1st treatment down, 5 to go

Folfox affects everyone different. For me the third was was the worst. Not sure why, but it was. I never had much Nausea, just fatigue, stomach issues, cold sensitivity, which got worse overtime, and more fatigue. The treatments are definitely doable, but by the end of them she will be ready to finish. We all have this picture of cancer being a death sentence, or picture it’s victims frail, and sick. That’s not always the case. A positive attitude goes a long way, no matter what the studies say. Prayers and faith also will carry a person through many trials. Let your Mom know she has made it through the first treatment, and to continue to take one at a time until they are finished. As Trubit said, everyone is different and handles them differently, but 6 is a good number. I did 9 and would have been happy to finish at 6. Good luck, and Merry Christmas.

Thank You!

Low white. Low red. Low platelets. It is all par for the course for some of us. I hope low white is all she has to deal with though.

I can't remember if it is low white or red, where you have to be diligent about not catching anything nasty from people. But keep any sick people away, to be on the safe side.

Tru

My first round of chemo was 5FU, Oxaliplatin and Avastin. I became very sick (nausea, vomiting) and was back in the hospital within 48 hours for fluids. I experienced a wide range of side effects including neuropathy in my hands. On my sixth treatment, I had an anaphylactic reaction to Oxaliplatin which, I later learned, often happens on treatment #6. It came on very quickly and, as I had no prior experience with allergic reactions, did not recognize the warning signs. For me, my tongue started feeling strange. I alerted the nurse (though I didn't know what was happening) and, before I could do anything else, I was suddenly slumped over, eyes closed, unable to move. I could still think and hear. I was given an EPI shot and then passed out in the chair for hours. I was immediately taken off Oxaliplatin. I hope this info is helpful - it's important to know what an allergic reaction feels like as some of these drugs can cause them.

It is rare that folks get through treatment without something coming up to postpone treatment. It is frustrating, because you think 'Six weeks' (or whatever) and have a finish date in your sights, then they postpone a treatment, and your out a week, two or three.

My treatments were cancelled for Platelets, Red & White counts. Pushed me out a few weeks, but I survived in the end.

Welcome to the forum.

Tru

I also had an anaphylactic reaction to Oxaliplatin after my second dose and was taken off it immediately. In addition to the anaphylactic reaction, I had severe cramping in my hands and feet. Fortunately, I hadn't left the cancer center and was taken care of immediately.