Does anyone have experience with 5-Fu, Leucovorin, and Eloxatin treatment?

yairdory

Hi All,

I had a colon reduction 5 weeks ago (stage II). I'm scheduled to start chemo on Monday. It will happen every 2 weeks over a period of 6 months (12 treatments). I will receive 5-Fu, Leucovorin, and Eloxatin in the hospital then walk 2 days with 5-Fu.
I live by myself and wanted to know about the difficulty level of this treatment.
Does the feeling change as the more treatments you get?
Will it be a good idea relocating with a family member around?

Yair

msccolon

treatment and family
First of all, welcome to the board, I am so sorry you had to find us. I hope your resection surgery went well. I was initially diagnosed in 2004 and had my resection followed by 6 months of 5FU, Leucovorin and Oxaliplatin (FOLFOX). I have since had a recurrence and have done CPT-11 with the 5FU and Leucovorin (FOLFIRI) with Avastin on top of that. I don't have any family close by, but I do have a wonderful network of friends who take care of me when I need it. Definitely be sure you have SOMEONE around if for no other reason than to make sure you are doing well with your treatments! Some people do very well with chemo, others not so well; here's hoping you fall into the former category! Good luck and hope you come back again and let us know how things are going with you.
Mary

CherylHutch

Welcome aboard!
Hi Yair,

Let me also welcome you here, even though it's too bad any of us have to be here. But hey, out of bad, nasty things come good things... and this group of guys and gals on this board are wonderful!

Your treatment sounds pretty standard... and yes, some people have a rougher go of it than others and there's no explaining really why that is except that we are all unique individuals with varying degrees of strong immune systems.

Now, I wouldn't go so far as up and moving... you might find you are doing just fine and now you've gone and moved in with a family member that you wouldn't have done had this disease not snuck up on you. DEFINITELY I would suggest having someone around... a friend, a co-worker or a family member. But that doesn't mean they have to move in with you. Just stay in regular contact so that you know if you are feeling particularly lousy, there is someone there that you can ask to run to the store for you, or maybe drive you to your next doctor's appt.

I also live on my own, but have a terrific support group right here in my apartment building. I don't know if it was because I knew I had a whole bunch of friends who were willing to drop what they were doing and be at my beck and call... that it turned out I didn't need them. Or if I was just one of the lucky ones.

It's funny... my oncologist says that I did really well with the chemo, but that I had a really rough time with it. Huh? I remember a few times there were bouts of diahrrea and the oxipilation (which you aren't getting) did a real number on my feet what with neuropathy and nerve damage, but it didn't stop me from doing the things I enjoyed doing. I still played in the theatre, went out for lunches/dinners with friends, went to movies, etc. So if I had a rough time with it... well, take it from me the rough time wasn't really so bad

So much so that when it was suggested that I get another 3 months or more of chemo, I didn't even flinch. Ok, if that's what it takes, then that's what it takes. When my oncologist said that she wouldn't be giving me the oxipilatin because it's done enough damage to my feet, I was ecstatic!! No problem with the chemo for sure now... bring it on!

But she wants to try something else first... and has sent my PET and CAT scans to a Radiologist at a different hospital to see if I'm eligible to have these tiny nodules ablated (burned off).

So, the one thing that is a guaranteee is that just when you think you are used to something and a treatment, it can change on you... so just go with the flow and you'll be fine.

But truly, if you could line up a friend or family member to just be there in case you need someone to turn to, that would be perfect

Hugggggggs,

Cheryl

yairdory

CherylHutch said:

Welcome aboard!
Hi Yair,

Let me also welcome you here, even though it's too bad any of us have to be here. But hey, out of bad, nasty things come good things... and this group of guys and gals on this board are wonderful!

Your treatment sounds pretty standard... and yes, some people have a rougher go of it than others and there's no explaining really why that is except that we are all unique individuals with varying degrees of strong immune systems.

Now, I wouldn't go so far as up and moving... you might find you are doing just fine and now you've gone and moved in with a family member that you wouldn't have done had this disease not snuck up on you. DEFINITELY I would suggest having someone around... a friend, a co-worker or a family member. But that doesn't mean they have to move in with you. Just stay in regular contact so that you know if you are feeling particularly lousy, there is someone there that you can ask to run to the store for you, or maybe drive you to your next doctor's appt.

I also live on my own, but have a terrific support group right here in my apartment building. I don't know if it was because I knew I had a whole bunch of friends who were willing to drop what they were doing and be at my beck and call... that it turned out I didn't need them. Or if I was just one of the lucky ones.

