Re: Mom,s Test results are back

[Guest guest]

Hi Jana:

Let me start by saying that each person is an individual and how

chemo combos affect one may not necessarily be the way it affects

another. Some do better, some do worse. Here's how our experience

is going so far.

My husband Bert who was diagnosed stage III back in July 2003 was on

1000mgs 5fu and 1000mgs Leuc, which started about three weeks after

his surgery that removed the colon tumor (cecal side) and four

positive lymph nodes. He was on the same cycle as your mom...once a

week for six weeks, two weeks off, for a total of 18 weeks.

Through the first six weeks, there were absolutely no problems

whatsoever...he literally sailed through and even his onc,

considering the high dose of leuc that Bert was receiving, was really

quite amazed how well Bert was tolerating it. You will note that I

use the word " was " quite often. Here's why.

After his first two week break, round two started and I could tell

right from the get go with the first treatment that round two was

different. Still no major problems, but very tired with each

treatment. After the fourth go around in round two, Bert came home

and for the first time, just didn't feel well. He wasn't nausious

(sorry for my spelling) or anything like that, just didn't feel

well. Within a couple of days, he was hospitalized for a sever chemo

infection of the colon, diarrhea like crazy, low potasium levels as a

result of the diarrhea, and a partial small intestine blockage.

After seven days hospitalization, he was off his regular chemo for

three weeks.

He has since restarted, but the dose of Leuc has been reduced to just

250mgs....the 5fu remains at 1000mgs. They have also extended his

regime an additional six weeks so now instead of the original 18

weeks, it's been bumped up to 24 weeks. Tomorrow is number four of

round three and his side effects remain the same....diarrhea being

the major problem. He remains tired but is able to go to work every

single day. Eating is not a problem...has a great appetite (although

during his recent hospitalization it did stop for a couple of days

only to pick up with a vengence once he felt better).

I think the greatest side effect for Bert is the inability to do

things as he did before because he is tired. That's hard for him to

accept and my biggest challenge remains convincing him that it's okay

and things will get better. Overall, he has good days more often

than bad days and I am so grateful for that. Today was not so

good...he was very tired and went to bed at 7:00p.m. But then again,

he had been up since 3:00 a.m. so I guess his tiredness would under

best of circumstances be considered normal.

I hope all this helps a little but again, please bear in mind that

the side effects on your mom can be completely different than they

are for Bert. Just keep encouraging her, no matter what they are,

that this is temporary and well worth the price if a possible cure

can result. Once in a while, I loose my cool and snap at him because

I feel overwhelmed and then I feel guilty, but I think that's normal

too for us caregivers....and I am gentler with myself than I used to

be when I have one of those moments. I simple get on with it. Be

kind to yourself and you can't help but be kind and supportive of

your mom. I have those moments of anger and frustration with my

husband when I haven't been taking care of me.

Fondly,

Monika

> Hi All,

> Mom,s test results are back and Thank God the cancer has not spread

> to her liver, the spot,s on her liver were cyst,s. She is getting a

> shunt friday and will start chemo Monday. She is going to be taking

> the5-fu/lv she is so afraid of the side effects. Anyone know what

we

> can expect with this drug? The Dr. gave us a list, but I had rather

> hear what any of you have experienced with it. She will have chemo

> once a week for 6 weeks then 2 weeks off for 32 weeks.Any feedback

> would be appreciated.

> I pray for us all

> Jana

>

> P.S. And keith you were right I should have been considering the

fact

> that maybe it was a cyst. Thanks

[Guest guest]

> > Hi All,

> > Mom,s test results are back and Thank God the cancer has not

spread

> > to her liver, the spot,s on her liver were cyst,s. She is getting

a

> > shunt friday and will start chemo Monday. She is going to be

taking

> > the5-fu/lv she is so afraid of the side effects. Anyone know what

> we

> > can expect with this drug? The Dr. gave us a list, but I had

rather

> > hear what any of you have experienced with it. She will have

chemo

> > once a week for 6 weeks then 2 weeks off for 32 weeks.Any

feedback

> > would be appreciated.

> > I pray for us all

> > Jana

> >

> > P.S. And keith you were right I should have been considering the

> fact

> > that maybe it was a cyst. Thanks

[Guest guest]

Hi Jana: Glad the cancer has not spread. Usually by giving premeds to

control nausea or loose stools they can help reduce side effects. Sometimes you

lose

your appetite. You have to drink a lot of fluids,and monitor the course. If

the re-

actions are very strong they will reduce the amont given. Nothing but 5fu and

LV?

No Camptosar,Oxi,or other chemo? Will it be through a port? eating small

amount

more frequently helps. They often suggest immodium and supposirtories since

they

cost less. Side effects vary with individuals. On the regimine you mentioned

my

husband had no hair loss,was sensitive to the sun, and each time he went had

a finger stick,and once a month more blood work. Since he had it in combo with

another chemo drug sometimes he had a flushing that disappeared in about

eight

hours. They check B/P and counts frequently and he weathered that set well.

Good luck. Stay well yourself and I am sure your mom will be able to tolerate

it. jane