Starting new chemo - suggestions?

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Limey
Limey Member Posts: 446 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
As many of you may know, the Xeloda has stopped working for me and tomorrow I will be switching to Irinotecan, also known as Camptosar. I expect hair loss and loose stools.

any suggestions to minimize the side effects? anything else to know? also, did anyone take any pro biotics for the stomach and overall intestinal health? thanks for your support.
Mark.

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  • jerseysue
    jerseysue Member Posts: 624 Member
    #2
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    When I was on that I used Imodium but I don't remember it being that bad. Lots of luck to you.
  • Faith4Cure
    Faith4Cure Member Posts: 405 Member
    #3
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    Mark,
    Good luck tomorrow. I wish you all the best with your new treatments. Stay positive and keep the faith!

    Faith
  • Monicaemilia
    Monicaemilia Member Posts: 455 Member
    #4
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    Hi Mark: When I was on Irinotecan/5FU/Leucovorin/Avastin I definitely had hair loss, but never diahrrea. I now am on Irinotecan/Erbitux and there has been no hair loss, and again, no diahrrea. I definitely get some nausea but is easily controlled by the anti-nausea meds prescribed by the doctor. Are they just giving you Irinotecan? Are they not combining it with anything else, such as Erbitux? Good luck with the new regimen. I know it will work on those pesky tumours. Monica
  • Limey
    Limey Member Posts: 446 Member
    #5
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    Monicaemilia said:

    Hi Mark: When I was on Irinotecan/5FU/Leucovorin/Avastin I definitely had hair loss, but never diahrrea. I now am on Irinotecan/Erbitux and there has been no hair loss, and again, no diahrrea. I definitely get some nausea but is easily controlled by the anti-nausea meds prescribed by the doctor. Are they just giving you Irinotecan? Are they not combining it with anything else, such as Erbitux? Good luck with the new regimen. I know it will work on those pesky tumours. Monica

    Hey Thanks Monica. Yes only the Irinotecan at this time. we decided to hold off on the Erbitux unless needed. I don't know why I am a bit nervous about this.
    I think the fifth time is the charm.
    Mark.
  • valeriec
    valeriec Member Posts: 348 Member
    #6
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    Limey said:

    Hey Thanks Monica. Yes only the Irinotecan at this time. we decided to hold off on the Erbitux unless needed. I don't know why I am a bit nervous about this.
    I think the fifth time is the charm.
    Mark.

    Mark, for you, I KNOW the fifth time will be the charm. Good luck and let us know how you are doing. Your fighting spirit is so encouraging. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way.
    ValerieC
  • crazylady
    crazylady Member Posts: 543 Member
    #7
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    Hi Mark,
    I switched from Folfox with Avastin to Camptosar, Xeloda and Avastin 3 months ago. I have definately had a lot of hair thinning and am starting to believe that I will eventually have to purchase a wig. I have had a couple of days of diahrrea, but nothing major. I have also had more nausea and a lot of gagging while trying to brush my teeth, but it is unclear if this has been caused by chemo because I developed a fungal infection, caused by chemo, in my throat which could be the cause. It has mostly been more of the usual stuff, tiredness, soreness etc.

    I am not taking probiotics at this time, but in thinking about it I may try it again. I don't think it would hurt and it might help.

    I truly admire the way you approach having cancer. Your attitude is an inspiration to me. By the way, I am also on my 5th round of chemo. I have to believe that the 5th time is the charm!

    Take care and have a wonderful holiday season celebrating with your family. I believe it's what makes the whole fight worthwhile.

    Jamie
  • kmygil
    kmygil Member Posts: 876 Member
    #8
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    Hi Mark,
    I don't have any practical answers to your question, since I have not been on that protocol. I just want to send you blessings and prayers. Your attitude is the best, and I just know that this time you will bash those tumors!
    Hugs,
    Kirsten
  • claud1951
    claud1951 Member Posts: 424 Member
    #9
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    Hi Mark,

    I was on Camptosar for 3-4 months. I did have hair loss, too. The right word is Thinning! >>grin>>

    When taking the IV, you may become flused, stomach rolling, eyes running. That is one side effect that happened to me and they gave me Atropine (sp) and it cleared it up within 30 second ( I think that the right name).

    Just tell them as soon as you start to get running eyes or flushed, etc.

    Of course, everyone is different and you may not have to have it. I did not get diaherra, to much, either. But I also made sure I did not eat anything that would cause it.

    Camptosar worked best for me.

    Hope all goes well for you

    Claudia
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #10
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    Mark,
    All the best hugs are coming your way....

    I LOVE my probiotics!!!! I ate it in the form of Activia yogurt...mmmmm....It helped so much...but ask your onc...some even get touchy about green tea!!!! My patient partner, whenever she got loose, would go to brown rice, bananas, and Immodium....lol...she also took probiotics....she is on her last chemo round....you CAN do this, my sweet soul!!!!

    Hugs, Kathi
  • sladich
    sladich Member Posts: 429 Member
    #11
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    Hi Mark,

    I was on the Irinotecan/Camptosar for 4 months. I also had it by itself. It wasn't that bad. My hair did thin out but I didn't loose it all. However, my first treatment put me in the hospital for a week because of severe abdominal pains. After running a bunch of tests, they figured it must have been the Camptosar so my onc reduced the next dose by 25% and I didn't have any problems. I eat yogurt everyday with the probiotic. I've done this know for about a year. I'm not sure if it helps but I'm not any worse. Keep me posted on how you do. I'll be thinking about you.

    Debbie
  • jenalynet
    jenalynet Member Posts: 361 Member
    #12
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    Hi,
    I don't have an answer or idea for you. I just have good wishes that this will help without too many nasty side effects for you. Hugs coming to you, Audrey.
  • hopefulone
    hopefulone Member Posts: 1,043 Member
    #13
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    Mark sorry no advice, but I certainly hope it went well for you today and that this turns the tide. Keep the faith .
    Diane

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