Now I'm really confused

Hi Judy..sorry, I missed your post. I have been awol again working and as usual with time zone differences I often post too late to be read. While I was away I called on a lady friend, Janet. She is incredibly inspirational. 5 years ago she was told her cancer was terminal. Granted, it is not bowel cancer, but a rare form of cancer that grows between her brain and skull. She also has cancer in her bones and other places. Her nephew told me before xmas she was not expected to survive beyond xmas past!
When I saw her yesterday she was looking great and I told her so. She said to me that they are still doing radiotherapy and chemo on her yet for some strange reason she feels incredibly good. Sure, she does suffer all the side effects but she told me that to still be with us 5 years on from her dx is what motivates her to prove that statistics are not always right. Janet knows that the chances of full recovery are very slim but she holds to the hope that one day..hopefully soon...modern medicine will come to her rescue with a cure. We stood in her beautifull garden talking for about an hour. I told her about my family here on CSN and the wonderfull people who support each other. I also told her of our dear friends here that have been fighting this for so long. The smile on her face told it all....none of us are immune to a re-ocurrance...and all of us know the pain, depression, anxiety that cancer brings.Yet she shows so much peace and acceptance of her plight. Janet has resigned herself to knowing that her time left "may" be short but is as strong as an ox knowing that proving her doctors wrong is a great achievement. Janet threw her arms around me when I arrived and again when I left.
I have told you this Judy because I have followed you since you were first dx'd. Janet is an inspiration to me because firstly I can see her personally and I can "touch" her, a gentle approach to show we care for each other....something I would like to be able to convey to you all. You are in our hearts Judy, there is always some chance of better things to come sweetie. 5 years ago Janet thought that was never going to be possible.

This is true...Janet is my friend..I am proud to be hers.
luv n huggs, Ross n Jen

Judy, I don't know anything about Camptosar, but the nurse should give you a printout on the side effects of the drug. One thing I'd like to stress to anyone reading this... please talk with your Dr about the way you feel. Don't be intimidated by him/her. Ask questions! I have worked in the medical field as an RT for many years and the once the Dr. left the room I always got asked questions by the patient that they didn't or for some reason couldn't ask their Dr. If you can't talk with your Dr. maybe it's time to change your physician? I wait patiently for my turn, then I ask questions and tell him my concerns. Judy if you're not ready to give up then DON'T and let your Dr know that. Don't let him drag you down. When my Dr told me I had cancer it was a very numbing feeling, but I somehow choked up these words.." I guess it's time to do some butt kicking!" I work with my Dr. (..and he's great)but I am in control of me. Stay strong! ~ Wanda

I am not sure what FOLFIRI stands for, but I was on Camptosar/Xeloda when the Xeloda started causing severe blistering of my hands and feet. They cut way back on my Xeloda and I was worried that I was not getting my full treatment. One of my docs at that time told me that the Xeloda was "not what was helping me" anyway, the Camptosar was the important one.... Xeloda, in case you don't know, is oral 5-FU. So, I hope that gives you a little glimmer of hope. I guess your doc feels the Camptosar is the important one. Good luck w/ it. I really hope it helps you.
Susan.

Judy,
I'm on the Folfiri regime. They give me the 5 FU and leukovorin IV push each week just after the Camptosar. Are you sure you didn't get them IV push? I think it's worth checking with the oncologist if you didn't get it. You definitely deserve an explanantion.
Mary