chemo side effects

Reedy Peedy

Hey, folks. I'm new to this site. I want to ask how the chemotherapy effects folks. I'm not sure I want to go through with the treatments.

geotina

Info
Can you give us a little more info, like, where is your cancer, has it metastized to any other organs? Have you had any surgery? Radiation? What stage is your cancer? Do you know what drugs you will be given?

Click on our names and you can read our history.

Tina

Reedy Peedy

geotina said:

Info
Can you give us a little more info, like, where is your cancer, has it metastized to any other organs? Have you had any surgery? Radiation? What stage is your cancer? Do you know what drugs you will be given?

Click on our names and you can read our history.

Tina

Chemo ?
Yes, I have had surgery to remove the tumor. I have the cancer also in my lymph nodes. I had the PET scan a week ago but the Onco Doc won't give me the results over the phone. I see him tomorrow. The surgeon said the cancer had been there for as long as eight years. I don't want to do the chemo and be sick for a year if it will not help that much. Please help with this.

JTL52

Reedy Peedy said:

Chemo ?
Yes, I have had surgery to remove the tumor. I have the cancer also in my lymph nodes. I had the PET scan a week ago but the Onco Doc won't give me the results over the phone. I see him tomorrow. The surgeon said the cancer had been there for as long as eight years. I don't want to do the chemo and be sick for a year if it will not help that much. Please help with this.

Chemo
Please try not to panic. I found the idea of chemo was worse than it actually was.
I was stage III colon cancer with 2 lymph nodes involved. I did 6 months of Folfox and managed to miss mimimal time at work. I worked an extra 1/2 hour every day to make up for time off for chemo every other week. Also my treatments were on Wednesday so my worst day was Saturday after treatment when I planned to stay home and rest.
Everyone experiences side effects differently, so do not rule out chemo until you can discuss the benefit it can bring you and get the details on your treament and generaly experiencced side effects.
Fatigue and cold sensitivity with nuropathy were my major side effects.
Best of luck,
Janet

Sundanceh

Class Begins Now...
Hi RP

Welcome to the site!

There are many chemo drugs out there, so we're going to need some more info about which specifics chemo drugs that you will be doing.

And alot of the drugs and treatments will vary by what Stage they mark your cancer for as well.

Some of the names you will hear are 5fu by pump, Xeloda by pill, Oxaliplatin by IV, Camptosar or CPT-11 by IV. Avastin is another agent by IV.

We can address these more when you have some more information - all of us have done these with varying combinations, known as cocktails...you might hear Folfiri or Folfox, these are cocktails with other additives.

So, you can get back to us when you find out about which one is being proposed for you.

While we wait for that, let's talk about whether you want to go through with the treatments or not. Each person must weigh the risks vs benefits and come to their own conclusion on what they and their doctors think is the best approach.

The vast majority of the community as done chemo and there have been many successful stories, including myself. I was given a death sentence, but through chemo and many major surgeries, I still live and breath and patrol these waters:)

There are alternative treatments to chemo, like Traditional Chinese Medicine, or holistic approaches as well, but I don't have enough information on these to speak on authority about those.

I elected the chemical route and it's a hard row to hoe, but again I've been in the fight for SIX years and am still above the ground...and plan to stay that way too!

More folks will be along to post their thoughts and experiences - it's a very diverse community.

What I can tell you that is that your MIND and ATTITUDE are the absolute #1 key ingredients in your battle...your mind has to be right - to fight! There will be pitfalls and shortcomings along the journey, but that's why we are all here - to help you and support you and answer any questions that you have based on our experience and the research that we've done.

Many folks feel that chemotherapy, radiation and surgeries give us the best hope for a successful outcome or a longer life - and it can still be a quality life.

Chemo regiments vary, but the standard is 6-months...but it can go longer, just depends on the person. Our bodies are all made differently and we all respond differently to the chemo and meds, just as each of us differ in taking an aspirin.

The main thing to keep in mind - there is no absolute right or wrong answer - only what works for you - and what you and your doctor feel is the right approach. You must believe in what you are doing or are being told, because the body will follow what the mind tells it to.

It's understandable not wanting to go through the treatments - for those that are new to this, CHEMO is a scary 4-letter word and instills fear of dying and pain.

It's not a picnic by any means - it's a whipping for sure, but it can be done and done with good results - many, many Stage IV folks here who were given the last rites, so don't believe all that you read or hear. The people on this board are "living testimonies" that Cancer can be beaten, and/or you can live a long life even with Cancer.

New drugs and treatments and surgeries are coming over the hill all the time - so the key is to keep buying time until something works - just don't give in - don't give up!

