Chemo Holiday

fatbob2010
fatbob2010 Member Posts: 467 Member
in Colorectal Cancer #1

Doctor put me on a Chemo Holiday for about thirty days.  Apparently the blood work is slipping but the CEA is holding at between 2.5 and 3 for the last couple of months.  We discussed it and it seems that there is minimal danger of backsliding, in his eyes.  

Regardless, this has me spooked. The last short holiday CEA spiked to 114 almost over night and there was obvious tumor growth reported by the radiologist.  I can't argue with the severity of the FOLFIRI rash.  Nor can the itching be ignored that easily.  Blood work was the kicker apparently,

White and red blood cells as well as Hemocrit are all low at the same time.  He said that continuing with the chemo risked a hospital stay and we both see that as a less than ideal option.

Next pictures will be end of month and we are to decide from there what we want to do.

Not comfortable with this turn of events...has anyone else had to take a holiday because of low blood?  Can't help being concerned about another spike in CEA with a tumor bloom to match.

Regards,

Art

Comments

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    #2
    Bad news

    I'm sorry to hear your news, Art. 

    I was very lucky with my bloods, for the most part, only having chemo postponed three times during treatment. I did have to have one infusion for reds. 

    Your Doc knows what he's doing, and we'll pray that your CEA stays stable and the tumours stay away. Also that your rash and itching subside, and when you go back on the chemo, they don't return. 

    Keep us updated. 

    SUE - TRUBRIT

  • Phil64
    Phil64 Member Posts: 838 Member
    #3
    Trubrit said:

    Bad news

    I'm sorry to hear your news, Art. 

    I was very lucky with my bloods, for the most part, only having chemo postponed three times during treatment. I did have to have one infusion for reds. 

    Your Doc knows what he's doing, and we'll pray that your CEA stays stable and the tumours stay away. Also that your rash and itching subside, and when you go back on the chemo, they don't return. 

    Keep us updated. 

    SUE - TRUBRIT

    I second Sue's prayer

    Praying your CEA stays in check and no tutor activity during your chemo break.

    Love and light be with you Art.

  • annalexandria
    annalexandria Member Posts: 2,571 Member
    #4
    I can understand your worry, Art...

    wish I had some words of wisdom for you.  I took a few chemo breaks during treatment, and had to have blood transfusions on several occasions, but as chemo didn't work for me anyway, in the long run this didn't make much difference.

    One thing I did try was adding in an alternative approach.  At one point I was able to get my white counts back up with an Indian (east) herb that my naturopath recommended.  She also gave me iron shots and other things to try and improve my numbers.  If you have access, and are going to be on a chemo break anyway, it might be worth looking into something along these lines.

    Stay strong and keep us posted!  AA

  • Easyflip
    Easyflip Member Posts: 588 Member
    #5
    Hi Art

    My last two chemo treatments were modified because of my low white blood cell count. I wasn't taken off chemo but the most toxic drug to my white blood cells was reduced. I think it was oxaliplatian. I was also told to be extra cautious regarding infection. Maybe you can modify your chemo rather than go off totally. Hope this helps.

    Easyflip/Richard

  • tanstaafl
    tanstaafl Member Posts: 1,313 Member
    #6
    cam

    Might be able to get your blood in shape quicker and slow down the mets with CAM recommendations like the LEF protocols or more.

  • fatbob2010
    fatbob2010 Member Posts: 467 Member
    #7
    Thank you

    Thank you for the prayers and good thoughts...Good suggestions all...Thanks for taking time to write...it really helps.

    Art

  • janderson1964
    janderson1964 Member Posts: 2,215 Member
    #8
    I understand your concern. My

    I understand your concern. My plateletts crashed last month and had to skip a week. Now my white cells have crashed and i was refused treatment again. I never had an issue with blood counts for the first 8 years of treatment. Now it is one thing after another. I think my bone marrow has taken too much abuse and is shutting down. I am frustrated more than worried

  • fatbob2010
    fatbob2010 Member Posts: 467 Member
    #9
    Marrow

    Jeff,

    Mine is apparently damaged from earlier chemo according to the Onc.  This is what is blamed for chronic low platelets and perhaps a couple of other blood issues I am still learning about.

    Art

     

     

  • janderson1964
    janderson1964 Member Posts: 2,215 Member
    #10
    fatbob2010 said:

    Marrow

    Jeff,

    Mine is apparently damaged from earlier chemo according to the Onc.  This is what is blamed for chronic low platelets and perhaps a couple of other blood issues I am still learning about.

    Art

     

     

    I was told the same thing

    I was told the same thing from the nurse. I haven't spoke to my oncologist yet about this. I am taking another shot at treatment again tomorrow. We will see what happens.

  • Nana b
    Nana b Member Posts: 3,030 Member
    #11
    janderson1964 said:

    I was told the same thing

    I was told the same thing from the nurse. I haven't spoke to my oncologist yet about this. I am taking another shot at treatment again tomorrow. We will see what happens.

    Ive been off a month a time,

    Ive been off a month a time, I used that time to strengthen and build my immune system  Also, getting plenty of rest.  

  • UncleBuddy
    UncleBuddy Member Posts: 1,019 Member
    #12
    Hoping for some good news

    Maybe your body needs a little rest and once you are back on chemo, you'll be that much stronger.

    My brother has had to go on and off chemo many times, especially with all his side effects and hospitalizations. His CEAs went up but the cancer didn't seem to grow. He's remained pretty stable throughout it all. I agree that while you have this break, get lots of rest, take care of yourself and keep a positive attitude. It can't hurt!

    Good luck!

    Lin

  • fatbob2010
    fatbob2010 Member Posts: 467 Member
    #13
    Thanks to all

    The plan is to rest as much as possible then check the pictures.  

    Sad to hear that others have this same challenge but glad at the same time not to be alone.

    Blessings,

    Art

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