Hi,
My sister had her first round of high-dose induction chemo (VDD) just over a week ago. She is due to go for another round on Monday. For several days now she has been experiencing some stomach issues: not to do with stool or pain, but more with the feeling of heaviness (fullness), like a ‘brick’ in her stomach, even after a very light meal. And it does not go away for hours. She has appetite, but cannot eat properly or enjoy food because of this. She did not have this symptom before treatment.
Has anyone experienced such a side effect? Any advice? She will ask her doctor about it, of course, but it is difficult for her to access her doctor quickly.
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Gala - Name: Gala
- Who do you know with myeloma?: sister, LgA-k
- When were you/they diagnosed?: December 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 48
Re: Stomach fullness during treatment
Sorry, Gala, but what do you mean by "high-dose induction chemo (VDD)"? Normally when it comes to multiple myeloma, the description "high-dose chemo" is reserved for the high-dose melphalan given as part of the autologous stem cell transplant process.
I believe the VDD in your sister's case is Velcade, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone, but I'm not sure I understand why you're describing it as "high dose". That's why I am asking.
I believe the VDD in your sister's case is Velcade, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone, but I'm not sure I understand why you're describing it as "high dose". That's why I am asking.
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JimNY
Re: Stomach fullness during treatment
Hi Jim,
I should mention that my sister is in Russia and treatment regimens may be different there. In Russia, my sister is receiving what they call ‘high-dose’ chemo, as her myeloma is considered high risk. Not all myeloma patients are getting this treatment. In fact, very few. I personally am quite concerned about the dose and intensity of her treatment, but her doctors are saying that they are aiming at the treatment to be curative (?).
Anyway, I don’t know about the dose she has received of Velcade and dex, but IV doxorubicin was administered initially for 96 hours – 4 days / continuously (16 x 400 ml). Then she had 4 days of what they called ‘flushing’, when they aim at minimizing possible side effects by ‘clearing’ the body (not sure what was done during this time), then 4 more days of chemo (but this time for 12 hours during the day and rest at night) – so 8 x 400 ml doxorubicin + the other two agents (not sure about the dose). It was inpatient. She then was given two weeks at home and now she is due to go back for the second round to start on Monday.
She had a whole range of terrible side effects initially, but most of them are now gone, except thrush, sore mouth, and this stomach thing.
I should mention that my sister is in Russia and treatment regimens may be different there. In Russia, my sister is receiving what they call ‘high-dose’ chemo, as her myeloma is considered high risk. Not all myeloma patients are getting this treatment. In fact, very few. I personally am quite concerned about the dose and intensity of her treatment, but her doctors are saying that they are aiming at the treatment to be curative (?).
Anyway, I don’t know about the dose she has received of Velcade and dex, but IV doxorubicin was administered initially for 96 hours – 4 days / continuously (16 x 400 ml). Then she had 4 days of what they called ‘flushing’, when they aim at minimizing possible side effects by ‘clearing’ the body (not sure what was done during this time), then 4 more days of chemo (but this time for 12 hours during the day and rest at night) – so 8 x 400 ml doxorubicin + the other two agents (not sure about the dose). It was inpatient. She then was given two weeks at home and now she is due to go back for the second round to start on Monday.
She had a whole range of terrible side effects initially, but most of them are now gone, except thrush, sore mouth, and this stomach thing.
-
Gala - Name: Gala
- Who do you know with myeloma?: sister, LgA-k
- When were you/they diagnosed?: December 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 48
3 posts
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