R-CHOP

Sorry to hear this news.

Having had a number of relapses it is scary but it’s good that his tram are on this and a clear plan will be put together.

Spleen involvement can indeed happen, I was told I had minor spleen involvement and after my treatment my spleen, as my consultant said “is now taking up room in your body” as it no longer functions..... but it’s coming up to 7 years now and it’s not been a problem.

Although I had a cousin of R-CHOP (R-EPOCH) R-CHOP is a very effective treatment that provides great results - yes his hair will most likely go but in the big picture it’s a small burden in the short term.

For my R-EPOCH I had 6 cycles that had me in hospital for 5 days/nights on my chemo 24/7. In all that 750 hrs the main issue was developing fatigue as time went on but it was not debilitating.

These are some useful links for you to have a look at

Nausea, remember not to suffer in silence when it comes to nausea there are lots of tools available - but your team need to know how you are getting on.

Fatigue may well build up over time so take each day as it comes but at the same time keep some activity going as this does actually help overcome some of the fatigue.

Avoiding Infections obviously is very important but you will totally get this during these challenging times.

I would also highlight the importance of drinking lots of water as this will flush out all the toxins released by the chemo and protects your kidneys.

Thank you so much for your help, I want to be as prepared as I can be to be able to give the best possible support I can. Everyone on this site are incredible people for facing and dealing with their own challenges especially whilst helping and supporting others. 

It’s all like someone has set off a whirlwind between your ears but once the next treatment starts things will calm down.

I found this link about R-CHOP

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancerinformation/cancertreatment/treatmenttypes/chemotherapy/combinationregimen/r-chop.aspx

Get back with your questions ((hugs))

Thank you for sending the link. I have read through the information and its a lot to take in so I will have to read it a few times. Hubby is very anxious about going it all. Its difficult to know how much to say and how much to keep to myself and wait and see what happens. As he is not coping very well I have decided to only stress the importance to drink loads and loads of water. He feels like that everything is outside of his control but I have told him that he can control his water intake and therefore help his kidneys flush his system so he can get home sooner. His ear keeps popping and making him deaf in this side and then takes a long time to correct itself. And this morning he has had a nose bleed which stopped.  thought for a moment I was going to have to take him to hospital but at least it stopped.

You do need to expect the unexpected during the treatment journey but don’t over think every little think that happens.

The main thing is to deal with are the big stones..... fluids, sickness meds, overcome fatigue with some simple exercise and watch out for infection risks and temperatures.

Never feel you are wasting his medical professions time and do use the 24 hour chemo line or 111. The medical professions would much prefer to hear form you and say all is ok compared to having to catch up with a problem.

His body is going through massive changes and things like eye and ear issues do come along but slowly clear once treatment is over.

You can not control the treatment side.... you have to ride the rollercoaster...... but controlling the battle between the ears is you and the families main task... get this and the journey just get that touch better.

As for what you have seen in the link about R-CHOP.... you do need to read between the lines - think about reading the info you get with paracetamol..... you would not take it but we do.

My R-EPOCH was long and very strong and honestly did exactly what it was meant to do and worked very quickly...... and on the whole I did not experience any of the ‘bad’ side effects.

If you have had a look at my profile, I was in a very bad way but the initial chemo hit was amazing and put me into a position to move on. Yes I am one of a number of people who had to go further into other treatments as my type of NHL became very aggressive but be encouraged, I am in remission doing great and ‘living’ the dream

Always around to help ((hugs))

Hi Teega, I had 8 rounds of rchop 11 years ago and whilst it can be tough at times its doable and yes he will lose his hair in the bigger picture its a small price. He needs to know the is 50-50 chance he may react to the R rituximab and if he does he needs to tell the staff straight away and don't worry they are used to it. As for the other side effects it really does vary from person to person, my first treatment was a walk in the park, no effects what so ever, then the effects built with each treatment and fatigue and constipation were the main challenges, followed by the 5 days of taking steroid each cycle made it hard to sleep until day 6. 

As for not being in control, he can be, he has to do all in his control to stay as fit and well as possible and that can mean eating regularly even when he may not have an appetite and as Mike has mention keep up the fluid intake. 

He then has to trust that so long as he keeps his team informed about how the treatment is effecting him, they will do all they can to get him through this and back into remission - see it as a contract.

Any questions just ask, but hope this helps a little.

John  

I am one week into my second RCHOP cycle and lost a lot of my hair by the end of the first cycle.  I have found that the support team have been great and that sickness and nausea are manageable.  I am also having GCF injections to help with the low cell count after a week, this to help combat infection.  Advice, take each day as it comes,  Enjoy the better days and try and keep to some routine and the not so good days then just let your body rest.  Eat little and often and keep the carbs up for energy.  I have a stock of ginger nut biscuits which helps to keep me going and eat a lot of pasta.  Make sure you drink a lot of fluids.  Infection is the main concern and I super clean/bleach everything daily just as you would with COVID keep washing hands/sanitize.  Never be afraid to contact the nurse/team for advice,  if you are unsure of anything.   

Thank you for posting. My husband has just returned home yesterday evening from hospital, having been in since Monday for has first RCHOP cycle. He is very tired and has a load of tablets to take throughout the day including 16 at one go with breakfast. I just saw your post in time as I was considered what to do for meals to encourage him to eat and to eat health.