Feeling nervous n very high anxiety

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Hopegirl
Posts: 55
Joined: Wed Nov 08, 2017 10:06 am
Location: Modesto ca

Feeling nervous n very high anxiety

Postby Hopegirl » Tue Dec 05, 2017 11:41 pm

Hi everyone, so tomorrow is the first day I will be starting my Oxaliplatin chemo and also xelox . Oxaliplatin is once every 3 weeks and xelox for 14 days straight with 1week off for 4 rounds . I hope this makes sense cuz I’m still learning . I just had my chemo teaching today . I feel so NERVOUS and scared about the side affects. I have all my meds ready . Will I get the side affects right away . I’m scared of the fatigue and cold sensitivity and being nauseous. I can’t believe I have to take 3 pills in the morning and 3 at night for 14 days straight . Am I gonna be able to function or be normal . How long will I feel crappy . I still have 2 young boys to take care . Will I have normal days feelings . Sorry I don’t even know what I’m asking I know it’s a lot of questions just feeling alone :cry: I hope I can get out of house . I hate being home . Also do I need to always wear a mask when I leave treatment ? I know I need to try to think positive and after tomorrow I just have 3 more to go . It’s really hard when you have anxiety disorder. Anyone else doing similar to mines . Thank you
Diagnosed 10/11/17 at 46 years old . Now 50,4 kids 29, 25, 15, 13
Colon cancer Stage 3b 5/26 lymph nodes positive
Surgery 10/19/17
Cea 0.6 11/15/17
Finished last Xeloda pills 6 cycles 4-10-2018
Did only 3 infusions of oxilaplatin due to bad neuropathy
5-8-2018 Cat Scan clear
5-8-18 Cea 0.6
5-10-18 Port removed
8-7-2018 Cea 0.7
11-13-2018 Clear Scan
11-13-2018 Cea 1.4
12-11-2018 Clean colonoscopy
3-13-2019 Cea 0.8
7-19-2019 Clean scan
7-19-2019 Cea 0.7
1-14-2020 Cea 0.5 :D
Pray for NED Always

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CRguy
Posts: 10473
Joined: Sun Feb 10, 2008 6:00 pm

Re: Feeling nervous n very high anxiety

Postby CRguy » Wed Dec 06, 2017 2:23 am

Hey homie ....
take a step back and just breathe
one day
one step ... at a time.

Give yourself permission to not know it all the first day ... none of us did.

Let the docs / nurses know right away if you have ANY issues
keep on touch with them later if you have any issues at home
don't be a hero ... sometimes asking for support IS the best way
chatting here with us is a good contact ... BUTT your docs really have the best input for your sitrep

YOU will do this, 'cos you are a CClubber

If it was easy anyone could do it ... they can't
BUTT WE CAN

We can DO IT !

Cheers and Harmony
CRguy on the Journey with you
Caregiver x 4
Stage IV A rectal cancer/lung met
17 Year survivor
my life is an ongoing totally randomized UNcontrolled experiment with N=1 !
Review of my Journey so far

NHMike
Posts: 2555
Joined: Fri Jul 21, 2017 3:43 am

Re: Feeling nervous n very high anxiety

Postby NHMike » Wed Dec 06, 2017 7:08 am

It's hard to tell how functional you will be and what the side-effects are because everyone is different. I'm reading a lot about starting up your regimen as a lot of other folks that I follow are going through the same thing and are reporting their side-effects, worries, and concerns. I start up the same regimen that you're starting up in a few weeks. I had Xeloda for Neo-Adjuvant at 3,400 mg/day this past summer and it made me feel tired but I was able to work full-time and generally function.

The Adjuvant would be 4,000 mg/day for the first 14 days of a 21-day cycle, same as cycle that you're on. So I'll be there with similar concerns. I was planning on working from home most of the time as the Xeloda will drop my red and white blood counts so I will be more susceptible to getting sick from other people. But what I've read is that it's really important to communicate problems with your doctor so that they can make adjustments to avoid permanent neuropathy from the oxaliplatin. You might want to read through the many threads on this particular topic as I want to put together a summary of the side-effects and suggested remedies before I start.

