Just getting started...

drpcampbell
drpcampbell Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I'm brand new to this forum and am grateful for your help, support and thoughts. My 75 year old mom was diagnosed about a month ago with Stage III metastatic colon cancer. She had surgery (colon resection) about 1.5 years ago and was told no further follow-up was required . Unfortunately my parents are of the generation that often doesn't question the doctors, so she never sought repeat CEAs. She has just undergone her second week of FOLFOX. She is exhausted, has no appetite, and I've just learned, is very short of breath. She has also been treated for hypertension, gout and has had both hips replaced, so she hasn't been a well woman for several years, but she is a fighter.

I'm anxious to hear your stories regarding this protocol. I am acting as her advocate and trying to stay on top of the situation, so any and all side-effects and personal stories are welcome. She is currently being treated at a large (but not a teaching) oncology practice.

Thank you!

DRPCAMPBELL

Comments

  • lfondots63
    lfondots63 Member Posts: 818 Member
    #2
    HUGS!!
    To both your mom and you! I'm so sorry she is going through this but I'm glad you have found us and are such an advocate for her. Did she or you tell the onc about the shortness of breath? Please keep on top of that. Make sure she is getting fluids in her at least and some kind of nutrition. Anything that sounds good, she should eat. I know that I would think something sounded good during chemo and then get it in front of me and couldn't stand the smell. Somebody had it right in having things for small meals or snacks around for her. Something easy and quick while she is feeling hungry. She needs to rest and get her to understand that. I know my dad had a hard time understanding that. If your body says you are tired, take a nap. Make sure any types of reactions you tell the doctor. I will keep her and you in my prayers.

    Lisa F
  • msccolon
    msccolon Member Posts: 1,917 Member
    #3
    Your mother's recurrence
    DRPCAMPBELL, I am so sorry to hear of your mother's recurrence. It's good to hear she is a fighter, and sounds like she is lucky to have you as her advocate! There are lots of people on here who have done the FOLFOX, so I am sure you will get all the info you want (and probably more than you could imagine!). When I was first diagnosed i did the FOLFOX following the resection but had to cut out the Oxaliplatin due to issues with my hands. I have since had other kinds of chemo, and the single most important thing to remember is to mention those side effects to every nurse, doctor, tech you run into while at the onc's office! When they ask how you are, they really want to know how you are and they really want to know about those side effects. There are drugs to counteract them, but they can't prescribe them if they don't know they are needed. And now is not the time to be brave! Leave nothing out when describing the symptoms and take notes if you find it hard to remember from appt to appt! So many people have been there, done that, so don't be shy! Prayers for her health and minimal side effects!
    mary
  • drpcampbell
    drpcampbell Member Posts: 2
    #4
    Just getting started...
    Mary and Lisa,

    Thank you both for posting so quickly! I am so grateful for your good advice and your kind thoughts. I will keep pushing the fluids and small, more frequent meals for my mom. My dad is trying but he's a softie (he and my mom have been married 52 years) and he feels he's being too tough. I have taken on the role of the "bad cop"...we'll see how successful i am!

    Thanks, again, for your help!

    Pat
  • nudgie
    nudgie Member Posts: 1,478 Member
    #5
    FLOFOX Treatment
    In July of 06 I was DX with Stage II Colon Cancer and decided to do the FLOFOX regime of chemo for precautionary measures. Below are some of the side effect I had but keep in mind that chemo drugs will affect each individual differently due to our DNA make-up.

    Flushing of face & neck
    Burning of stomach and throat (Onc Dr prescribed Nexium which helped)
    Sores in mouth (Onc. Dr. prescribed magic mouthwash which helped)
    Locking of wrists (cold side effect from Oxy)
    Tingling of hands & feet
    Headaches (minor)
    Increased heart rate (an average of 100-110 bpm)
    Not able to sleep to well due to steroid premeds
    Not able to eat or drink cold beverages or food due to the Oxy drug. Had to wear gloves to get anything from frig and freezer. Had to wear gloves, scarf and hat if weather was cold or somewhat cold. Had to drink and eat room temp foods, warm or hot.
    Occassional constipation (had ostomy)
    Slight case of Vertigo once chemo was finished
    Change in vision once chemo was finished
    Slight dental issues with teeth once chemo was finished

    I hope this helps and please keep us posted on how your mother is doing. God has a path for all us and some are more difficult than others and those are the ones we cannot understand.
  • hopefulone
    hopefulone Member Posts: 1,043 Member
    #6
    Welcome
    Sorry to hear of your mom's dx, but she's lucky to have you as an advocate. Encourage her to ask questions and seek second opinions if she's not satisfied with the answers. Remember, each person's experience varies with side effects. Some have very few, others many. Report all to the doc. Adjustments are often made. Most importantly, keep a positive attitude and encourage your mom to do the same. God Bless and good luck
    Diane

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