Hodgkin's Lymphoma Support Group

HI Mike.
Just wanted to send you my hug and let you know my daughter had the injections every chemo and not the mediport, l think the mediport would be so much easier,it sometimes took them an hour to get her iv going..she had her scan in sept and was told she was clear...now Jan, they did a PETscan and found three nodes and her thyroid is lighting up...She has surgery next week, she had ABVD for 4 rounds or 8 treatments then 4 weeks of radiation 5 days a week. She was feeling great, did very well through chemo and didn't loose enough hair to need her wig...we thought it was wonderful, now, new cancer and we will keep positive thoughts and stay upbeat, you need to know that treatments are very affective, just sometimes they need to try other chemo cocktails to get the best results...hang in...draw strength from friends and family..plus your new friends here!

Thank you so much for the reply. Yes, I think the port is probably best, I just don't like the idea of it LOL. I just got the call about an hour ago saying that my bone marrow biopsy is on Monday at noon, so I guess I need to get through that before I worry about the mediport.

I will keep your daughter in my prayers, and I wish her the best with surgery next week, and I am sure she will get the all clear again.

Thank you so much for your comments :)

Well, I had my bone marrow biopsy today, and PHEW it was not as bad as I thought. They gave me a sedative, and I only remember the last minute or two of the procedure. I was scared for nothing lol. Anyone about to have one done, let me say it is not as bad as your brain may be having you believe.

Hi Mike! Sorry I did not reply sooner!!! You sound very much like I did when I first found out that I had Hodgkins. Very scared and hid it from my family very well. But we will all get through this. :o)

I have a mediport. And it is great. I never did have any chemo before it though. So I dont know what its like to have it without. I just know the Dr.s here do not recommend moving forward without it. And the surgery to have it put it and having it in is nothing! And every time they "access" the port for chemo is painless. I was very paranoid like you for the bone marrow test. But I see you had a better time than I did. I am glad that went well for you!

Good luck and keep your head up!

Thanks Mishelbug, I appreciate your comments! I had my PET scan today, and besided the slight claustrophobic feeling, it was not bad at all. My next appointment with my Oncologist is on 02/04/2009, and am anxious to hear the results and the course of treatment we are taking.

I hope you are doing well in your fight, I am still learning my way around the site, so I am sorry if I am not finding what I should find as soon as I should.

(((((HUGS)))))

Hello Mike,

I wish you all the luck in the world on your journey. I was recently diagnosed with Hodgkin's as well and am scared too, but have been told this is normal and that it is extremely curable but still scary and tough at times. I have my port put in on Feb. 2nd and start chemo Feb. 3rd (ABVD). When do you start your treatments? Good luck on everything... YEAH, it is scary and it is completely normal to have a thousand thoughts going through your head as well as emotions.

Best wishes,

Jen

Hi Jen,

I just did my Bone Marrow biopsy on Monday, and the PET scan on Wednesday. I go back to my Oncologist on Wed Feb. 4th. for the results. He talked about ABVD and R-ABVD for the NLPHL. I am not sure when he will schedule the mediport or the first chemo.

I know this is very curable, and we have a great chance! Jen, you stay strong too, you will do great! Do you know what stage you are yet?

Good luck on everything, I will keep you in my prayers!

Hi Mike, I'm in the same boat. Just got diagnosed a couple weeks ago. I too had the bone marrow but luckily I didn't know much about it going in (ignorance is bliss). Plus, like you said, it wasn't bad. I am getting a PICC line (port) next week. I already had my first treatment of ABVD. I found the first day was nothing, the second and third day I feld sick (basically like having the flu) but I didn't have any vomiting and the nausia was I would say 95% controlled. I basically just lost my appetite and felt very tired for day 2 and 3. Day 4 I felt better but my taste buds started to feel like they do when you eat too many souer candies. After day 5 I was fine, just tired and my bones had a slight aching. I'm still nervous about my next treatment and to get the PICC line put in even though I've heard it's nothing.

Anyway bro, I'm here for you.

Hey Alex, thank you so much for the insight about what to expect the first time around. Hang in there and stay strong, I'm sure the picc line will be a breeze!

I am here for you too!

Hi, when I was diagnosed I was really scared too. My Hodgkin's is not gone yet. I am undergoing bone marrow transplant therapy. I had ABVD and it had very mild effects on me, but it did remove most cancer symptoms. Don't be scared of the ABVD. There are stronger therapies like ICE. They have stronger side effects.

My hair didn't fall out from ABVD, but it did from ICE.