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Hodgkin lymphoma

amo
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I was first diagnosed with hodgkin lymphoma in 2016 and for two years it was dormant. In may this year it was found to be progresing and I was sent for a pet scan and then a biopsy. I was told by my consultant yesterday that I will start having ABVD chemotherapy starting in about one month. It wil be four cycles over 43 days and will then be followed by radiotherapy. I have discussed all the isuues with my consultant but would like to hear from anyone who has also had this treatment and what they suffered with during it and how they coped.

 

Many thanks,

Amo

  • Welcome to the Cancer Chat forum Amo although I'm sorry to read that after laying dormant for two years your hodgkins lymphoma is now progessing.

    I just wanted to put you in touch with [@sab275uk]‍, [@JordanA25]‍ and [@ashv]‍ as I know you're hoping to chat to others that have ABVD chemo as part of their treatment so fingers crossed they'll pop by when they can to say hello and share their experiences and advice.

    I'm also going to include some information we have on our website about ABVD chemo and the side effects that may occur for you to have a look at but if you have any further questions don't hesitate in giving our cancer nurses a call next week. Their lines are open Monday - Friday (except bank holidays) between 9a.m - 5p.m on 0808 800 4040.

    I hope this all helps Amo and I wish you all the best for when your treatment starts in a month's time.

    Kind regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi Amo

    I had stage four hodgkin Lymphoma  about three years ago,I had chemon twice a month for five and a half month's for about six hours a go.

    First thing to do is NOT to think it is an automatic death sentence,just do whatever the Doctor's tell you rest as much as you like and eat as well as your able.

    You may experience side affects but DONT let that stop you from living!

    You may also find that some people wont know how to react around you,but that is a common thing.

    Personally I was OK I never felt sick even after chemo and I just carried on with my day to day life,you HAVE to have a strong mindset.

    A small crumb of comfort Amo and I know this is not the norm but I never lost a single strand of hair but your immune system will be very low so keep away from anybody with so much as a sniffle!

    I did get shingles (very painful) and then double pnuemonia (worse then the cancer) but eh look i'm still here.

    Be strong try not to worry and good luck.

    Garry. 

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    Hi Amo,

    Apologies for the delay. I had six ABVD treatments 11 years ago for stage 2A HL and no radiotherapy.

    It is considered to be one of the 'better' chemo regimes in terms of side effects. For example it didn't impact my fertility (I'm male, 36 now).

    I did lose hair, but not that rapidly. I was sick each time, although not violently, more just to clear my stomach and your urine will be red one/two hours following each treatment (I belive relating to the colour of vinblastine, not blood!).

    I felt a bit hungover for 2/3 days following each session.

    Overall, it's not that bad :-).

    Do you know what stage you are? I was early so was part of a trial to not have radiotherapy due to potential long-term implications, such as thyroid cancer...., which I've been recently diagnosed with, surgery next Wednesday.

    Any questions please ask.

    Thanks

    Stuart

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