It's funny... my oncologist says that I did really well with the chemo, but that I had a really rough time with it. Huh? I remember a few times there were bouts of diahrrea and the oxipilation (which you aren't getting) did a real number on my feet what with neuropathy and nerve damage, but it didn't stop me from doing the things I enjoyed doing. I still played in the theatre, went out for lunches/dinners with friends, went to movies, etc. So if I had a rough time with it... well, take it from me the rough time wasn't really so bad

So much so that when it was suggested that I get another 3 months or more of chemo, I didn't even flinch. Ok, if that's what it takes, then that's what it takes. When my oncologist said that she wouldn't be giving me the oxipilatin because it's done enough damage to my feet, I was ecstatic!! No problem with the chemo for sure now... bring it on!

But she wants to try something else first... and has sent my PET and CAT scans to a Radiologist at a different hospital to see if I'm eligible to have these tiny nodules ablated (burned off).

So, the one thing that is a guaranteee is that just when you think you are used to something and a treatment, it can change on you... so just go with the flow and you'll be fine.

But truly, if you could line up a friend or family member to just be there in case you need someone to turn to, that would be perfect

Hugggggggs,

Cheryl

Thanks for the support
Hi Cheryl,

Your are an inspiration to me. I wish I will be strong like you.
I decided to do 2 treatments in Miami where I have some family. If all goes well, I will fly back to home. I know that the first treatments might not be difficult as the next ones. Some people had to stop after the 8th or 9th. I do hope this won't be the case with me.

I'll update my whole experience as time goes by.

Thanks again,
Yair

yairdory

msccolon said:

treatment and family
First of all, welcome to the board, I am so sorry you had to find us. I hope your resection surgery went well. I was initially diagnosed in 2004 and had my resection followed by 6 months of 5FU, Leucovorin and Oxaliplatin (FOLFOX). I have since had a recurrence and have done CPT-11 with the 5FU and Leucovorin (FOLFIRI) with Avastin on top of that. I don't have any family close by, but I do have a wonderful network of friends who take care of me when I need it. Definitely be sure you have SOMEONE around if for no other reason than to make sure you are doing well with your treatments! Some people do very well with chemo, others not so well; here's hoping you fall into the former category! Good luck and hope you come back again and let us know how things are going with you.
Mary

Thanks for the support
Hi Mary,

Thanks for the support.
I will update you on my whole experience.

Yair

yairdory

CherylHutch said:

Welcome aboard!
Hi Yair,

Let me also welcome you here, even though it's too bad any of us have to be here. But hey, out of bad, nasty things come good things... and this group of guys and gals on this board are wonderful!

Your treatment sounds pretty standard... and yes, some people have a rougher go of it than others and there's no explaining really why that is except that we are all unique individuals with varying degrees of strong immune systems.

Now, I wouldn't go so far as up and moving... you might find you are doing just fine and now you've gone and moved in with a family member that you wouldn't have done had this disease not snuck up on you. DEFINITELY I would suggest having someone around... a friend, a co-worker or a family member. But that doesn't mean they have to move in with you. Just stay in regular contact so that you know if you are feeling particularly lousy, there is someone there that you can ask to run to the store for you, or maybe drive you to your next doctor's appt.

I also live on my own, but have a terrific support group right here in my apartment building. I don't know if it was because I knew I had a whole bunch of friends who were willing to drop what they were doing and be at my beck and call... that it turned out I didn't need them. Or if I was just one of the lucky ones.

It's funny... my oncologist says that I did really well with the chemo, but that I had a really rough time with it. Huh? I remember a few times there were bouts of diahrrea and the oxipilation (which you aren't getting) did a real number on my feet what with neuropathy and nerve damage, but it didn't stop me from doing the things I enjoyed doing. I still played in the theatre, went out for lunches/dinners with friends, went to movies, etc. So if I had a rough time with it... well, take it from me the rough time wasn't really so bad

So much so that when it was suggested that I get another 3 months or more of chemo, I didn't even flinch. Ok, if that's what it takes, then that's what it takes. When my oncologist said that she wouldn't be giving me the oxipilatin because it's done enough damage to my feet, I was ecstatic!! No problem with the chemo for sure now... bring it on!

But she wants to try something else first... and has sent my PET and CAT scans to a Radiologist at a different hospital to see if I'm eligible to have these tiny nodules ablated (burned off).

So, the one thing that is a guaranteee is that just when you think you are used to something and a treatment, it can change on you... so just go with the flow and you'll be fine.

But truly, if you could line up a friend or family member to just be there in case you need someone to turn to, that would be perfect

Hugggggggs,

Cheryl

I put my story in this site. I will update it as time goes.
I put my story in this site. I will update it as time goes.

CherylHutch

yairdory said:

Thanks for the support
Hi Cheryl,

Your are an inspiration to me. I wish I will be strong like you.
I decided to do 2 treatments in Miami where I have some family. If all goes well, I will fly back to home. I know that the first treatments might not be difficult as the next ones. Some people had to stop after the 8th or 9th. I do hope this won't be the case with me.

I'll update my whole experience as time goes by.

