ABVD for Newbies
This post is mainly written for people newly diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease who will be undergoing chemotherapy, specifically ABVD chemotherapy. If you want to know more about what ABVD is, you can ask your oncologist or nurses. If you want to know more about what actually happens when you get chemo and how you might feel with ABVD from the perspective of the patient, then keep reading.
If you’re like me, you probably don’t know much at all about how chemotherapy is given or what to expect. I did have an advantage in my dad had a very similar chemo regimen for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma called CHOP-R. But for most people, this is going to be your first encounter with chemo. And you may have a nightmare view of what chemo is going to be. I hope this post helps alleviate some of your fears by providing you information. I’ve divided this post into three “chapters.”
Chapter One: Scared witless? So are we all.
Chapter Two: How ABVD is actually given.
Chapter Three: How am I going to feel after ABVD.
One thing to always remember — I’m just a patient. If you have medical questions, you need to ask your medical team.
on February 4, 2008 on 10:51 am
Great post, Jenny….they usually do EKGs while on Adriamycin, too. My first wife lost all her hair with the stuff [her's was a cancer that is essentially 0% curable---same cure rate now as 30 years ago], but otherwise really didn’t get side effects.
on February 4, 2008 on 12:07 pm
Hi Bob, I had MUGA scans to check my heart function during chemo and one echocardiogram. I am pretty sure my hair didn’t all fall out just to spite my oncologist because he promised it would all fall out.
What’s sad is I still can’t say or write the word “Dacarbazine” without feel a little nauseous.
on February 4, 2008 on 3:33 pm
Jenny,
Reading your post reminded me of the times my mother had chemo when she was fighting colon cancer. The drugs they used were different, but the process was just about the same. She would get nausea for a couple of days afterward and then just when she got to feeling better, it was time for another treatment. Her hair did fall out, but at one time in her life she worked as a beautician so she bought some wigs and styled them to the point where if you didn’t know her, you would have sworn it was her own hair.
Good luck and best wishes in your journey.
Best
Rob
on February 4, 2008 on 6:34 pm
Couldn’t even read this one, Jen. Isn’t that something? I started too but when I got to “Adriamycin” I had to stop. Know why? I got nauseated.
One year away from my last chemo and I still get nauseated.
Thanks for taking up the banner
Jenne
on February 13, 2008 on 12:32 am
Nice write up on the process. It a more realistic writing than most I have read.
Time to put on the sea bands again, and brush teeth to get rid of metal taste.
on March 9, 2008 on 9:44 pm
I was diagnosed with Hodgkins about 3 weeks ago. I start my first chemo treatment day after tomorrow. I’m scared to death so I’ve been searching the internet for first time experiences. Your blog has been very helpful. Thanks for sharing your story.
on September 6, 2009 on 2:44 pm
hi im on my 4th cycle of chemo, and i just wanted to say dont let this situation get you down, its all about being mind strong, while your on the chemo, get a juicer, loads of brockley, carrots, a gallon of water one day before chemo one gallon on the day and one the day after, keep positive dont get stressed, cancer loves stress, stay away from sugar, and remember diet is important, good luck, and GOD willing a quick recovery
on April 4, 2008 on 2:00 pm
Great post. Diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin’s in mid-March. Had to have 2 biopsy surgeries as the first one was inconclusive and didn’t jive with the CT scan. Second surgery sucked as they removed a 6cm Lymphnode, biggest my sugeon had ever seen. The drain was the worst and hope that it will be the worst part about this whole ordeal. I go in on the 11th for the start of my treatment. No knowing how my body will react to the ABVD is the worst part. I plan to keep working and hope that getting the treatment done Friday will allow me to return to work on Mon.
Thanks for posting as this helps with trying to figure out what to expect. Take care.
on July 29, 2008 on 2:53 am
Pretty spot on there with the run down of good old ABVD. I finished my last treatment in April (have been in remission since January but i just say i’m cured – it’s easier and more positive!) and i’ve recently developed Reynaud’s. I had no idea this was a side effect until today so i’m glad you’ve cleared that up for me!! Haha the ‘red devil’, i used to laugh every time i did a red pee!! xoxoxox
on August 3, 2008 on 8:41 am
Jenny,
I am a Mom of a 25 yo daughter diagnosed with NSHL. The night before her first ABVD chemo treatment I came across your fabulous post about your experiences. I read…and re-read all that you had to say, and I think it saved my sanity. The fear of the unknown is terrifying. Thankfully, her symptoms have not been bad after chemo on Friday. Some general ill feelings, but no major nausea or vomiting. We took your advice, and have done the 2 drugs prescribed every 6 hours as needed around the clock. That bit of advice was GENIUS on your part. Thank you!
I hope you have a life of happiness and good health. You have made a huge difference in the life of this Mom, and I will be forever grateful.
Cindy Meola
(MA)
on August 9, 2008 on 9:45 pm
Hey Jenny-
I have used your site for support since starting my Chemo for Hodgkin’s on June 5th. Next week is my half way point and just this week I started to experience some issues with my lungs. I think the Bleo is taking a toll, but won’t know until Thursday when I go in for my next treatment. I am breathing fine, but occasionally have to cough when I take a deep breath in. Can you give me some details of the lung problems you experienced–did they stop the chemo or less the Bleo doss, or what? I am so nervous to miss a chemo session since I am on such a good roll. I had a follow up PET after the 2nd cycle of chemo and got great news, but of course everyday is nerve racking! Thanks for your support.
Allison (NJ)
on August 13, 2008 on 3:43 pm
Hi…Well, my daughter made it through ABVD treatment #1, with #2 to follow this Friday. However, she ended up with a blood clot behind her left knee and calf. GREAT! From what I understand, that can be a chemo side effect, as well as a Hodgkin’s side effect. Haven’t read that anywhere. She will be on Coumadin daily for the rest of treatment, and taking blood thinning shots as well at home for the next 10 days. Has anyone experienced this during their own treatment? I would love to know how it all worked out.
I really feel like this site can be a lifeline for so many. It has helped me so much, just hearing what you each have been going through. Thanks and keep up the good fight!
Cindy
Salem, MA
on September 30, 2008 on 1:49 pm
Hi Jenny-
I finished my last course of ABVD about 1 month ago. Like you, I still have quite a good amount of hair. I’m wondering how long it took for yours to stop falling out – I think less is falling out now, but it’s driving me nuts! Thanks!
Corey
on October 12, 2008 on 9:24 pm
Hi Jenny.. I just want to thank you for writing this article about your experience with Hodgkin’s disease. I am 29 years old and have been getting ABVD chemo for stage 3 Nodular Sclerosis Hodgkin’s for the last 6 months. Only one treatment left and I am so excited. I wish I had found your article sooner! I think that you will bring knowledge and hope and inspiration to those just beginning treatments. Should I be concerned about delayed side effects though? My experience has been so backwards that I get nervous. I haven’t gotten sick alot and actually gained about 55 pounds,I still have hair even though I cut it short as a precaution to it falling out, and I rarely get the red pee from the Adriamycin. Aside from extreme fatigue I haven’t experienced too much. I know I should feel lucky but I feel like it is too good to be true. Any advice? Thanx!
Melinda
on November 1, 2008 on 12:01 am
[...] ABVD for Newbies [...]
on September 10, 2009 on 1:17 pm
Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog.
Cheers! Sandra. R.