CHOP

Today was my first day of more conventional broad spectrum chemo. My treatment regime is referred to as CHOP and it includes four agents -- Cyclophosphamide (cytoxan), Adriamycin (Hydroxydoxorubicin), Vincristine (Oncovin) and Prednisone (Deltasone). The first three act by disrupting the cell cycle in dividing cells. Because cancer cells divide more rapidly than most other cells in your body, they in theory get hit the hardest. Unfortunately, other fast dividing cells (hair follicles, mouth lining) also get hit hence the unpleasant side effects. I received anti-nausea drugs before my treatment and so far am feeling fine. My nurses tell me to expect to feel a bit run down over the next few days. Also, in about ten to fourteen days my immune system will be a low point so at that point I am supposed to avoid sick people for a few days. I am still a little hazy on the role prednisone plays in the mix; I have to take two pills a day for the next five days. Side effects are high energy until you stop taking the pills, voracious appetite, and as someone who will remain un-named put it, it also "takes the lead out of your pencil." All for now -- maybe more later tonight -- Lenore also had a medical adventure today so I'll tell you about that too if I get the necessary permission. /dps