Stem Cell Transplant (autologous)

I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in Sept 2010. I also went through chemo. I'm pretty sure that it was also the RICE/BEAM chemo. I'm looking for all of my paperwork to know for sure. I had a treatment in Oct and another in Nov of 2010. Then in Dec 2010 I underwent a stem cell transplant using my own stem cells. The main side effects I've noticed is the typical chemo brain. I would be happy to attempt to answer any questions you have.

I went through the initial days of testing and was found not eligible at that time, although I may have to go through autologous transplant in the near future when I'm ready.
During the test days, I stayed with my caregiver at the Gift of Life transplant house.
The Info material on transplant from Mayo includes some really good books on everything BMT, including side effects and life after transplant.
Good luck to you!

I've been reading more, getting some input. Starting first wave of the Rice tomorrow .. the fun begins.

Had R-chop earlier this year, had "chemo brain"


Once you started the Rice, chemo did you notice any immediate side affects?

KJS

thank you, I will check into this...

I was diagnosed with NHL in February 2010, did 6 rounds of R-CHOP from March thru July, donated my cells last November, and had an autologous BMT @ Mayo/Jax in January 2011. The chemo prior to the BMT was BEAM. It was a lot stronger than the R-CHOP, but the effects were delayed several days. With RCHOP I had the chemo, I was tired. With BEAM, I had the chemo, a week later I was tired. Lost my hair again, and had every side effect that they've warned you about. Lost 16 pounds in the hospital; was weak as a puppy when I came home after 20 days; couldn't taste food until mid April, etc, etc. It even changed the percentage of water in my eyeballs which changed my glasses prescription! You'll survive it, though, and that hundred day recuperation goes by faster than you think. I watched Food Network all day to try and generate an appetite, and did crossword puzzles daily to keep my brain functioning. You will need a caregiver for at least a month. Only remnant of chemo brain now is occasionally I'll be in the middle of a sentence and can't remember the word I want. Neurology has tested me for that, and it seems to be getting better. The hospital care was fine, better before the transplant than after, but that's another story. The transplant itself is an afterthought; it's done by a nurse, not a doctor! Take my advice and don't be afraid of it. If you need the transplant, you need it, and you'll be better off if you have it than if you don't. Good luck!

I don't remember any immediate side effects. I did loose my hair pretty quickly and became weak and tired. I hope all is going well with you since it's been a few days since you started your chemo. I was just in Rochester on Friday 12/16 for my one year check up after transplant and all is good. It's a long process that's not easy but well worth it in the end. If you are having a transplant don't expect to be back to "normal" right away. It takes quite some time to get your appetite and energy back. Stay strong you will make it through all of this!!!

Hey there, I had Non-Hogkins Lymphoma as well and was diagnosed when I was 18. I also had CHOP chemotherapy and had chemo brain for a long time... But I did eventually get over it 🙂 I hope you are doing well and wish you the best of luck!

Had it seven years ago and it failed me. If I could do it over, I would go the allogenic BMT route. The autologous BMT uses your cells instead of someone elses. Problem is they don’t know if they are putting cancer cells back in the body when they do the transplant. The checkpoint inhibitor Keytruda worked for me after 5 major treatments failed me.CART cell failed me but lots of people have had good outcomes.

6 rounds of CRT chemo worked for me, getting rid of all cancer cells before stem cell transplant. I am cancer free after 3 years! Sorry to hear it didn’t work for you. Glad to hear you found something that worked!

I meant 6 rounds of MRT chemo.