ABVD side effects

Hi again , unfortunately for a lot of folks the side effects are indeed accumulative.

I am sure that some of the HL folks who have had the same treatment will be along.

I had NHL and different treatment but these side effects tend to run the same way but if you are significantly concerned you should always talk with his team.

Anti sickness meds can be played about with over the cycles as the nausea can change again talk with his team.

Constipation is horrible and agin needs to be kept under control as far as possible - I found Laxido worked well for me.  

Is he drinking enough water as this is the main way to flush out the toxicity of the chemo and protect his kidneys.

Under ‘normal’ circumstances we would always advise keeping some very simple activity going as this is one of the best ways to overcome a good part of the fatigue.

I would not be surprised if his treatment may be delayed if his counts are not at a good level.

((hugs))

Thank you for the advice Thehighlander. It’s reassuring to have a point of reference and support as I don’t want to be overly fussy but want to understand what’s normal and how I can encourage him. ((Hugs)) to you too. 

Hi, 

Yes the effects of AVBD are accumulative I’m afraid. I hit a brick wall after 3 cycles. I dreaded chemo day but I got through it and so will your husband. As for his veins, I had the same problem. I was reluctant to have a PICC line but after the 2nd cycle I did and it really really helped. It’s one less unpleasant thing to endure and every bit helps. I would definitely recommend it. Take care. 

Many thanks . I’m not sure he’s considered a PICC line but I shall mention it , thank you for taking time to share your experience. Stay safe. 

Hi ,

yes, a PICC line really can help things along, and the chemo is much quicker going into a major blood vessel, so less time spent in hospital which has to help.

please do seek help for the nausea, one of the finest meds is Aprepitant /Emend, they don’t tend to offer it (expense!) but those who have had it generally report much better symptom control. And yes, sadly ABVD does often cause constipation, drinking lots of water does help ease that too. Again, don’t let it slide, get help! 

Daughter never confessed to nausea but felt as it was chemo it had to be, she now knows that was totally wrong. But she did always have one good week, even late on into her 6 months. And yes, she was usually sent home with a few G-CSF jabs to ensure her white count recovered each time. 
Stay safe.....

Hugs xxx

Thank you moomy, I’ve tried to get him to call his team but doesn’t want to make a fuss or end up going to see someone but I’m going to make sure he’s drinking more and I’ve asked him to make sure when he goes for chemo a week today he discusses it , like you’ve said he’s not helping himself by not speaking up . Thank you again for your words of wisdom. It really helps . Stay safe too. Xx

Hi

I did my 6 cycles in in 2017. I remember some infusions being a bit worse than others but generally day 4-9 after infusion was when I felt worst. I also had the injections the week before all infusions due to bloods getting shot. Many recommend keeping a diary which I found really useful as my side effects came on like clockwork (heartburn, constipation, muscles aches)and it is good to compare each cycle. I also worked throughout my treatment as I wanted to stay busy and distracted. In hindsight I shouldn't have done that and could have rested a lot more.

I'd echo the others that it is best to talk to team who can prescribe help for what is required.

I got a port cath into chest after first infusion because I couldn't handle the lingering achey pains in arm and I think it was the best thing I did as it painless from then on and easy. 

Hope it helps

Cam

Thank you for taking the time to reply cammyboy01 . It’s great advice. He started to feel worse and it seems this was a reaction to the injections to boost blood count so they’ve been stopped. And I know he’s been checking out this site to see what the advice is and so he will be more open with his team. 
thank you for all the support. Stay safe x

Hello I hope you are safe.I saw your post and the page about Non Hockin Lymphoma.My father has been diagnosed with this type of cancer 2 years ago.We live in Macedonia.He gets ABVD tHERAPIE AND IS FEELING BETTER NOW.bUT THERE IS ONE Problem.He has very bad neurological symptoms.2 are very bad.First he walks similar like a robot and has a very big issue and also his voice is gone.He only talks with whispering or very low voice.Is this consequence from the Lymphoma or there is another disease? Thank you.

Hi and welcome to the Community.

Good to hear that your father is doing not to bad.

We are not medically trained so can only look at our own treatment journeys so the best people to give you answers would be his medical team.

I had NHL so did not have ABVD but my treatment gave me very bad Peripheral Neuropathy that lasted a number of years and had an effect on my ability to walk..... also the effects of the chemo did make me very lethargic so felt the world was all in slow motion (chemo brain) but this has now all cleared up.

Keep safe.