not good news

lawleete
lawleete Member Posts: 25
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
once again,i come to everyone for support.i've just found out that my chemo treatments are not working.i've had 3 so far so at least i didn't have to wait too long to find out.i was getting oxy/5fu/and leucovorin,but my lymph node involvement has increased in size so my oncologist wants to start me on cpt-11.he's hoping that this will work and of course,i am too.does any have any words of encouragement for me? also is there anyone who can give me their experience with cpt-11? thanks for any help given and may god bless all cancer patients and their caregivers.

Comments

  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #2
    lawleete, I'm sorry to hear about this setback but remember, that's all it is, a setback. Chemo is a funny thing, what works for some, does not work for others, and vice versa. Just as with side effects, this seems to be how chemo works. I personal don't have any experience with any chemo first hand as I am a caregiver but I do know of one breast cancer survivor who had three or four different combos before they finally got it right and results were seen. She's still around, working full time, and that was two years ago.

    Hang in there and don't give up hope. There are a number of options available these days and with new ones coming right around corner.

    I will keep you in my prayers and hope that you find success with CPT-11.

    Hugs,
    Monika
  • spongebob
    spongebob Member Posts: 2,565 Member
    #3
    law -

    Sorry to hear that the cocktail you've been getting isn't working. There are lots of cocktails out there though and I'm certain they'll find one that works on you. Remember everyone is different. Just like some people have bad reactions to chmo and some have none, some cancer is affected by certain meds and some is not. Keep on plugging and you and your onc will find the right combination.

    Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

    - SpongeBob
  • fedester
    fedester Member Posts: 753 Member
    #4
    hey lawleete,
    sorry to hear the news
    sounds like your dr has a plan.
    you will have to try another cocktail till you get the right one, which you will find.
    stay the course
    keep the faith
    we are here for you
    all the best
    fedester
  • kerry
    kerry Member Posts: 1,313 Member
    #5
    Hey Law,

    Sorry your chemo doesn't seem to be working, but good news is that there are other combos and your doctor seems to be on top of things. I took CPT-11 along with 5fu and Leucovorin. Let me know how you do, we'll compare! I got through it just fine and so will you.

    Hang in there and keep us posted.

    Kerry
  • StacyGleaso
    StacyGleaso Member Posts: 1,233 Member
    #6
    I had CPT-11 (also known as Camptosar). Did the trick. I had it after my surgery, as a clean up chemo. Mine spread to 2 lymph nodes and 40% of my liver. I was stage 4...today, all clear.

    HAVE FAITH, STAY POSITIVE, GET WELL!!!!!!!!!!!

    Stacy
  • Kaye2003
    Kaye2003 Member Posts: 86
    #7
    I don't know anything about cpt-ll, but you will be in my prayers.
    God Bless,
  • nettie4
    nettie4 Member Posts: 145
    #8
    hello there. i can relate with you since the same thing happened to me. i have been on avastin/oxy/luk/5fu for a year and it just stopped working. my mets r lung though and they are getting bigger too. i will start on the same regiment as you on friday. i was told that chemo does affect people differently and maybe this will be the one. the chemo roller coaster is a bumpy ride but at least there is still a ride to be on. so hang in there. in my prayers.

    nettie
  • grandma047
    grandma047 Member Posts: 381
    #9
    I have not taken the CPT-11. I took 5FU and radiation before surgery. Like everyone here has said, chemo affects everyone differently. What works for one won't work for another and it sounds like you're doctor is not giving up, so don't you eithere. I will be praying for you.
    Love and prayers, Judy(grandma047)
  • jana11
    jana11 Member Posts: 705
    #10
    Just to let you know. I took cpt-11 w/ xeloda post-op (stage 3 back then). I was definately tired, but still worked full time. I became anemic and needed procrit injections.

    Minimal hair loss - I noticed my ponytails were smaller - no one else noticed a thing.

    I had diarrhea, requiring LOTS of immodium. I also lost some weight.
    Overall, unless you knew me, you wouldn't have known I was on chemo. Everyone is different, hopefully it won't zap you too much.

    Now I am on oxaliplatin and xeloda and doing pretty well. No weight loss and much less diarrhea.

    Hang tough!! jana
  • Tessyann
    Tessyann Member Posts: 56
    #11
    isnt it funny how people react different to chemos ?... Now my hubby was on CPT11 for 1 year...52 weeks once a week treatment , It was a ruff treatment on him.. He lost all his hair from head to toe... One big plus is it gave him a 6 year remission.
    Law best of luck on it
    Teresa
  • Kanort
    Kanort Member Posts: 1,272 Member
    #12
    Hi Lawleete,

    I'm praying that this drug will be the answer for both you and Nettie.

    Please let us know how you are doing.

    Thinking of you,

    Kay

    .

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