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ABVD Chemotherapy

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This treatment is the first line of treatment in the battle against Hodgkin's lymphoma. The drugs that are used in this type of chemotherapy are adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine. The treatment can cause some permanent side effects, but it has become the popular choice for the treatment of this type of cancer.

The doctor will go over your medical history thoroughly before you begin this cycle of treatment. Once it has been determined that you are a good candidate for the treatment plan it will be determined the amount of cycles or treatments you will receive.

It is generally given in four-week cycles. The dosage will be determined by the size of the patient before treatment begins. There are other medications that are typically given at the same time as ABVD chemotherapy. One of the most common medications that are given during your chemotherapy treatment is Zofran for nausea. Nausea can be one of the most difficult side effects to control while you are receiving chemotherapy treatment.

The side effects that are most commonly felt while receiving this type of chemotherapy are fatigue, nausea, hair loss and a lowering of the white blood cell count. If the white blood cells become too low the treatments may be stopped until they can be increased with the use of medication. It is very important that you get plenty of rest while you are receiving your chemotherapy treatment so that you are better prepared to fight off the cancer in your body. You will also experience a hair loss while you are being treated. This will stop and grow back once the treatment is completed. Some people find that the use of head coverings is very helpful during this time.

There is an increased risk of lung cancer in patients that have been treated with ABVD chemotherapy and who smoke. Patients who smoke after having received this treatment are strongly urged to stop to lessen the likelihood of lung cancer,

It is very important that you let your doctor know about any side effects that you are having while you are receiving treatments. You must become your own best advocate and pay careful attention to your health during this time. The doctor will not be able to come home with you and monitor everything that you do. Get plenty of rest and eat a healthy diet while you are receiving chemotherapy treatment.

If you notice anything unusual or are experiencing an infection or high fever it is very important that you let the doctor know right away. Because of the effect of ABVD chemotherapy on the white blood cell count an infection could be very dangerous. Your doctor may elect to stop the treatments until the white blood cells can be increased and the infection eliminated.