Tie a knot in it and just hang on for the ride of your life - when you come through on the other side, you will have discovered a whole new dimension to your personality, that you never knew existed. You'll experience the Highest of Highs and sometimes the Lowest of Lows, but that is the rollercoaster we've all ridden and it comes with the territory.

You'll appreciate all the simple things in life again and be grateful for the good days - you will immediately recognize them.

Mind and Attitude - let's start there!

Get back with us with some more info and we'll try to help you some more. Until then, I'm wishing you all the luck in the world and I know that you too can do it!

-Craig

geotina

Reedy Peedy said:

Chemo ?
Yes, I have had surgery to remove the tumor. I have the cancer also in my lymph nodes. I had the PET scan a week ago but the Onco Doc won't give me the results over the phone. I see him tomorrow. The surgeon said the cancer had been there for as long as eight years. I don't want to do the chemo and be sick for a year if it will not help that much. Please help with this.

To Chemo or Not to Chemo
Truthfully, that is a decision only you can make.

I can tell you that my husband was diagnosed 3/09, age 60, Stage IV, metastasis to liver and lungs. Not a good diagnosis. Well, he did the chemo, and to date very successfully, he is doing very well, continues to work full time, worked full time throughout his treatments, has an excellent quality of life and pretty much does what he wants. Is the cancer gone from the liver and lungs, no, not yet, because he is not yet a candidate for further surgical and radiation options. Will he be in the future, we sure hope so but for now we are very pleased at where we are at in this journey. Much of the mets in the liver and lungs are gone or significantly reduced. Would he be here today without the assistance of chemo, truthfully, I don't think so.

A couple of people on the board did not do chemo but chose Chinese medicine and other alternatives. They have been successul in their decisions.

Personal opinion only, colorectal cancer patients do very well with the new chemotherapy treatments.


Take care - Tina

msviclav

Sundanceh said:

Class Begins Now...
Hi RP

Welcome to the site!

There are many chemo drugs out there, so we're going to need some more info about which specifics chemo drugs that you will be doing.

And alot of the drugs and treatments will vary by what Stage they mark your cancer for as well.

Some of the names you will hear are 5fu by pump, Xeloda by pill, Oxaliplatin by IV, Camptosar or CPT-11 by IV. Avastin is another agent by IV.

We can address these more when you have some more information - all of us have done these with varying combinations, known as cocktails...you might hear Folfiri or Folfox, these are cocktails with other additives.

So, you can get back to us when you find out about which one is being proposed for you.

While we wait for that, let's talk about whether you want to go through with the treatments or not. Each person must weigh the risks vs benefits and come to their own conclusion on what they and their doctors think is the best approach.

The vast majority of the community as done chemo and there have been many successful stories, including myself. I was given a death sentence, but through chemo and many major surgeries, I still live and breath and patrol these waters:)

There are alternative treatments to chemo, like Traditional Chinese Medicine, or holistic approaches as well, but I don't have enough information on these to speak on authority about those.

I elected the chemical route and it's a hard row to hoe, but again I've been in the fight for SIX years and am still above the ground...and plan to stay that way too!

More folks will be along to post their thoughts and experiences - it's a very diverse community.

What I can tell you that is that your MIND and ATTITUDE are the absolute #1 key ingredients in your battle...your mind has to be right - to fight! There will be pitfalls and shortcomings along the journey, but that's why we are all here - to help you and support you and answer any questions that you have based on our experience and the research that we've done.

Many folks feel that chemotherapy, radiation and surgeries give us the best hope for a successful outcome or a longer life - and it can still be a quality life.

Chemo regiments vary, but the standard is 6-months...but it can go longer, just depends on the person. Our bodies are all made differently and we all respond differently to the chemo and meds, just as each of us differ in taking an aspirin.

The main thing to keep in mind - there is no absolute right or wrong answer - only what works for you - and what you and your doctor feel is the right approach. You must believe in what you are doing or are being told, because the body will follow what the mind tells it to.

It's understandable not wanting to go through the treatments - for those that are new to this, CHEMO is a scary 4-letter word and instills fear of dying and pain.

It's not a picnic by any means - it's a whipping for sure, but it can be done and done with good results - many, many Stage IV folks here who were given the last rites, so don't believe all that you read or hear. The people on this board are "living testimonies" that Cancer can be beaten, and/or you can live a long life even with Cancer.

New drugs and treatments and surgeries are coming over the hill all the time - so the key is to keep buying time until something works - just don't give in - don't give up!

Tie a knot in it and just hang on for the ride of your life - when you come through on the other side, you will have discovered a whole new dimension to your personality, that you never knew existed. You'll experience the Highest of Highs and sometimes the Lowest of Lows, but that is the rollercoaster we've all ridden and it comes with the territory.

