This F'N Fistula!!!!!

[jep]

Hi everyone. My husband finally started chemo on August 14 and everything seemed to go really well (not even any cold sensitivity) . . . then 2 nights ago his insicion sight opened up (again) and is leaking feces. I took him to the emergency room yesterday (doc's orders) and they put him back on antibiotics and they put the bag back on the surgical sight. He's beyond pissed . . . that's the only way I can describe his emotional state. The docs want him to continue with chemo (which we're happy about); I guess they feel that it's been soooooo long since his surgery that chemo is a must at this point. He does still have 1 surgical drain for this f'n fistula (which is now razor thin), but the abcess cleared up and they gave him the green light for chemo. Initially the docs said folfox w/o avastin (for now), and then the onc changed his mind and said that he would be OK with the avastin. It seems to me that the avastin caused this fistula to act up, and his wound to reopen. Does anyone have thoughts on this? Could this just be a coincidence? I mean, if avastin causes fistulas, I can only imagine what it does to an existing fistula. Please let me know your thoughts on this. Thanks everyone . . .

p.s. they did a CT scan at the hospital and the fistula looks the same . . . no changes.

[Volfan]

I can't speak for your specific case but my doc did not start me on the Avastin until the rectal tumor had stopped bleeding and the anal fissure had healed up. He was very adamant not wanting any bleeding while on the avastin.

[DarknessEmbraced]

I'm so sorry your husband is having such an awful time!*hugs* I hope his fistula heals soon and that his chemo goes well!*hugs*

[Lee]

I'm so sorry, that has got to be rough. He might want to keep the bag a bit longer and let that Fistula heal up good and strong. Hope he's doing better soon.

Lee

[Stewsbetty]

I just started on folfiri and my drs decided to go without avastin because of a fistula between the tumour and duodenum. They are concerned it could cause bleeding. Sometimes it feels like the drs are not seeing us as people. Just as another case to get through. I hope that your husbands fistula will show signs of healing.