Not a colorectal diagnosis but colorectal treatment??

lisa42 said:

Gemzar
Hi Sarah,

I've taken most of the other chemos earlier in my treatment & am now taking a combination of Gemzar, Avastin, and Xeloda. I've had the oxaliplatin before & that will definitely be where your dad will be getting most of his side effects from. Neuropathy, oversensitivity to cold, tingling- tell him to keep as warm as possible and take alpha lipoic acid in capsule form along with vitamin B-6 and lysine tablets to help prevent neuropathy (pain and/or numbness) from becoming permanent. Most oncs, I believe, infuse a combo of calcium and magnesium with the oxaliplating to help prevent the nerve damage. Ask your dad to ask if his chemo nurses are giving him that and, if not, see if they can start!

So far as the gemzar side effects go, it's a pretty easily tolerated drug, but it may be hard for your dad to realize that while dealing with the oxaliplatin effects. The biggest issue with gemzar is that it often makes the platelet count drop too low. When that's happened to me, I've been given a shot for it. There's another shot or series of shots that can also be given for the white blood cell count called either neupogen or neulasta. I can't think of the name of the shot for the platelets at the moment. The shots do help with that. Symptoms of problems with the platelets with the gemzar can be bruising or little pin point red dots under the skin (a sign of bleeding). I had some weird bruises that appeared on my shins and ankle areas- they're not sure if it's from the gemzar or not, but I think it is (I always get weird side effects that aren't listed :~
The Avastin can cause the blood pressure to rise, so make sure your dad watches out for that. When on Avastin, it's a really good idea to get a blood pressure cuff/machine so that can be monitored at home. I had problems a while back with my blood pressure skyrocketing, then when I was put on blood pressure meds it dropped too quickly and I was having fainting spells. Fortunately, that's all under control now.

I know this is hard- the best thing you can do for your dad and for the family is to be as positive as possible and help your dad be as proactive as possible. I have found that even when you have really good doctors, you are always your own best advocate. Second and third opinions are always good to get, also. What one doctor says can't be done, oftentimes another doctor (oncologist, radiologist, surgeon, etc) may think is possible after all.

One more bit of advice... don't listen to survival statistics. Statistics by their very nature of being a statistic usually based on 5 yr survival rates, are ALWAYS outdated. Even if you read a survival statistic that was hot off the press today, it would likely still be based on patients who were diagnosed and treated at least 5 years ago. Five or more years ago, many of the drugs and treatments we have today were not available. So, based on that, actual survival rates should always be higher/better than whatever the most recent statistics state! This is a tough and nasty disease- I won't pretend otherwise, but there IS hope and there ARE many possibilities of treatment.
Take cheer!

Hugs and prayers,
Lisa

bruins1971 said:

Side Effects
Hey Sarah I am sorry to hear about your Dad but keep the Faith for only God knows how things will pan out. I am 38 with stage 4 colon and I am currently doing the Oxy with 5FU and was doing the Vectibix but that gave me a NASTY rash on my face and head to the point my skin would start to bleed. But again they stopped that and now I am only doing Oxy and 5FU and to be honest I have not had too many side effects. Some nausea, with sensitivity to cold during the days of chemo but it quickly wears off and then I get neuropathy in my feet which can get really bad but again mine has not been bad. Tell you Dad to keep up the fight now matter what he hears. Like someone else has said get 2nd and if needed 3rd opinions. There are some really great treatment centers out there. What part of the country do you live in? I will add your dad to my prayer list and in the mean time I offer this one to your Dad to use each and every day. Saint Peregrine is the patron Saint of cancer patients.


Prayer to Saint Peregrine

O great St. Peregrine, you have been called "The Mighty," "The Wonder-Worker," because of the numerous miracles which you have obtained from God for those who have had recourse to you.
For so many years you bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fibre of our being, and who had recourse to the source of all grace when the power of man could do no more. You were favoured with the vision of Jesus coming down from His Cross to heal your affliction. Ask of God and Our Lady, the cure of the sick whom we entrust to you.
(Pause here and silently recall the names of the sick for whom you are praying)
Aided in this way by your powerful intercession, we shall sing to God, now and for all eternity, a song of gratitude for His great goodness and mercy.
Amen.