My Mom

Options
themis01
themis01 Member Posts: 167
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Well things have really taken a bad turn here for my mom. Her 4 treatments of folfiri did not affect the cancer and it kept growing. The folfiri also made her very sick and weak. Her liver is now enlarged and she is jaundiced. Are we at the point of no return here?? Please give me any honest opinions good or bad based on experiences etc. She started Folfox last week and of course she is VERY tired and weak from that. She is eating/drinking well and not having any pain at this time. Her onc. said that the folfox worked once for her before her surgery so we have to keep our fingers crossed that it will work again. She only did 6 the first time before surgery. The onc. said she has seen livers this bad recover if the chemo worked quickly. At this point it is a race against time as to whether or not the chemo or the cacner will go faster. The onc. said if the chemo doesnt work quickly "her life will be measured in weeks not months". The onc. did not tell her this but I asked her to be as specific as possible with me because I am supposed to be leaving the country next week!! My mom still has hope and I do too so I don't think I will give her anymore negative details since she is doing her best to believe she can stop the cancer activity with Folfox at least for awhile. Anyway it is really tough to see her so sick and tired and so surreal. I just want to believe she has hope but don't want to be naive either. Thanks everyone
Erika

Comments

  • deneenb
    deneenb Member Posts: 130
    #2
    Options
    Erika,
    I'm so sorry to hear about this. I know how it feels to hear that "the treatment did not work". We heard it with my father too. But the next treatment he was put on did work. Was she getting Erbitux? Our Oncologist seems to think that is what is helping my Dad right now. Would she be open to the idea of diet changes to possibly help the situation? What about Thalidomide? Did you ever do any research on that? I discussed it with our Oncologist and he said it is an option but not the first one he wanted to try. My research showed that it was particularly helpful for people who stopped responding to Ironitecan. Please let is know how the Folfox does? How many treatments will she get before scans?

    You and your Mom are in my prayers.

    Best Wishes,
    Deneen
  • Btrcup
    Btrcup Member Posts: 286
    #3
    Options
    Erika, I am sorry your mom is not doing as well as expected. You will be in my thoughts.

    Linda
  • oneagleswings
    oneagleswings Member Posts: 425 Member
    #4
    Options
    Hi Erika:
    Sorry to hear your Mom didn't respond to the folfiri but hope the folfox works...what about avastin or erbitux and is there a possibility for a clinical trial for panitumabab?...it sounds like your Mom has a fighting spirit and since she is eating/drinking well..that is a really good sign...miracles can and do happen- I pray that your Mom's new treatment will work.
    Bev

Discussion Boards