Chemotherapy

[Robinia]

Has anyone had chemo more than 10yrs ago, particularly for Hodgkins/leukaemia? Apart from fertility do you have any long term side-effects? All I get from the medics are non-commital replies, but surely you can't take such a toxic bashing without doing some damage?

[fruitpigeon]

Yes, had high-dose chemo for leukaemia 1988-1990 followed by total body irradiation and more chemo for bone marrow transplant. Fertility obviously zero, but I've had increasing joint problems esp. deterioration of right knee bone and joint, which I'm told is due to previous chemo/irradiation. Been on HRT (I'm female) since 1991 and had major bleeding last year, leading ultimately to hysterectomy at which they found VERY EARLY uterine cancer. All clear now (it was so early) but again, there is a known increased risk of other cancers from chemo and/or irradiation. I also had a completely benign salivary gland tumour last year. Having said all this, I'm generally really healthy and feel these complaints are relatively minor compared to leukaemia, and I don't think SERIOUS side effects are that common. I know there are some studies on the long-term sequelae of chemo - perhaps you could get advice from BACUP? They're really helpful, and you can look up their website. Don't know if this helps as I'm not sure what you're trying to find out, but it's an honest answer!

[Robinia]

Wow you certainly went through the mill didn't you? Despite having very advanced Hodgkins I thankfully only needed chemo...absolutely floored me & the doctors said I didn't have a chance (but only to family, not to me).Here I am 19yrs later (!), on hrt, but my health has been quite poor for some time now. It's seems from my findings that it's a kind of m.e./fibromyalgia & I would like some answers from the docs. as to whether chemo may have anything to do with it.Thank you for your reply, and I hope that you don't have any more problems & continue to do well.

[MrIxolite]

I had stage 2 hodgkins in 2000 and had Chemotherapy and Radio therapy. Miraculously my fertility came back (I'm male) and we had a baby last year. I haven't had any side effects except maybe I get every cold going around these days which I never used to.