a tense headache but the jaw ache has improved ten fold! The HL was a lump above my left collar bone and there was another effected node slightly to the right of that towards my breast bone. Still don't feel myself, but I can imagine this is going to be the new norm for the upcoming months. 

Thanks, Luke X

That’s great Luke!

I suspect ABVD’s tiredness will catch up with you, but at least every other week (between treatments) you’ll feel absolutely fine. Keep taking care, especially any time you feel at all unwell. That’s the time to check your temp and phone in if it’s raised. 

Hope you’re drinking plenty of water? And don’t ignore the chemo’s other unwanted effect (tmi coming here), constipation! 

Hugs xxx

Luke, I had 6 cycles too. The more chemos you have you will find it has a cumulative affect. I was much more lethargic and overall tired as the time went on. I was a puker but I think half of that was my anxiety of what was going to happen. Like the second treatment I had, I kept puking so hard (while in the chair ..very glamorous) I peed myself haha. It’s the truth so there you have it.  

Careful what you eat while in there too, only because certain foods now I see and instantly gag as it reminds me of my treatments. 

I did have bad acid reflux so they gave me additional meds for that and it did the trick. I’d start using restoralax or equivalent too, to help move things along. Drink lots of water, and if you need to use flavour drops do whatever helps get it in.  I also used biotene mouthwash,toothpaste, and spray as my mouth could get pretty dry. 

Some tips from someone who has been there! 

Hi Becky, 

Here's hoping you still have your account! I see this thread is a few years old.. 

I completed my first lot of cycle 1 of abvd about 4 days ago, now experiencing insane mouth pain - feels like my nerves are raw and radiates up my jaw and occasionally into my head. Difficulty eating, drinking, sleeping, and the pain is constant. Also have pain up my right arm were i was cannulated. Is this similar to what you felt? Did it resolve on its own? I have had it for 2 days now. Considering a trip to emergency if it doesn't ease, as it is the weekend and my cancer care team is not available. 

Any tips, advice, encouragement appreciated.

Thank you very much

Kait x

Hi Kait, I finished my ABVD treatments over three years ago. After the first time I also had really bad jaw pain. It didn’t last long, and I actually never had it again.

As for arm pain - I had a picc line. If it is anything you are worried about go to the hospital. I’ve learnt now, three years later, if I’m worried about a bump or a lump I just go. I would search on here about arm pain after treatment because I would have to think that makes sense after injecting chemo into your veins. 

Hang in there! 

Natalie