Postby weisssoccermom » Thu Jul 23, 2015 6:12 pm
This is a decision that only you can make. However, there are some things to consider.
1. Look at your pathology report and see if you have any negative prognostic factors? If you don't have a copy of your path report....GET ONE. Also, get a three ring binder, complete with dividers to keep all the test results that you will be undergoing. You should have, at the very least, a copy of your original path report (from the scope), your operative path report and a copy of your CT scan report.
2. If the doc is recommending FOLFOX (or XELOX) it isn't an all or nothing proposition. You do have the option of just taking the 5FU (or Xeloda) and garnering most of the benefit that chemo has to offer....particularly for the stage IIA (with no negative prognostic factors) patient. Don't let any onc tell you it's FOLFOX or nothing....be proactive.
3. You have a few weeks to make a decision what you think will work best for you. Get to know the side effects, the risks and the benefits of all the chemo agents and make a sound, educated decision based on ALL the information.
I was diagnosed as a IIA a little over 9 years ago. At the time, oxi was 'relatively' new...was touted (at least IMO) as the 'wonder' drug and I insisted that I needed to have it even though my onc thought (and still believes) that it is overkill for most stage II patients. Even knowing the risks of making my neuropathy worse (I have neuropathy due to foot surgeries) I insisted that I have it. One dose and an awful reaction....and I was done with that drug. I remember feeling really upset...as though someone had pulled the rug out from under me. My onc was 100% behind me finishing up all the cycles with Xeloda only....which is what I did.
Just remember that this is YOUR life....and you need to take everything into consideration....side effects (both short and long term), benefits v risks and your quality of life. If I had to do it again, knowing what I know now....I would do exactly the same thing that I did eight years ago. No oxi...but I would, without a doubt do the 5-6 months of Xeloda only. Side effects are minimal, no port and you get the majority of the benefit of the 'standard of care' chemo. Good luck with whatever YOU decide.
Dx 6/22/2006 IIA rectal cancer
6 wks rad/Xeloda -finished 9/06
1st attempt transanal excision 11/06
11/17/06 XELOX 1 cycle
5 months Xeloda only Dec '06 - April '07
10+ blood clots, 1 DVT 1/07
transanal excision 4/20/07 path-NO CANCER CELLS!
NED now and forever!
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