Stopping treatments early

Barnaby

I have had 8 treatments and see my oncologist in the a.m..  I am going to ask if I can stop the rest of the treatments.  My feet are numb and my fingers tingle all the time.  My intestines hurt in different places at different times and my rectum throbs most of the time.  Had a sigmoidoscopy last week and it shows, fissures and a fistula.  Ordered some wheat grass fissure cream on line - has not come yet but am willing to try anything to help.  My cancer is stage 2 and they found no evidence of it spreading anywhere, so really do not want to hurt anymore. 

Has anyone on here stopped them early?  And if so what were the after effects.  Thanks.

Maxiecat

I did not stop mine

I did not stop mine early...but we did lower the dosage of the oxaliplatin because of the neuropathy.  I was on Folfox and was able to finish all 12tx with the adjustments.

 

you need to do what ever you feel is best for you.  Maybe ask about decreasing the dosage and seeing if things get better?

 

alex

abrub

In other parts of the world, 6-8 treatments are the norm.

I quit because the side effects weren't worth the potential benefits at that point.  There is ongoing research if 8 (or 6) treatments provides the same benefits as 12.  You have to weigh your options, and not look back once you decide.

PS - the fissure was the kicker for me.  That pain had me in tears every time I thought about going to the bathroom.  Actually doing so was even worse.

Barnaby

abrub said:

In other parts of the world, 6-8 treatments are the norm.

I quit because the side effects weren't worth the potential benefits at that point.  There is ongoing research if 8 (or 6) treatments provides the same benefits as 12.  You have to weigh your options, and not look back once you decide.

PS - the fissure was the kicker for me.  That pain had me in tears every time I thought about going to the bathroom.  Actually doing so was even worse.

stopping treatments

Thanks for the info.  I honestly feel I will never get the rectum to even start healing until I stop taking all the drugs.

abrub

Barnaby said:

stopping treatments

Thanks for the info.  I honestly feel I will never get the rectum to even start healing until I stop taking all the drugs.

PS

I think that most people do not complete the 12 cycles.  I hear of more who have to quit early than who complete.

janderson1964

I made it through 12 rounds

I made it through 12 rounds of FOLFOX but I did stop after 10 rounds of FOLFIRI a couple of years later. My onc told me there was no evidence that stopping a couple of rounds early would make any difference.

thxmiker

10 for me on Folfox

I only made it to round 10. I felt like my body was about to collapse. At what point is Chemo being effective and hurting one's body?   I called it when my body was aching and I could no longer get rest or even sit comfortably. It took me 18 months before the feeling in my hands and feet came back, mostly.  Three yrears later my feet are still numb.   

 

What ever your decission, make it for you.  From speaking with several oncologists, half of the people do not make the 12 treatments. 

 

Best Always,  mike

PS  We are sending our thoughts and prayers for a positive outcome!

janderson1964

I managed to make 12 rounds

I managed to make 12 rounds on oxy but still have numbness in my feet after 7 years

Annabelle41415

Stoping your Treatments

You should let your doctor know that you have that many side effects and it could be that they cut out the oxy.  Typically that is what is the culprit in the neuropathy, but don't continue on if you feel that it has gotten to the point where you can't tolerate it anymore because it will affect the rest of your life in some circumstances.  Good luck with the appointment and let us know what your doctor says.

Kim