Infections/Flu type symptoms post chemo/radiation

ilovecoffee · New User Joined: 05 Sep 2008 Posts: 5

The love of my life was diagnosed with hodgkin's last year, stage IA. He underwent the MOPP treatment. Its been 4 months since his treatment. He had his first round of tests 3 months post treatment, which were clean.

In general, he feels very fatigued, and isn't able to do much. He works out every day for an hour or so, but has not been able to get back into his job. He has tried, twice, but could do the full day regime. Tried to do half days as well, but even that gets him really exhausted.

Recently, he got the flu. for 3 days he tried generic meds to bring down the fever, but it didnt work. His PCP prescribed anti-biotics because he thought this was viral. Is this worrisome? Are infections/flu symptoms common after treatment?

I would also like to ask you all about general healthy lifestyle tips post treatment. I continue to do alot of research for him, and guide him, to make sure he is on the right path to good health, and would highly appreciate input from all of you.

Wishing you all good health.
Love and light

ChemoMan

Hi Ilovecoffee

healthy life style tips we all know them, Don't drink, Don't smoke, eat lots of fruit and veggies and get plenty of sleep. Safe alcohol consumption is 2 standard drinks a day ( it used to be 4 for men but that has been revised), Alcohol does protect in certain cancers but makes others worse, so there is no justification in using it other than enjoyment !. I would try and get back to work, if only part time, as too much isolation makes it hard to get the old fire back and is depressing in itself. All this has likely done his head in ( it certainly did mine) so if he cracks under the strain don't be too harsh. After 12 months he should start to feel good but that is very individual as well.

Good luck and don't forget to look after yourself also.
_________________
Age 52
Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma
Stage 2a
Finished six cycles of R chop 21 26th May 2008
Officially in remission 9th July 2008
Remission confirmed 1st October 2008
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=9620

brainman

Hi ilovecoffee. I am sorry about your LOML (Love of my live) cancer.

It is common for a cancer patient to have fly-like symptoms during and after chemotherapy. His system is weak so, as ChemoMan suggested, you should do anything that you can to strengthen his immune system.

About the antibiotics... if the symptoms are due to the chemotherapy itself, they will be of no help. If the symptoms are caused by a virus, the antibiotics will also not help. Antibiotics are over used trying to kill viruses when they really only work against bacterial infections. Rest, nutrition, water will help much more... basically the old cup of chicken soup therapy.

OK... off of my soapbox...

You and you LOML are in my thoughts and prayers.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

ilovecoffee · New User Joined: 05 Sep 2008 Posts: 5

Thank you for responding ChemoMan and Brainman.
Input and advice is much appreciated.

Best wishes to you both.

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