It sounds like you are relatively young so you may be better off than many of us in our 60s and 70s (or older) but I've read that some are very tired while others are mostly functional.
6/17: ER rectal bleeding; Colonoscopy
7/17: 3B rectal. T3N1bM0. 5.2 4.5 4.3 cm. Lymphs: 6 x 4 mm, 8 x 6, 5 x 5
7/17-9/17: Xeloda radiation
7/5: CEA 2.7; 8/16: 1.9; 11/30: 0.6; 12/20 1.4; 1/10 1.8; 1/31 2.2; 2/28 2.6; 4/10 2.8; 5/1 2.8; 5/29 3.2; 7/13 4.5; 8/9 2.8, 2/12 1.2
MSS, KRAS G12D
10/17: 2.7 2.2 1.6 cm (-90%). Lymphs: 3 x 3 mm (-62.5%), 4 x 3 (-75%), 5 x 3 (-40%). 5.1 CM from AV
10/17: LAR, Temp Ileostomy, Path Complete Response
CapeOx (8) 12/17-6/18
7/18: Reversal, Port Removal
2/19: Clean CT

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Maggie Nell
Posts: 1151
Joined: Wed May 27, 2015 1:57 am
Location: Central Highlands, Victoria, Oz

Re: Feeling nervous n very high anxiety

Postby Maggie Nell » Wed Dec 06, 2017 9:22 am

Stay open to the possibility that you could very well be in that camp of folks who breeze through the
process with minimal side-effects. You weren't mass-produced off a factory line and stay curious and
welcoming to the potentials that your experience with these medications may be milder.
You could have a physiology that thrives on this stuff!!
DX April 2015, @ 54
35mm poorly diff. tumour, incidental finding following emergency R. hemicolectomy
for ileo-colic intussusception.
Lymph nodes: 0/22
T3 N0 MX
Stage II CRC, no adjuvant chemo required.

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Robino1
Posts: 463
Joined: Fri Aug 11, 2017 12:09 pm
Facebook Username: Robin.lawthers
Location: Florida

Re: Feeling nervous n very high anxiety

Postby Robino1 » Wed Dec 06, 2017 9:43 am

As Maggie Nell stated, we are all different. Each of us have different experiences with how chemo affects our bodies.

There are side effects that tend to hit more people consistently. There is a nice thread about some tips a CC member has figured out to help her through the more common ones: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=59205

My first session I was fatigued and actually took a nap. For me that is highly unusual. I don't nap. Subsequent sessions, I would walk during that slight fatigue and I think it helped me. I no longer feel that way and my energy level stays up there. I fought through it and I really think it helped in the long run.

Always let your oncologist know of any side effects you experience. They can't tell you that if you get thrush there is a mouthwash to help, only because not everybody gets thrush. I do. From the 5FU. Magic Mouthwash is my lifesaver. ;)

Try not to worry about the "what if"s. Concentrate on the chemo killing the cancer. Take it one step at a time, keep your doctor informed, don't forget to live.

You can do this! :)
At 54 2014 1st colonoscopy colon cancer detect
Colon resect margins clear. No chemo Stage II
2017
Distend abd, pain in intestines.
CT scan seeding & Ascites
Lap diag - cancer on the omentum
CEA 217; 219
FOLFOX started 6/17
CEA 202
8/29/17 CT melting of tumor.
Latest CT scan shows 2 new tumors and return of ascites.
CEA: (2017)9/30 -109; 10/12 -99.1; 11/4 -90.7; 11/30 -70.7; 12/14 -83.4; (2018)1/4 -73.3; 2/1-84.2; 89.2; 89.8; 88.5; 81.8: 93.5; 107; 119
BRAF V600e

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susie0915
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Joined: Wed Aug 02, 2017 8:17 am
Facebook Username: Susan DeGrazia Hostetter
Location: Michigan

