On 6/8/2008
Butyl wrote:
I am just completeing a cycle of 6 sessions of CHOP + R chemo for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. I am lucky since the disease seems to be in remission.
The chemo has given me extreme fatigue and short windedness, my tiredness has worsened with each treatment, and I am now anemic, and my blood chemistry is screwed up. I realize my physical recovery after chemo stops will take time and I would like to learn the experience of others in the community who may have gone through the treatment. Will it take months, were you making real progress after 6 months. Were any diets aof particular help? Would appreciate any info.
Thanks,
Irv
Hello and congratulations on the remission!!!!
I have completed 6 cycles of CDOP/Rituximab (Rituxan) for agressive diffused B cell lymphoma. During the chemo my red cells dropped so low transfusions were required (6) total. My white cells dropped so low I had many injections of Neulasta and a preventive antibiotic, Levaquin.
I'm 5 months post chem and my stamina slowly improved over the course of that time. The fatigue is still present, but I've learned to pace myself.
At the end of chemo the oncologist shared with me that patients required 6-12 mos to recover to pre-cancer status; I hope he's correct and I do return to my normal healthy conditon. The shortness of breath was a real drawback which subsided greatly as time went on; especially once the chemicals began to leave my system..My personal experience is continue to drink copious amounts of fluids and eat a diet high in protein.
You didn't mention age, but that too, can be a factor in a slower healing; the process takes longer, I'm told. I'm a young 65..
I too, am in remission and will start maintenance chemo in Jan 09 every 6 months for 2 years...
Good luck, most importantly, take GOOD care of yourself, we are currently surviving one of the most nastiest chemos and beat the "bigC". Lyn