JUST GOT OUT OF A SIX WEEK STAY IN HOSPITAL HAD A SEVERE LUPUS FLARE AND MY BLOOD CLOTS THAT I HAD REMOVED LAST YEAR FROM MY LEG HAVE NOW CAUSED A BLOCKAGE IN MY HIP CAUSING ME TERRIBLE PAIN EVERY SECOND OF THE DAY NOT ONLY THAT BUT I HAVE NOW GOT SWOLLEN LYMP NODES ALL OVER MY BODY I HAD TWO LARGE ONES REMOVED FROM MY NECK THEY DID NOT SHOW CANCER BUT A LUPUS LYMPHOMA . I AM NOW HAVING TO START AN INTENCE CHEAMOTHEROPY COURSE AND I WONDERED IF ANY ONE HAS ANY TIPS. I AM SOOO SCARED OF LOSEING MY HAIR AND FEEL SO ALONE RIGHT NOW IF IT WASNT FOR MY KIDS I THINK I WOULD HAVE TAKEN THE EASY WAY OUT A LONG TIME AGO.
One blessing is that the lymphomas are generally very responsive to chemotherapy and even have a high cure rate. You can beat this!!!!
I'm so sorry you have to go through all of this.
First, it is ok to be scared. I know many people who don't want to worry about losing their hair shave their heads when they start chemo. Talk to the nurses. They aren't just there to poke and prod you, they're there to walk you through this and hold your hand and relieve your fears.
Personally, from my experience with patients going through chemo, these are the tips I can give you:
1. Rest.
2. Friends and family may be willing to make you meals while you're going through treatment for a bit. Or, freeze up some meals so when you're tired from treatments, you can just heat something up.
3. Oftentimes there is nausea that comes along with chemo. If you experience it, let your doctors and nurses know, they can pre-medicate you with anti-nausea meds. Or try some ginger.
4. Small, frequent meals loaded with vitamins and protein.
5. Go out and buy a cute wig, hat, and bandanna.
6. Comfy clothes.
7. Chemo can dry out your skin and lips so find a good lotion. Aquaphor is really good for chapped lips too.
8. Chemo can also cause sores in your mouth or make your mouth sensitive. If that happens, go for bland foods. Nothing spicy, sour, tangy, or really hot/cold. There are also numbing mouthwashes that your doctor can prescribe or recommend if this happens.
9. Imagery can help. While getting your treatments, or once a day, imagine your favorite relaxing place. Or, picture in your head the chemo destroying the bad cells. It helps keep a positive mindset and may even help your treatment be more effective.
10. Join a support group. There are tons of chemo support groups out there and can be a great help to you.
I hope this helps. Hang in there. I will be praying for you. Hugs.
Praying for you!
Prayers and gentle hugs are being sent to you. Thankfully you have a wonderful daughter.
i also like to add that many people do not lose their hair anymore!
here is link to American Cancer Society which has the best online information about chemotherapy and what to expect, how to deal with it etc. Even has support groups listings in your area!
Also...you can call them and they have excellent support staff to help answer any questions as well!
It sounds like you have non hodgkin lymphoma which as others have said ..has excellent prognosis...on site it talks about how us with autoimmune diseases are more likely to get this ...just do a search for lupus lymphoma and will bring up right page...here i got the page for you
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/non-hodgkinlymphoma/detailedguide/non-hodgkin-lymphoma-risk-factors
Wish you best...try hard to not be too scared. I have known many people...seriously over 10 who have had this and was not that bad either chemo and beating it!! Just sounds like one more thing and understandably upsetting!
keep us posted as you feel up to it! prayers and best positive thoughts will be with you!!
Prayers for comfort and healing are with you as you go through your chemo! You are blessed to have a wonderful family beside you.
Hair is the minor issue right now and it will grow back..."if" any does fall out! Fight with everything you have!
Lori
Hi! sorry that you are going through this-smile Hope that things get better for you, hang in there and REMEMBER that YOU are NOT ALONE we are here at all times!!!!! Seasons Greetings and be stress free....Beverly L.
Hello, I’m so sorry you are having too deal with all this at one time, or at all. As some members mentioned, not everyone loses their hair any more. If you do lose some hair own it.
Wear cute or outrageous hats, scarves, or even a wig. I had big bald spots in my hair last year. It broke my heart. I was identified by my thick, wild red hair, until this stupid disease took that from me.
Any way, I tend to ramble. Contact me anytime if you need to talk. I crochet constantly…I would love to make some hats for you, if you like. Take care of yourself.