Starting Chemo in 4 days

[Movablefeast]

Just been diagnosed with lymphoma which seems to be just in my bones and is stage 4. I start chemo on Wed. I have been told I will lose my hair and can have a range of other side effects. This just started from back pain, I have been very active and healthy otherwise.

It won't be as bad as you fear, I promise. The first cycle is a big deal as it's a leap in to the unknown, but it fairly quickly becomes normal. I'm on a different type of chemo, but happy to answer any questions you might have.

Thank you Foldy, how many rounds have you had? Are there signs that it is working?

all I can add really is my friend has the same and just finished chemo. 6 rounds and found if after chemo rough for 3 to 4 day then ok. Outlook good and she need some radio therapy now . Think chemo affect everyone differently so it's just wait and see. My friend was given the worse possible diagnosis responded better than ever expected to chemo just had scan to identify any legions and hot spots so they can start radio therapy and the future is looking VERY positive . Stay strong be brave and I wish you all the luck in the world.

signs it was starting to work the original lump (lymph node ) started to shrink

I have a lot of pain and am bed bound, this just started at the beginning of May and I seemed in great health and was weight training 3x a week. It has happened so fast, within a month I was struggling to walk. So I am hoping the pain will lessen.

Thank you so much for your reply.

Fingers crossed for the absolute best op. Good luck.

Gosh, I'm so sorry Moveablefeast That must be tough. Will they be able to offer you pain relief too.

I know lots of people very close to me who've been on the chemo journey. As all treatments, everyone is different. It has improved enormously over 20 years & they have better anti-sickness meds if this is one of your side effects.

All of them had a positive outcome & I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that it will alleviate your suffering too. Hope you have some good RL support around you.

How is it going so far, Movable? I hope if nothing else that it will help the pain. What kind of chemo are you having?

Sorry for delay in replying, I've been offline. My situation is a bit weird, so getting better or the tumour shrinking are not going to happen. Chemo for me is designed to delay progression for as long as possible.

Sorry, to answer your other question, I had 2 x 6 week cycles of one regime, and am now in the third of 9 x 4 week cycles of a different type of chemo.

Hi, hope it's going well. There is a cancer support thread in general health and we're all on the same journey. Maybe pop in when you feel ready. Good luck and all the best.