Re: Feeling nervous n very high anxiety

Postby susie0915 » Wed Dec 06, 2017 10:24 am

My biggest side effect from chemo was diarrhea. And that was because most of my rectum was removed and my ileo was reversed before I started when I had a blockage 4 weeks after my resection. The other side effects during treatment were not horrible. I live in Michigan and started early December like you. It was cold out so I always had gloves, scarf and hat for when I came out of chemo. I did have first bite which was a surprise the first time, but I learned for subsequent treatments the first time I would take a bite of food right after an infusion to rub my jaw line and swallow slowly. Every bite after the first was fine. It only lasted a couple days.
I was able to go out and Christmas shop when I felt okay and wasn't having major digestive issues. Everyone is different and reacts differently. The week off was always when I felt the best though. Good luck. You can get through this. Just be sure to make your oncologist aware of any side effects as dosage levels can be adjusted, and meds can be given.
58 yrs old Dx @ 55
5/15 DX T3N0MO
6/15 5 wks chemo/rad
7/15 sigmoidoscopy/only scar tissue left
8/15 PET scan NED
9/15 LAR
0/24 nodes
10/15 blockage. surgery,early ileo rev, c-diff inf :(
12/15 6 rds of xelox
5/16 CT lung scarring/inflammation
9/16 clear colonoscopy
4/17 C 4mm lung nod
10/17 pel/abd CT NED
11/17 CEA<.5
1/18 CT/Lung no change in 4mm nodule
5/18 CEA<.5, CT pel/abd/lung NED
11/18 CEA .6
5/19 CT NED, CEA <.5
10/19 Clear colonscopy
11/19 CEA <.5

Aqx99
Posts: 403
Joined: Fri Mar 31, 2017 7:28 am
Facebook Username: aqx99
Location: Pfafftown, NC

Re: Feeling nervous n very high anxiety

Postby Aqx99 » Wed Dec 06, 2017 10:34 am

I was on the same regimen you are about to start. I am in my final week of pills. Everybody reacts differently to the medication. I had cold sensitivity right away with the oxaliplatin. Avoid breathing cold air, it will make you feel like your throat is closing up, even though it really isn't. I carry gloves with me at all times because I never know when I will need them. Cold door handles make me feel like electricity is shooting through my hand. The most important thing to remember is to report any and all side effects to your oncologist. I had my doses lowered twice due to side effects.

I have worked my normal work schedule throughout my adjuvant chemotherapy. My platelets and neutrophils dropped considerably during treatment, but never enough that they told me to wear a mask or avoid people. They will test your blood every time you go in, and will advise you if precautions need to be taken.

They should have set you up with an arsenal of anti-nausea meds to have on hand to use as needed. My oncologist prescribed Phenergan, Zofran and Ativan. At chemo counseling the pharmacist explained how best to take them. I've lucked out and not had much nausea. If you do start to experience nausea, take medication immediately. It's easier to stay ahead of the nausea, instead of trying to catch up to it. Make sure you voice your concerns and ask any questions you have. Your oncologist wants to make this treatment as bearable as possible for you.
Anne, 40
Stage IIIB Rectal Cancer
T3N1bM0
2/21/17 Dx, Age 39
2/21/17 CEA 0.9
3/23/17 - 5/2/17 Chemoradiation, 28 treatments
6/14/17 Robotic LAR w/temp loop ileostomy, ovaries & fallopian tubes removed, 2/21 lymph nodes positive
7/24/17 - 12/18/17 CapeOx, 6 Cycles
7/24/17 Dx w/ovarian cancer
9/6/17 CA 125 11.1
11/27/17 CEA 2.6
12/5/17 CT NED
12/13/17 CEA 2.9
1/11/18 CA 125 8.6
1/23/18 Reversal
3/21/18 CT enlarged thymus
4/6/18 PET NED
7/10/18 CT NED
7/11/18 CEA 2.6
9/18 Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy

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O Stoma Mia
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Joined: Sat Jun 22, 2013 6:29 am
Location: On vacation. Off-line for now.

Re: Feeling nervous n very high anxiety

Postby O Stoma Mia » Wed Dec 06, 2017 3:07 pm

Good luck on your Oxaliplatin infusion today. Let us know how you are doing. After this there are three more infusions to go. Then you'll be OK.

NHMike
Posts: 2555
Joined: Fri Jul 21, 2017 3:43 am

Re: Feeling nervous n very high anxiety

Postby NHMike » Wed Dec 06, 2017 3:44 pm

Aqx99 wrote:I have worked my normal work schedule throughout my adjuvant chemotherapy. My platelets and neutrophils dropped considerably during treatment, but never enough that they told me to wear a mask or avoid people. They will test your blood every time you go in, and will advise you if precautions need to be taken.


