Hi all,

My mother was diagnosed with NH Lymphoma last fall. She went through 6 months of chemotherapy on one drug that was found to be ineffective.

She is now on a clinical trial for another medication that after 5 weeks gave her the shingles. She has been out of the chemo scheudule now for over a month while they try to get the shingles cleared up.

Her doctor won't tell us much. She is in pain and is frightened because she doesn't know what is next. We all know that NHL isn't curable - only treatable. If they can't give her treatment because it gives her shingles, are there other alternatives?

Does anyone have experience in this area?

statictable

Her Doctor won't tell you much? Has your mother been present during your discussions with her Doctor? Be sure the medical staff understands that your mother has no problem with you communicating one on one with any staff member. Her Doctor must make time for any questions you have and must clearly define all options. Sorry I didn't answer your question but your mom's MD is the best source to answer most of your questions. Your mother may wish to have a "Health Care Surrogate" which gives legal status to one or more individuals she has chosen and as a health care surrogate the person/s can review medical records, charts, study results, pharmacy records, staff notes and so on. If you are located on the West Coast this may not be needed but if you are located in the S.E. a surrogate would be my choice. I hope some good answers await posting and wish best for your mother's health.

gbwillner

First off, you need to understand that the treatment did not itself cause shingles. Shingles is a recurrence of the Varisella Zoster virus, which commonly causes chicken pox. When your mom was given chemotherapy, her immune system was suppressed, and the virus came back. Stopping chemotherapy temporarily will allow the immune system to recover and the body to fight the infection. When she is over the infection, chemotherapy can resume, with some chance that the virus will recur again (I can't say what the odds are).
Treatments for NHL can be very successful or not, depending on the type of NHL (there are many subtypes). The five-year survival for most NHL is pretty high with appropriate therapy, so I would keep my hopes high if I were you.
I hope this answers your question.

J_9

I can't add any more to this post it is virtually perfect. Except for a spelling mistake, LOL

Varicella Zoster virus is what causes chickenpox AND shingles.

What happens is that once you have had chickenpox, the varicella zoster virus lies dormant in your nerves. Years later, usually after exposure, even stress, it is known to reappear.

Now, it is more common in the older population whose immune system is compromised, such as your mother. Now, unless her chemo had a variation of herpes zoster or varicella zoster (which is virtually impossible), it is highly unlikely that the treatment itself caused the infection.

Here is a little tidbit to back up what we have been saying:


So, again, it was not the chemo that caused your Mom to have shingles.

Oops, guess I did have a little more to add.

Emland

Thanks, gb and J.

I didn't realize she is contagious. I have never had chicken pox. My children have, though. What is the incubation for CP?

J_9

If you have never had it, and you were exposed to mom, you may get CP. About 10 - 17 days.

Emland

Another question. Can the NHL progress dramatically while she is off the chemo? She is complaining of pain more severe than she has experienced so far. How much does pain relate to how far the NHL has progressed? My mom has a high tolerance for pain - she suffered from polio as a child and broke a disc in her back in her late 30s.

Emland

Great - I have a dance competition in about 2 weeks. Figure the odds...

J_9

The progression of NHL is really as individual as we all are.

Now as far as the pain. Shingles is VERY painful, even for the folks with a high tolerance to pain.

This is really a question she needs to talk to her oncologist about. It may or may not have to do with her NHL, it may or may not have to do with her shingles.

Emland

The shingles are bothering her, but the pain is in her abdomen where the NHL has been indentified. She can't wear a bra or anything banded around her middle. Unless she is going to church or the doctor, she keeps her muu-muu.