More Folfox questions

vinny3

Hi folks,

Just having my second series of Folfox/Avastin. I tolerated the first one pretty well with some loss of appetite and 3 days of diarrhea starting at the end of the treatment. Just getting some burning on the bottom of my feet now. Some first bite probs and cold intolerance today.
I asked my oncologist if the effects would be cumulative and she said the only one would be the peripheral neuropathy. All the others should clear in 4-5 days as they did the first time and my white count needs to be watched but should rebound if a longer break is needed. I was wondering if that is the way it has worked for others or do the fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea get worse too. I'm hoping to take a little vacation in NYC in August and trying to plan (although I know with this disease that is never a certainty).

Thanks, ****

pepperdog

Hi ****. My husband is in the middle of his 3rd folfox, so we don't have lots of past history, but I can share how he's been to now. His worse complaint is neuropathy. It was slight after the 1st (in his mouth), then appeared a week later in his hands. 2nd treatment, it was immediate and lingered for 2-3 days, then improved daily. For two days immediately after the treatment he is very fatigued, experiences some nausea (no throwing up due to meds for this), and feels generally listless. About a week after the 2nd treatment he experienced itchy, watery eyes, which I've learned is a side-effect. I really can't tell you much about diahrrea, as he has a temporary ileostomy and the thing has been a 'running faucet' practically from Day 1. Surprisingly, the nausea hasn't been as severe as we'd expected. I wish you well with your treatment. I'll be happy to tell you about any of our experience if you have more ????.
God Speed,
Terry

jerseysue

With me I felt like crap the first few days after chemo and getting rid of the pump. After the first few days I felt great even when my white count was down. I never could drink anything cold or even a bit cold. Hope this helps and I hope you hear from others. Sue

taraHK

Hi ****,
I did folfox but no avastin. I mostly agree with your oncologist. The neuropathy did get a bit worse with time. For me, nausea and diarrhea didn't worsen. But I think the fatigue was somewhat cumulative. That being said, I usually 'lay low' for a couple of days after the chemo but was then up and functional for the next 10 (working part-time, some socializing). I had a nap or lie-down most days (which I have continued to do - lovely practice!). Good luck!

oneagleswings

Hi ****..my husband is on xelox (oral 5FU and oxaliplatin and an every 3 wk cycle and has just completed his 3rd treatment..he is fatigued with tingling hands and feet the first week but then the second week with just the xeloda he is better and really no side effect the third week- we have heard that the neuropathy is cumulative but so far it doesn't seem so for him.
Bev