Thanks again,
Yair

Being Strong, Courage
Yair,

Naaaa... believe it or not, I'm no stronger than anyone else. And you will see for yourself, if you take things one day at a time rather than try to absorb a whole month or the whole treatment period all the time, you are going to be just as strong. Getting through one day is not difficult... looking at 6 months of treatment ahead of you is enough to make anyone anxious and feeling sick to their stomach. And the biggest fear is the fear of the unknown. Once you have experienced what you are going to be dealing with, it never seems anywhere near as bad as how you imagined it.

I saw this definition of "Courage" that I happen to think is so accurate!

Courage - having fear, but continuing on despite it.

Ain't that the truth?? We all have fear? It hits us in the gut and then we look around and think everyone else is more courageous than we are. But in reality, we all are going to face our treatments, our doctors, our scans, our radiation... whatever it takes to get us through this, despite the fear. It's when we realize how much we've been through with this battle that we can actually sit back and go "Wow!! I am just as courageous as all those people who inspired me and I put on a pedastal"

I am actually going to touch on that subject tonight at my Celebration of Life and Friendship party. There are going to be approx. 200 family and friends there... and I know they all look at me as being so brave and so strong... and I'm going to tell them when I do my little speech after the tribute Cabaret some of them are doing tonight. I'm going to first ask them if there is anyone in the room who has NOT been affected by cancer... besides me, that they have not known anyone else who has had cancer. I can almost bet that not one hand will be raised because EVERYONE knows someone with cancer, if not they, themselves have been through it. I'll then ask, whether it was themselves who have heard those terrifying words, "I'm sorry, your tests have proven positive for cancer", or one of their loved ones have heard them... those words strike fear in the pit of everyone's stomach. But it's that fear... if you as a cancer patient, or you as someone who loves and cherishes someone who has cancer... you must conquer and move forward and do whatever it is we have to do to beat the monster.

Now THAT is courage... being able to work past the fear, even though it is there as a daily reminder.

So now look around you... and include yourself, because you are moving forward with your treatments. You, the rest of the gals and girls on this board and all of our caregivers and caring family and friends are so darn courageous it's inspiring!!

Hugggggs,

Cheryl

Kanort

Monday!
Hi Yair,

I will be thinking of you tomorrow as you begin your love/hate relationship with chemo. I was able to complete all 12 treatments of Folfox, the treatment plan you will be receiving, with few complications. Please keep us posted on your progress.

Hugs,

Kay

lizbiz

yairdory said:

I put my story in this site. I will update it as time goes.
I put my story in this site. I will update it as time goes.

Hi Yair,
I'm currently
Hi Yair,

I'm currently *waiting* to start my 7th FOLFOX treatment for stage III. The onc nurses decided to hold my chemo for the last 2 weeks due to low blood counts. I've been working a modified schedule through my chemo. It's very tiring and the side effects do get worse, but they're manageable. I, personally, didn't really feel sick until my 6th treatment; that one really knocked me on my butt.

You may want to have a family member stay with you during your last few treatments. My poor husband has had to take over all household duties in addition to taking care of our 3 dogs because I just don't have the energy once I come home from work. I fully anticipate having my mom come stay with us through my last few treatments as I have a feeling those will be very bad.

I tend to be OK through the infusions and then crash once I'm unplugged. I don't know how it will be for you, but I'm sure you'll make it! It sucks but you'll get through it. Just be sure to let your nurses and oncologist know about what you're experiencing.

Good luck, Yair. Fight hard!!!

Elizabeth

yairdory

lizbiz said:

Hi Yair,
I'm currently
Hi Yair,

I'm currently *waiting* to start my 7th FOLFOX treatment for stage III. The onc nurses decided to hold my chemo for the last 2 weeks due to low blood counts. I've been working a modified schedule through my chemo. It's very tiring and the side effects do get worse, but they're manageable. I, personally, didn't really feel sick until my 6th treatment; that one really knocked me on my butt.

You may want to have a family member stay with you during your last few treatments. My poor husband has had to take over all household duties in addition to taking care of our 3 dogs because I just don't have the energy once I come home from work. I fully anticipate having my mom come stay with us through my last few treatments as I have a feeling those will be very bad.

I tend to be OK through the infusions and then crash once I'm unplugged. I don't know how it will be for you, but I'm sure you'll make it! It sucks but you'll get through it. Just be sure to let your nurses and oncologist know about what you're experiencing.

Good luck, Yair. Fight hard!!!

Elizabeth

Thanks for the info
Hi Elizabeth,

I'm still hooked to the pump. No major issues in this 1st treatment. I hope it will stay like that when I'm unplugged.
It does seem like a lot of patient accumulate side effects as treatments gets to final stages.
I couldn't find even one patient testimony that passed all 12 treatments with no issues.
I did read about cases were the chemotherapy stopped because of severe side effects.
I really hope it will work for you.
You're lucky to have all of the support.

Yair