I took Celebrex 400 mg daily throughout FOLFOX and chemoradiation and had a good response. Although I have not been on chemo since 2015 I remain on Celebrex and plan to do so indefinitely

I took cimetidine 800mg twice daily for about a year, increasing dose to 800mg 3x/day when I had my resection or any procedure. I stopped when I developed the first signs of gynecomastia (painful male breast enlargement) and this resolved right away. I have been off it now for about 18 months (other...

Yes..any "downstaging" that occurs due to neoadjuvant therapy will result in a better prognosis, even if it is not a complete response.

Yes, I had a pCr after neoadjuvant therapy (completed just over 2 years ago). Good luck!!

I developed a worsening tremor after FOLFOX but my oncologist feels this is more likely oxaliplatin related. Note that I also have disabling peripheral neuropathy as well as autonomic neuropathy affecting my GU system and interfering with motility of my entire GI tract. Neurological consultation wou...

Annual chest imaging is a long time to wait IMO...especially for distal rectal tumors...but is the current "standard of care " for asymptomatic stage 2 or 3. It is possible that insurance may try to deny payment for more frequent scans unless your oncologist documents a symptom that would ...

I was diagnosed with a T3N2MX very low rectal tumor 12/2014. Underwent 8 cycles of Neoadjuvant FOLFOX, 28 days of chemoradiation, and APR with permanent colostomy on 8/12/2015. Those first few weeks are the hardest, but this is something you can totally beat. I am now two years out, retired, living ...

This is great! Thank you so much

Wow...my colostomy is such a non issue! I have many other after effects of chemo and radiation but the bag does not slow me down.

I agree with the miralax (in my coffee every morning) and fiber. I also take Philips magnesium caplets, 4 ever evening, and drink plenty of fluids

My neuropathy is continuing to progress even though my last oxaliplatin dose was 19 months ago. I actually needed to move from Minnesota to Florida due to cold intolerance! I take gabapentin three times a day, Ativan as needed, and use MMJ (vaped) at bedtime so I can sleep. I did not find B vitamin ...

I am glad you have made a decision that works for you; I totally understand your reasoning. I am nearly 18 months out from my APR and have no regrets. in the end, we have to trust our gut and do what feels right. Good luck!

I was a similar stage at diagnosis nearly two years ago. Preoperative chemoradiation is effective, and you might want to ask about preoperative (neoadjuvant) systemic chemotherapy with FOLFOX. The preliminary data suggest that this might improve the likelihood of downstaging prior to surgery (and th...

A devastating loss; such a sad day

That was me nearly two years ago...only my tumor was bigger and my scan showed nodes. Those first few weeks are by far the hardest...once you know exactly what needs to be done, and you have a plan in place, it gets easier. My tumor was also right at the distal end of the rectum, and I ended up with...