I'm glad to hear this. I have a ton of appointments to get set up for adjuvant chemotherapy the next 1.5 weeks and I'll have to work around those appointments or take time off here or there. I would like to work through it as well but I won't really know until I get into it. I plan to work from home the weeks of the Oxaliplatin and well see about weeks two and three. It sounds like you're closing in on the finish line which is a great thing to look forward to.

It seems like there are so many people on the forums going through this right now as I see so many discussions on it and a lot of names. It's good to have the common wealth of knowledge on the side-effects and how to manage them.
6/17: ER rectal bleeding; Colonoscopy
7/17: 3B rectal. T3N1bM0. 5.2 4.5 4.3 cm. Lymphs: 6 x 4 mm, 8 x 6, 5 x 5
7/17-9/17: Xeloda radiation
7/5: CEA 2.7; 8/16: 1.9; 11/30: 0.6; 12/20 1.4; 1/10 1.8; 1/31 2.2; 2/28 2.6; 4/10 2.8; 5/1 2.8; 5/29 3.2; 7/13 4.5; 8/9 2.8, 2/12 1.2
MSS, KRAS G12D
10/17: 2.7 2.2 1.6 cm (-90%). Lymphs: 3 x 3 mm (-62.5%), 4 x 3 (-75%), 5 x 3 (-40%). 5.1 CM from AV
10/17: LAR, Temp Ileostomy, Path Complete Response
CapeOx (8) 12/17-6/18
7/18: Reversal, Port Removal
2/19: Clean CT

Aqx99
Posts: 403
Joined: Fri Mar 31, 2017 7:28 am
Facebook Username: aqx99
Location: Pfafftown, NC

Re: Feeling nervous n very high anxiety

Postby Aqx99 » Wed Dec 06, 2017 5:10 pm

NHMike wrote:
Aqx99 wrote:I have worked my normal work schedule throughout my adjuvant chemotherapy. My platelets and neutrophils dropped considerably during treatment, but never enough that they told me to wear a mask or avoid people. They will test your blood every time you go in, and will advise you if precautions need to be taken.


I'm glad to hear this. I have a ton of appointments to get set up for adjuvant chemotherapy the next 1.5 weeks and I'll have to work around those appointments or take time off here or there. I would like to work through it as well but I won't really know until I get into it. I plan to work from home the weeks of the Oxaliplatin and well see about weeks two and three. It sounds like you're closing in on the finish line which is a great thing to look forward to.

It seems like there are so many people on the forums going through this right now as I see so many discussions on it and a lot of names. It's good to have the common wealth of knowledge on the side-effects and how to manage them.


I would wait and see how your body reacts to the infusions before you set a schedule for taking time off. My numbers actually dip to their lowest about 2 weeks after the infusion. On my last cycle, I had to wait 2 extra weeks because they dipped so low. The first week I tried my platelets were at 78,000 and neutrophils at 1,010. The second week my platelets were 69,000 and neutrophils at 980. The third week my numbers finally jumped back up, platelets were 100,000 and neutrophils were 2,520.
Anne, 40
Stage IIIB Rectal Cancer
T3N1bM0
2/21/17 Dx, Age 39
2/21/17 CEA 0.9
3/23/17 - 5/2/17 Chemoradiation, 28 treatments
6/14/17 Robotic LAR w/temp loop ileostomy, ovaries & fallopian tubes removed, 2/21 lymph nodes positive
7/24/17 - 12/18/17 CapeOx, 6 Cycles
7/24/17 Dx w/ovarian cancer
9/6/17 CA 125 11.1
11/27/17 CEA 2.6
12/5/17 CT NED
12/13/17 CEA 2.9
1/11/18 CA 125 8.6
1/23/18 Reversal
3/21/18 CT enlarged thymus
4/6/18 PET NED
7/10/18 CT NED
7/11/18 CEA 2.6
9/18 Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy

