My brother is 72 and has large B cell lymphoma. He has taken 8 different chemo drugs they work for a few months he’s in remission then it comes back. This last time nothing is working. They want to know give him the red devil chemo. He opted out of car T cell therapy because his immune system is so low and easily gets infection. Right now he is in hospital, started with low grade fever, very weak , decreased appetite. Now they think he has septis. His placlets were at a 9, they should be a 100. They gave him 2 bags of placlets don’t know yet if those will work. We don’t want to lose him but hate to see him in so much pain and discomfort. He is also losing lots of blood. Any recommendations please
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Hi @Guccichick
I am really sorry to hear about your brother and what he is experiencing
This must be really scary for you all . I have a different blood cancer so can’t comment really other than to say it’s good that you found the forum. People are really helpful and there is lots of information in here so am sure someone else will be more helpful than me .
Giving yourself time and space to feel all that you are experiencing is important and being very kind to yourself is also vital . It’s hard to be there for someone if you aren’t taking care of yourself
Please let us know how things are going
Take care
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Hi @Guccichick I am so glad that you have found our forum, I really feel for you seeing your brother so ill and being powerless to make him better.
I see it is 5 hrs since you posted so if your brother is suspected of or does have sepsis I expect the medical side has changed.
Perhaps you can only be there for your brother and give him any help he wants.
We are here to support you as well as @DottieB has so eloquently said.
I find that I can say how it really is for me on here.
Please do look after yourself as well as you are obviously wanting to take care of your brother.
The Blood Cancer UK support line is also there for you on 0808 2080 888
Be very kind to yourself and please do keep posting.
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Dear @Guccichick,
Thank you for your post. I am sorry to hear about your brother. It sounds like a really difficult time for all of you. I hope you have lots of support around you.
I hope that your brother is more comfortable today and his haematology team are keeping you updated on his progress. It is not uncommon when you have a fever or sepsis to require platelet transfusions. Normally, platelets only have a very short life span which is why he is needing more at the moment.
Do reach out to his Clinical Nurse Specialist or his haematology team if you have any questions and to discuss your concerns. If you would like to talk things through, our nursing support line is here for you and open until 7pm tonight on 0808 2080 888.
Take care
Fiona (support services nurse)
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Hi @Guccichick,
I’m so sorry to hear about your brother. It’s completely understandable to be worried when someone you love is going through chemotherapy.
I wanted to share my experience with Doxorubicin, often referred to as “Red Devil,” which was part of my R-CHOP regime. I remember it’s definitely a vivid red color, and it even temporarily changed the color of my urine to red!
I did experience a drop in my neutrophil count. This is a common side effect but it’s important to know that my medical team was monitoring me closely. My team was very attentive to my blood counts, adjusting the dosages as needed after each cycle to ensure my neutrophils could recover.
To further support my immune system, I was given injections after each chemotherapy session to stimulate white blood cell production. These injections were really helpful in boosting my neutrophils back up.
I know it’s a difficult decision, especially when dealing with potential side effects. However, for me, the R-CHOP regimen, including Doxorubicin, was ultimately successful. I had a bulky lymphoma diagnosis eight years ago, and I’m now doing very well and in active monitoring.
It’s important to remember that everyone reacts differently to chemotherapy, but talking with his medical team about your concerns can help. They can tailor the treatment and provide supportive care to manage side effects.
I hope this information is helpful. Sending positive thoughts to you both.
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