Update on Keith's Chemo Plan (Boston67)

Hi,

Here is a report to my family and friends on my meeting yesterday (January 24) with m,y Oncologist (Dr. Kimmie Ng) and my tube feeding surgeon on the chemo plan which begins on February 2.

Report January 24, 2010
Greetings,

Today was a milestone day and marks the beginning of my Treatment phase.

With me at the meeting were Natthana, Erica, Margaret and Nancy and I needed them all both for the meeting and the follow-up needed.

I reviewed with My Oncology DR. (Dr. Kimmie Ng,) how I was feeling and some issues.

I have been feeling a little full in my stomach, perhaps nausea, and we will focus on this. A meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday with my new Dana Farber nutritionist to minimize the hours I need to be on the tube and still get the nutrition I need. This should allow me to begin eating through my mouth and get my digestive system working more regularly. It’s still not quite right but I am confident it will be soon. I am no longer taking stool softener or laxatives and may begin to reintroduce them as needed. Everything is working, but just not smoothly enough. I used the travel nap sack for most of the day (first time) and that went well.

My pain management program needed improvement and we have doubled the Fentaynl patch. I will move away from both Oxycondon and Tylenol. It is too soon to tell yet, but my brain says to me this was the right thing to do and suggests to me now that it seems to be working.

I will begin a regimen of Chemotherapy on February 2, in about one week. I will present myself at Dana Farber that morning; have a series of tests and then an infusion of at least Oxailiplatin. The infusion takes about two hours. I will then be given a pump to take home and use 24 hours a day for two additional days. That will include Fluorouracil (5-FU0, leucovorin, and perhaps Oxailiplatin).

I am told that the pump will infuse the chemicals into my body for a total of three days, and that I may have side effects for two to three days. At the end of a two week cycle we begin again with new infusions and pumps. I will have a total of 4 cycles, each two weeks in length and each with about three days of Chemotherapy.

I will have a CT scan at the beginning and end of this eight week cycle.

I am told to expect side effects, loss of energy, and lessened disease fighting capacity. I should avoid anyone who is ill and will susceptible to those with diseases like the flue. I have warned to wear masks when greeting others and will ask the seme from them please for germs during this cycle.

Love, Keith