You'll appreciate all the simple things in life again and be grateful for the good days - you will immediately recognize them.

Mind and Attitude - let's start there!

Get back with us with some more info and we'll try to help you some more. Until then, I'm wishing you all the luck in the world and I know that you too can do it!

-Craig

Know how you feel
August I was was told I that my tumor was completely gone and nothing in my nodes. but that I should do 6 months or 12 treatments of chemo. Couldn't understand why I would want to make myself sick if I really didn't have cancer. But then after talking to my dr. and others I realize if you do thing and the cancer comes back then you don't get a do over. I have meet two different people who didn't take the chemo and the cancer came back both cases stage IV liver cancer. My side effect weren't as bad as some, tiredness, sleep alot, numbs in my feet and hands and I mind the cold alot. Six months is not alot of time to give up if it even takes your chance of the cancer not coming back. As my sister pointed out to me if no treament is done and I am one of the two percent who don't make it I have lost.

AnneCan

Welcome to this site; I
Welcome to this site; I think you will find it informative and helpful - I certainly have. The choice to do or not do chemo is very personal + there are a lot of factors to consider. There are also many types of chemo with varying side effects. I have been on chemo for awhile now - I had chemo + radiation starting last June for 5 weeks, a break for several weeks + then a new chemo cocktail that I have been on since last Sept. I have had good results with this latest chemo, + for the most part find the chemo tolerable. I do get very tired for a few days, but then I rebound + can do lots. Chemo has made my two colorectal tumours non-detectable (without surgery) + has reduced the size of my liver mets. In my case I was not operable but hope to be at some point; if I am it will be chemo + radiation that got me there. It might be a good idea to have another chat with your onc to weigh the pros + cons.

Reedy Peedy

geotina said:

To Chemo or Not to Chemo
Truthfully, that is a decision only you can make.

I can tell you that my husband was diagnosed 3/09, age 60, Stage IV, metastasis to liver and lungs. Not a good diagnosis. Well, he did the chemo, and to date very successfully, he is doing very well, continues to work full time, worked full time throughout his treatments, has an excellent quality of life and pretty much does what he wants. Is the cancer gone from the liver and lungs, no, not yet, because he is not yet a candidate for further surgical and radiation options. Will he be in the future, we sure hope so but for now we are very pleased at where we are at in this journey. Much of the mets in the liver and lungs are gone or significantly reduced. Would he be here today without the assistance of chemo, truthfully, I don't think so.

A couple of people on the board did not do chemo but chose Chinese medicine and other alternatives. They have been successul in their decisions.

Personal opinion only, colorectal cancer patients do very well with the new chemotherapy treatments.


Take care - Tina

Chemo Questions
I have stage 3 T-4 cancer as of the day of surgery. The Onco Doc has the results of my PET but won't give me the answers on the phone. I meet with him tomorrow. I'm upset that I can't know the results without having an appointment. The PET was done last Tuesday.

khl8

Welcome, Sorry that you had

Welcome, Sorry that you had to find us but we are a family here, supportinng each other all the way. Everyone reacts differntly to chemo. I had oral chemo with radiation then I had IV chemo for 9 treatments. I managed to work the entire time and actually felt pretty good. It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be,
Kathy

biglaur

Hi
well I just found this forum...and I'm waaaay further along in this game. Good for you for checking it out so early and looking for answers. I had a large tumor removed from my colon...9/11/06...all my docs thought they'd gotten everything so no follow-up treatment was warranted. A year and a half later...after a routine PET scan I was all of a sudden Stage !V with lesions in my liver and lung. I can't help but think if I'd done chemo right away the SMALL lesion that was on my liver all along (that was missed by the radiologist) wouldn't have had a chance! It is a very scary proposition...but you won't know how you'll handle it until you do it. I always thought chemo meant throwing up and going bald...how lame is that? I really had NO idea what to expect. You are so far ahead of me in that regard just asking questions of these good folks. Just reading these posts you'll see that everyone reacts differently and depending on the specific "cocktail" you receive it may not be too rough at all. Good luck...

Reedy Peedy

khl8 said:

Welcome, Sorry that you had

Welcome, Sorry that you had to find us but we are a family here, supportinng each other all the way. Everyone reacts differntly to chemo. I had oral chemo with radiation then I had IV chemo for 9 treatments. I managed to work the entire time and actually felt pretty good. It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be,
Kathy

Organ Donation
Can I still be an organ doner?

SERRIN

Effects
Hi
I am new too. I have taken 9 treatments of Eloxatin and 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin(5-FU/LV). It has been the worst 6 months of my life. I wondered too and still wonder but I did not have a viable alternative. I am still here after all. I wish you the the best..
Serr