Hopegirl
Posts: 55
Joined: Wed Nov 08, 2017 10:06 am
Location: Modesto ca

Re: Feeling nervous n very high anxiety

Postby Hopegirl » Wed Dec 06, 2017 6:39 pm

Hi everyone , had my first infusion of Oxaliplatin this morning and took my 3 pills of xeloda also this morning will have to take another 3 tonight. I was ok when getting the infusion . I been home since 12pm . Took a nap I think about an hour not sure it’s because my Xanax was making tired . Now getting a little , some minor stomach issue . Not too painful . Been writing everything down what I feel . So far just a little tired . I wonder at which cycle do u get really fatigued or the xeolda pills will make me tired too because I have to take it 14 days straight . Sigh after tonight 13 more days than 1 week off . Can’t wait . Counting down for 3 more cycles to go. Hopefully everything works out with my blood count . Thank you everyone for your great advice .
Diagnosed 10/11/17 at 46 years old . Now 50,4 kids 29, 25, 15, 13
Colon cancer Stage 3b 5/26 lymph nodes positive
Surgery 10/19/17
Cea 0.6 11/15/17
Finished last Xeloda pills 6 cycles 4-10-2018
Did only 3 infusions of oxilaplatin due to bad neuropathy
5-8-2018 Cat Scan clear
5-8-18 Cea 0.6
5-10-18 Port removed
8-7-2018 Cea 0.7
11-13-2018 Clear Scan
11-13-2018 Cea 1.4
12-11-2018 Clean colonoscopy
3-13-2019 Cea 0.8
7-19-2019 Clean scan
7-19-2019 Cea 0.7
1-14-2020 Cea 0.5 :D
Pray for NED Always

NHMike
Posts: 2555
Joined: Fri Jul 21, 2017 3:43 am

Re: Feeling nervous n very high anxiety

Postby NHMike » Wed Dec 06, 2017 7:10 pm

Aqx99 wrote:I would wait and see how your body reacts to the infusions before you set a schedule for taking time off. My numbers actually dip to their lowest about 2 weeks after the infusion. On my last cycle, I had to wait 2 extra weeks because they dipped so low. The first week I tried my platelets were at 78,000 and neutrophils at 1,010. The second week my platelets were 69,000 and neutrophils at 980. The third week my numbers finally jumped back up, platelets were 100,000 and neutrophils were 2,520.


I can generally take time off on short notice.
6/17: ER rectal bleeding; Colonoscopy
7/17: 3B rectal. T3N1bM0. 5.2 4.5 4.3 cm. Lymphs: 6 x 4 mm, 8 x 6, 5 x 5
7/17-9/17: Xeloda radiation
7/5: CEA 2.7; 8/16: 1.9; 11/30: 0.6; 12/20 1.4; 1/10 1.8; 1/31 2.2; 2/28 2.6; 4/10 2.8; 5/1 2.8; 5/29 3.2; 7/13 4.5; 8/9 2.8, 2/12 1.2
MSS, KRAS G12D
10/17: 2.7 2.2 1.6 cm (-90%). Lymphs: 3 x 3 mm (-62.5%), 4 x 3 (-75%), 5 x 3 (-40%). 5.1 CM from AV
10/17: LAR, Temp Ileostomy, Path Complete Response
CapeOx (8) 12/17-6/18
7/18: Reversal, Port Removal
2/19: Clean CT

NHMike
Posts: 2555
Joined: Fri Jul 21, 2017 3:43 am

Re: Feeling nervous n very high anxiety

Postby NHMike » Wed Dec 06, 2017 8:04 pm

Hopegirl wrote:Hi everyone , had my first infusion of Oxaliplatin this morning and took my 3 pills of xeloda also this morning will have to take another 3 tonight. I was ok when getting the infusion . I been home since 12pm . Took a nap I think about an hour not sure it’s because my Xanax was making tired . Now getting a little , some minor stomach issue . Not too painful . Been writing everything down what I feel . So far just a little tired . I wonder at which cycle do u get really fatigued or the xeolda pills will make me tired too because I have to take it 14 days straight . Sigh after tonight 13 more days than 1 week off . Can’t wait . Counting down for 3 more cycles to go. Hopefully everything works out with my blood count . Thank you everyone for your great advice .


That kind of sounds like: "so far so good".

