pattycake's Journey:

I tolerated the Chemo drugs fairly well. Pain and anemia meds caused very uncomfortable constipation. I did not have surgery other than a laproscopy biopsy. The largest mass was the size of an egg and was located between the spine and speen, not possible to remove. Hodgkin's was diagnosed fairly early in Stage II.

Weight loss, Cough, Low blood counts, Taste changed, Itchy Skin, Rash and clothing irritation, Hot Flashes, Hair Loss, Fatigue, Not hungry, Constipation (from Iron and pain pills), Diarrhea (a couple of days after Chemo), Some confusion but did not last after treatments stopped.

My drug therapy was Vinblastine, Dacarbazine, Bleomycin and Doxorubicin; all by injection through my Port. I was also given Emend for nausea; day of treatment and 2 days after. It worked, I was not nauseated at any time from treatments....a real blessing. My worst side effects came from pain (after biopsy) and anemia Meds resulting in constipation. After my system got used to the regimen and meds and I was taken off Iron, most of my discomfort went away.

I was lucky, no issues except the initial diagnosis.

I could not imagine not having a Port. The thought of sticking my arms every 2 weeks for 12 treatments was not an option.

So far, scans have shown no cancer. I'm sure I will be monitored closely often.

No issues, I was back to normal in a month after last treatment except for strength and stamina, which is slowly returning (2 months later).

For me the decision was easy, I put my faith in my DR and followed his recommendations.

No after care other than Dr checkups; I was back to my part time job in a month and a half. I was lucky

No issues, I was back to normal in a month after last treatment except for strength and stamina, which is slowly returning (2 months later). I recommend exercise like Curves or Yoga to regain strength. After 2 months, my hair is about 1/8 inch long but having fun with wigs. I recommend visiting American Cancer Society website for a link to another site that has low cost wigs, caps, scarves and many other products. Check into your insurance, it may cover the cost of many items. You will probably need a perscription from your DR.