ABVD is a combination chemotherapy regimen used to treat Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. The name ABVD comes from the first letters of the four drugs used in the regimen:
- Adriamycin - or "The Red Devil." Depending on the dosage, this orange/red drug causes nausea, hair loss, and potential heart problems. It also turns your urine orange/red.
- Bleomycin - Comes out in a syringe, is transparent, and is known to cause pulmonary side effects. Some get fevers from this.
- Vinblastine - Effective against cancers of the white blood cells such as lymphoma.
- Dacarbazine - A drip that takes around an hour. It's most likely to make you feel sick. It also causes infertility, immune suppression, headaches, fatigue, etc.
ABVD is a highly effective treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma, with a cure rate of over 80% for early-stage disease. The regimen is typically given in six cycles, with each cycle lasting four weeks. The drugs are administered intravenously (into a vein) on days 1 and 15 of each cycle.
ABVD can cause a number of side effects, including hair loss, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, decreased platelet count, increased risk of infection, and lung damage.
Tips to help you navigate ABVD chemotherapy sessions.
- Stay hydrated! Ensuring your drinking water is clean and free from contaminants such as disinfectant byproducts and PFAS chemicals is essential. By choosing filtered water, you help your body eliminate toxins every time you sip.
- You may feel nausea. It would be wise to inquire about a prescription such as Prochlorperazine. Additionally, explore natural remedies for nausea, including ginger, peppermint, acupuncture, lemon, and various spices.
- Cancer-fighting foods. It's essential to pay attention to your nutrition while undergoing cancer treatment. Aim to eliminate sugar, alcohol, salt, and unhealthy fats from your diet. Instead, focus on a balanced intake of fruits and vegetables and a reasonable amount of protein to support your health.
- Prioritize your mental well-being. Regular use of medication and steroids can affect your mental state by disrupting your body and hormones. It's common to experience feelings of anxiety, depression, and distress during treatment. Explore options like exercise, massage, meditation, music therapy, nature therapy, and relaxation practices such as yoga to support yourself during this time.
- Chemo brain is real. Cancer treatments can lead to a temporary condition often referred to as chemo brain, where thinking may feel sluggish or unclear compared to your usual state. To combat this, prioritize getting adequate rest throughout the day and avoid excessive fatigue. Incorporating daily exercise can also be beneficial. Engaging your mind with crosswords and puzzles may help maintain mental sharpness.
- Side effects. When undergoing chemotherapy, you might encounter various side effects such as allergic reactions, itching, sensations of heat or flushing, dizziness, headaches, skin rashes, and pain. If you find these side effects particularly severe, tell your doctor about your experiences.
- Anxiety and panic attacks. Those who have undergone cancer treatment, whether currently battling the disease or in recovery, often experience health-related anxiety stemming from their experiences. To alleviate these feelings naturally, consider keeping a journal to express your thoughts, engaging with fellow survivors for support, incorporating regular exercise into your routine, exploring the benefits of cannabis oil, sipping on herbal teas, and immersing yourself in nature through activities like hiking or camping.
- Hair loss and other body changes. Cancer treatments can significantly impact your body, leading to changes such as hair loss and weight gain due to medication. To cope with potential hair loss, consider shaving your head in advance and exploring options like wigs, beanies, and scarves. It's also important to mentally prepare yourself by acknowledging that hair loss is temporary and your hair will eventually regrow.
- Ask for help. Many people find it challenging to reach out for help, often feeling that their illness is a burden to those around them. However, it's perfectly acceptable to ask friends or family to accompany you to treatments, provide transportation for procedures, or even organize a meal train, especially if you have children to care for. Don't hesitate to request daycare support or connect with community resources for gas cards and other necessities during this time. You might be amazed at how many people are willing to lend a hand.
- Journal. Consider documenting your journey. I've noticed a growing trend of individuals sharing their stories about living with this illness and the treatments they've undergone. This not only aids in coming to terms with your diagnosis but also allows you to be part of a larger effort to promote awareness.
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