Postby PeterG » Tue Apr 25, 2017 4:54 pm
Thanks Recruiter. I am tolerating the Xeloda with Avastin relatively well. And I have no primary tumor, or recurrence (to date.) It's all in my lungs--six or seven nodules. But one seems to be growing, and the onc., who I trust, thinks it is time to add a drug--oxaliplatin or Irinotecan--and he thinks the pump is the way to go. Not so happy with the prospect of severe diarrhea, but he says this does not always occur, and there are other drugs used to control it both in advance, and when and if it occurs. The problem with oxaliplatin , given my frustration with hand-foot from Xeloda (screwed up guitar fingers)--suggests to him that I will do better with a port, pump and Folfiri with Avastin. I continue to be extremely healthy--able to work out, ride bicycles for long distances, etc. I am concerned that the pump will interfere with this, and with work; but mostly I am concerned that the pump and port will put my condition on display. Not that I am ashamed; but I just do not want to have to deal with people I do not choose to share my cancer with knowing I have this condition. While improper to discriminate, the effects may well cause difficulties on many levels, including my ability to earn a living, which can easily impact my insurance coverage. Not a fight I want to have voluntarily, even if it is ethically valid.
DX Aug. 2013 Resection 09/13.
08/14 CT : .7 CM pulmonary nodule--& multiple nodules.
03/15 15 dendritic cell vaccine-monthly
05/16 begin 3000 MG Xeloda & Avastin
11-16 shrinkage.”Sstable"
2/2017: Port installed. Begin Folfiri and Avastin
8/2017: Xeloda, Avastin and Iranotican. 3-wk cycle.
2-6-18: small pulmonary embolim—some growth in one pulmonary tumor. Start Xarelto.
2-8-18 : Change of chemo: Xeloda with Oxaliplatin no avastin.
9/2018: Tumor growth. Begin Stivarga.