Chemo treatment on Hold

[dhdoyle68]

I was due to start 6 months of Folfox today but a CT scan last week indicated 4 liver mets , my onc was on vacation so the covering onc put my treatment on hold. I have a meeting with my onc next Weds to see what the next step is. I almost cried when I read about the "multiple hepatic metastases".

[midlifemom]

So sorry to hear that news. Try to do something fun between now and next Wednesday to keep your mind off it. Worrying doesn't improve your health.

[shade]

Two months ago I had the same shock - stage III one day, stage IV the next. It is a terrible feeling and it took me awhile to adjust to this new reality. There is a path forward, but it may take a few weeks for that path to get mapped out.
There are treatments, some of them curative. I know words cannot relieve what you are going thru, but it may help to know you are not alone.

[dhdoyle68]

Thanks for your quick responses guys. Shade, how are holding up with your Folfox/Avastin treatments?

[elise]

fingers crossed that a lier resection is possible right off the top XOX

Elise

[dhdoyle68]

Hopefully Elise, how is your folfox treatment going side-effects wise?

[shade]

I've had 3 cycles of FOLFOX and Avastin, with no real serious problems. I'm going to work about 30 hrs per week, and feeling close to normal most of the time. i expect more issues later but other people here have tolerated this regimen, so I'm pretty optimistic. Best of luck to you, keep us posted...

[janderson]

That kind of news will certainly make anyone cry. Each recurrence gets harder to handle than the last and certainly harder than the initial diagnosis IMHO.

[Delinda]

How scary for you. Sending love & strength to help get you to next appointment. And I agree with the good advice to plan something fun to distract yourself until then. Worrying will make us crazy and does NOT change a thing. Compartmentalize - it's a helpful skill. Good luck & keep us posted. XXOXO, Delinda

[GrouseMan]

I've had 3 cycles of FOLFOX and Avastin, with no real serious problems. I'm going to work about 30 hrs per week, and feeling close to normal most of the time. i expect more issues later but other people here have tolerated this regimen, so I'm pretty optimistic. Best of luck to you, keep us posted...

Ya - Thats pretty much how my wife's experience was. Made it thru 12 cycles. 10 of them with avastin. Now its 5-FU/Luecovorin and Avastin once every three weeks. She is doing pretty well. Her oncologist is pretty impressed I beleive.

Here is hoping that your remaining cycles go very well also....

GrouseMan

[dhdoyle68]

I met with my onc yesterday, he suggested doing the original Folfox treatment with avastin added for 2-3 months and then re-scan. He said he was concerned because they usually this involvement so soon. I asked about resecting the spots and he said he would rather keep that as a future possibility. I'm scheduled to do PET scan and a biopsy of my liver mets in the next week or so. I'm also getting a second opinion down at Dana-Farber in Boston just to see what they have to say. Just waiting for a appointment date.

Update: Dana-Farber 9/9/2014 @ 10:15

[Stanfordmom]

Glad to hear your onc has a new plan for you and you are also getting second opinions at one of the best cancer centers!

I personally think chemo before resection is better as it might produce clearer margins for resection. This is what I heard from a eight-year survivor.

sending you positive energy!
Sha

[singingholly]

They may add avastin but also irinotecan... Anyway hang in! You will resect it all.
Olivia

[dhdoyle68]

After having a liver biopsy in September that was inconclusive and going down to John Hopkins to speak with a liver tumor specialist, I start my Folfox/avastin treatment this Wednesday (10/15).

[ANDRETEXAS]

Wishing you the best of luck. You can do it. One day at a time!