Many take Xeloda by itself for Neo-Adjuvant so we know a bit of what it's like. It's the Oxaliplatin that's the surprise. Or not, hopefully.
6/17: ER rectal bleeding; Colonoscopy
7/17: 3B rectal. T3N1bM0. 5.2 4.5 4.3 cm. Lymphs: 6 x 4 mm, 8 x 6, 5 x 5
7/17-9/17: Xeloda radiation
7/5: CEA 2.7; 8/16: 1.9; 11/30: 0.6; 12/20 1.4; 1/10 1.8; 1/31 2.2; 2/28 2.6; 4/10 2.8; 5/1 2.8; 5/29 3.2; 7/13 4.5; 8/9 2.8, 2/12 1.2
MSS, KRAS G12D
10/17: 2.7 2.2 1.6 cm (-90%). Lymphs: 3 x 3 mm (-62.5%), 4 x 3 (-75%), 5 x 3 (-40%). 5.1 CM from AV
10/17: LAR, Temp Ileostomy, Path Complete Response
CapeOx (8) 12/17-6/18
7/18: Reversal, Port Removal
2/19: Clean CT

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susie0915
Posts: 945
Joined: Wed Aug 02, 2017 8:17 am
Facebook Username: Susan DeGrazia Hostetter
Location: Michigan

Re: Feeling nervous n very high anxiety

Postby susie0915 » Wed Dec 06, 2017 8:17 pm

I don't remember a lot of fatigue. But I'm sure I was tired. Felt a little neuropathy a couple days after the second infusion that lasted a couple days. My neuropathy didn't really kick in until about a month after finishing treatment. My bloodwork was generally okay. I did have to go in for hydration a couple times because of diarrhea. My xeloda dose was reduced a couple times. I was able to exercise most days. Try not to stress about what may happen. I did 6 rounds and I think many do 8-12. So hopefully with you only doing 4 your side effects won't be as bad as I think side effects progress as more rounds are given.
58 yrs old Dx @ 55
5/15 DX T3N0MO
6/15 5 wks chemo/rad
7/15 sigmoidoscopy/only scar tissue left
8/15 PET scan NED
9/15 LAR
0/24 nodes
10/15 blockage. surgery,early ileo rev, c-diff inf :(
12/15 6 rds of xelox
5/16 CT lung scarring/inflammation
9/16 clear colonoscopy
4/17 C 4mm lung nod
10/17 pel/abd CT NED
11/17 CEA<.5
1/18 CT/Lung no change in 4mm nodule
5/18 CEA<.5, CT pel/abd/lung NED
11/18 CEA .6
5/19 CT NED, CEA <.5
10/19 Clear colonscopy
11/19 CEA <.5

NHMike
Posts: 2555
Joined: Fri Jul 21, 2017 3:43 am

Re: Feeling nervous n very high anxiety

Postby NHMike » Wed Dec 06, 2017 8:24 pm

susie0915 wrote:I don't remember a lot of fatigue. But I'm sure I was tired. Felt a little neuropathy a couple days after the second infusion that lasted a couple days. My neuropathy didn't really kick in until about a month after finishing treatment. My bloodwork was generally okay. I did have to go in for hydration a couple times because of diarrhea. My xeloda dose was reduced a couple times. I was able to exercise most days. Try not to stress about what may happen. I did 6 rounds and I think many do 8-12. So hopefully with you only doing 4 your side effects won't be as bad as I think side effects progress as more rounds are given.


I think that FOLFOX is 8-12 rounds while XELOX is 4-8.
6/17: ER rectal bleeding; Colonoscopy
7/17: 3B rectal. T3N1bM0. 5.2 4.5 4.3 cm. Lymphs: 6 x 4 mm, 8 x 6, 5 x 5
7/17-9/17: Xeloda radiation
7/5: CEA 2.7; 8/16: 1.9; 11/30: 0.6; 12/20 1.4; 1/10 1.8; 1/31 2.2; 2/28 2.6; 4/10 2.8; 5/1 2.8; 5/29 3.2; 7/13 4.5; 8/9 2.8, 2/12 1.2
MSS, KRAS G12D
10/17: 2.7 2.2 1.6 cm (-90%). Lymphs: 3 x 3 mm (-62.5%), 4 x 3 (-75%), 5 x 3 (-40%). 5.1 CM from AV
10/17: LAR, Temp Ileostomy, Path Complete Response
CapeOx (8) 12/17-6/18
7/18: Reversal, Port Removal
2/19: Clean CT


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