Need advice

[Redwingfan3991]

Hello...

So folfox isn't working for my mom.
Her mets are in her omentumn and are growing
Her doctor has had her case sent to the tumor board
Here in MI , the recommendation is to meet with
Dr Berri and see if she is a candidate for hipec surgery.
So, I guess I'm wondering what type of questions should
I be asking him?
What type of recovery time is my mom looking at?
Pain level and average hospital stay for my mom ?

Thanks in advance for any information
Michelle

[Val*pal]

Where is your mom being treated? I'm from metro Detroit.

[Redwingfan3991]

She is being treated by dr Khan out of Oakwood , but he is referring her to Dr Berri out of St Johns to see if she is a canadite
For Hipec.

[Ravin17]

Hi,

You may read more about HIPEC here http://www.cancercenter.com/treatments/hipec/

For some patient's and nature of cancer, the FOLFOX may not work then the docs use FOLFIRI (Irinotecan) in combination with other targeted chemotherapy. Therefore, if possible, discuss with your medical oncologist or surgeon about doing a Pharmacogenetic Assay, which will give you the best possible medication option based on the patient's condition, tolerance level that will give you better results, reduce side effects and save time and money.

[raym]

Everyone reacts differently but here is what I wrote after my HIPEC procedure.

http://coloncancersupport.colonclub.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=33615&p=227372#p227372

[Kiwi Debz]

Ray

Thanks for posting your journal.

I head to Cleveland clinic FL this week to meet with surgical team to discuss treatment options one of which is Cyto reduction and hipec.

Peritoneal met and new lymph node but localized so they think I am a good candidate.

Was a bit anxious but your journal helped in understanding the recovery side.

Cheers

Deb

[Redwingfan3991]

Thank you for the replies
My mom is kras mutant ( I believe that's what he said, need to double check ) , and
He took her scans and results from chemo to the tumor board, so I guess we will see what this other dr recommends .
I just worry, because she's 64, and reading about this surgery and the recovery , it worries me, but not doing anything worries me as well



Michelle

[Don.in.Dallas]

@Michelle - best wishes to you and your mom in fighting this ugly disease. Your support makes life much better for your mom.

@raym - your HIPEC diary is impressive. Nicely done! If I should find myself in that circumstance I am happy to be aware of your experience.

[ike]

my husband was first treated for colon cancer at henry ford main campus, when he had it come back 3 years later to colon again and in liver he went to u of m cancer center, saw dr shawn pellatier, but i do not believe he is there anymore. they took care of both problems with one surgery back in 2010 and he is fine. he has not had chemo or anything (his choice), i would advise you to probably stay away from oakwood. good luck

[Redwingfan3991]

I want her out of Oakwoods system, but mom likes the dr and won't go. I can fly her anywhere around the country, won't go, I sorta understand the not leaving the state due to family being here, but not going to u of m ?!? All I can do is support her and her decision .. Ultimately the choice is hers ...


Michelle

[SkiFletch]

Ray's journal is pretty excellent. HIPEC is often referred to as mother of all surgeries around here as it's intense. They probably average 10 hours for it. The rate of non life-threatening complications is HIGH and it's not be underestimated. But it CAN offer folks a shot at long term remission and even a cure for those with peritoneal disease.

I had mine done with an epidural and benzodiazepens for anesthesia and I would reccomend that to anyone. The epi is almost required post-op for pain management. I had almost none with that thing and I surely would have had a lot without it. Was in the hospital almost 2 weeks mostly with an ileus (sleeping bowels). Once they woke up, my largest challenge was weight loss and stomach capacity. I'm thin to begin with and at 6'3" when I dropped to 160lbs, it was scary. Was hard putting weight back on cause I couldn't eat. All the scar tissue and adhesions in the abdomen made it like I had had a lap band surgery or something. This along with the pain led to a lot of mental anguish in the first 2-4 weeks home. Took a long time to really turn the corner and feel better and that wore on me mentally.

But it's been over 4 years now and I'm still alive and cancer free so I'd do it again in a heart beat.

[SkiFletch]

An addition. Here's the thread I started following my procedure. Sorry its long . Re-reading it, I had forgotten how much that NG tube made me want to stab someone by the end.

[Redwingfan3991]

At Ray and SkiFletch..

Thank you for your information.. This is what I'm looking for First hand knowledge and experience!!


Michelle