Hi new here currently undergoing Chemo, but been in hospital for over 3 weeks with bowel issues. Would be great to speak to others

Hi Browneyes1 and a warm welcome to this corner of the Community although I am always sorry to see folks joining us. I am Mike and I help out around our various Lymphoma groups. 

I was diagnosed way back in 1999 at 43 with a rare, incurable but treatable type of Low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma eventually reaching Stage 4a in late 2013 so although my Lymphoma ‘type’ may be different from yours I do appreciate the challenges of this journey rather well as I have been on my journey over 24 years.

What one of the 60 types and sub-types of Lymphoma do you have……. ?

I am sorry to hear that you are in hospital with bowel issues.

Chemo unfortunately can develop many Side Effects and one is indeed stomach and bowels problems……. although being in hospital is not what you would want, at times it’s a necessity. But let’s look for this to improve soon and for you to get out.

What chemo are you having?……. some chemo regimes are very strong but they have to be to do their job.

I have had a lot of chemo over my years with my main chemo being between late 2013 to April 2014.

It was R-EPOCH I had with me in hospital 6 nights/5 days on my 2 IV pumps 24/7 for over 120hrs each treatment over my 6 cycles….. my story is rather complicated (See my story) as I had to go onto other treatments but I am getting close to being 8 years out from my last treatment, I am turning 68 in Nov and doing great……… so be encouraged. Even when this feels impossible there is a way through this.

The group is here to help at any time so do ask your questions or if you just want to chat then that is great.

You may want to check out the Lymphoma Action website. Lymphoma Action is the only UK Lymphoma Specific Charity who have lots of good reliable information, videos..... basically all things Lymphoma....... pre, during and post treatment.

They also have a great Lymphoma Action Buddy Service where people can be linked up with someone who has walked the same treatment journey.

They also have a Lymphoma helpline on 0808 808 5555 where you can talk with someone and get support - open every week day from 10 till 3.

Supportive ((hugs))

Thanx u for getting back to me.  How have I managed to stay positive all this time?, I’m trying hard but this am not easy as feeling queasy.  I was originally diagnosed with low grade after neck biopsies but they grade 4 groin which punctured my bowel.

There are two options on this journey...... you stay focused on the 'greater good' in going through all the 'stuff' that happens and come out the other end..... or you just give in..... I know the option I always went for over my many years.

You have been very unfortunate that your bowel was punctured.... but stuff like this can happen. Let's look for progress to be made and a positive way found to move this all forward ((hugs))

What a great way to look at it I’ll definitely keep that in my head as I won’t give in

Do you know the exact type of NHL you have?........ and what chemo are you getting.

Keep on keeping on

So sorry to hear of this. In addition to the tumour(s), the commonly employed chemotherapy drugs often attack the bowels. Some of them - the 'old school' type - do not differentiate well between rapidly dividing cancer cells and rapidly dividing intestinal cells.  Thus, they do cause some damage to the bowels. However, they are fully intended to do far more serious damage to the cancer cells, and their track record shows this. There should be some on-going scanning of your bowel to note any improvement, and so your medical team should be able to keep you up to date.  Have you been apprised of the "plan B" which doctor has in mind? It is good to discuss that in case the primary therapy is not as effective as hoped. Scanning should reveal the effectiveness of the therapy and we certainly hope all the best for you.