Just got real, y'all

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JennPixie
Posts: 39
Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2017 8:53 am
Location: Peach State

Just got real, y'all

Postby JennPixie » Sat Feb 10, 2018 12:53 pm

Well, the port is in. This just got real, y'all.
Before now, even though I spoken with the doctors, nurses, PA, and nurse navigator... chemo was still an oddly abstract idea. Not now. Now, there's a port. A place for it to go in. Very specifically for the chemo. Nothing else. This is really happening.

And damn, I'm scared.
F, 44y/o
Colon cancer, ascending colon
Stage 4
NTN: T4N1M1
Colostomy, reversal, loop illeostomy

Started FOLFOX Feb. 14th...

A work in progress...
...Aren't we all.?.
8)

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mypinkheaven
Posts: 459
Joined: Fri May 20, 2016 4:29 pm
Facebook Username: Sally Cunningham
Contact:

Re: Just got real, y'all

Postby mypinkheaven » Sat Feb 10, 2018 1:12 pm

Good luck with your treatment. Let the docs know your side effects so they can be taken care of right away. You'll do fine 8)
MSS, KRAS Wild NRAS Mutated
9/2012 CRC IIB Lft Colectomy 0 lymph nodes 0 Chemo
10/2013 CT clear
11/15 CEA 2.7 to 4.6
11/15 Spread to uterus. Hysterectomy
2/16 Pelvic radiation 25, brachytherapy 3
4/16 - 6/16 Xeloda
6/16 CT Several lung nodules 5 mm
8/16 CT Nodules still present. Most stable. Some growth
11/16 Transfer to UCSD Moores
12/16 Folfox + Avastin failed
2/17 Folfiri + Erbitux
8/17 5FU+Erbitux No 5FU bolus
7/18 Spread to vagina
6/18 Folfiri + Avastin + Trametinib
6/18 CEA dropping

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O Stoma Mia
Posts: 1709
Joined: Sat Jun 22, 2013 6:29 am
Location: On vacation. Off-line for now.

FOLFOX

Postby O Stoma Mia » Sat Feb 10, 2018 2:59 pm

.
O Stoma Mia wrote:- Here is some information on FOLFOX for you.

  • FOL-F-OX (infusion)

    FOL - Folinic acid (Leucovorin) side effects
    http://www.drugs.com/sfx/leucovorin-side-effects.html

    http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug- ... vorin.aspx

    F – Fluorouracil (5-FU) side effects
    http://www.drugs.com/sfx/fluorouracil-side-effects.html

    http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug- ... racil.aspx

    OX - Oxaliplatin side effects
    http://www.drugs.com/sfx/oxaliplatin-side-effects.html

    http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug- ... latin.aspx
    .
  • Side effects log -
    _MON____TUE_____WED____THU____FRI_____SAT____SUN__
    .AM PM...AM PM....AM PM...AM PM...AM PM....AM PM...AM PM.
    |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| Diarrhea
    |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| Vomiting
    |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| Nausea
    |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| Mouth Sores
    |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| Hand-and-foot syndrome (HFS)
    |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| Fever or infection
    |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| Stomach area pain
    |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| Pain (other)
    |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| Fatigue
    |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| Constipation
    |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| Loss of appetite
    |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| Dehydration
    |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| Skin problems
    |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| Hair loss
    |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| Dizziness
    |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| Headache
    |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| Insomnia
    |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| Taste problems
    |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| etc..
    |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...|
    |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...|
    |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...|
    |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...| |...|...|
    .
  • FOLFOX Treatment Journals - Several members have posted journals of their FOLFOX experience. Here is a link to one of them:

    FOLFOX Treatment Diary
    http://coloncancersupport.colonclub.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=55011
    http://coloncancersupport.colonclub.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=59205&p=468320#p468320
    .
  • Medications for each side effect - For each of the major expected side effects, you should have a plan for treating the side effect at three possible levels of intensity, for example:

    1. Mild level - Home remedies or over-the-counter preparations
    2. Moderate level - Mild prescription medications or over-the-counter preparations
    3. Severe level - Strong prescription medications

    It would help to have the options identified in advance at these three levels for each major type of side effect (and approved by your doctor), although it may not be necessary to purchase everthing in advance. Some products may be hard to find, so it may be wise to do some research in advance to determine where you are going to obtain the products in case you ever need them.

    It is important to be pro-active and start treating the problems early, as soon as they start to appear. There is a reason for this: Under chemo/radiation therapy the immune system becomes somewhat compromised and a bit dysfunctional. It takes a bit longer for medications and treatments to take effect, so you need to start the treatments early, at the first sign of a problem. If you decide to wait until the problem becomes almost unbearable, then this might be a bit too late for your immune system to step in, catch up, and quickly solve the problem. In a way, there is no point in taking a 'macho' approach by trying to be a hero by toughing it out. Now is the time when your body needs tender loving care by giving it some form of treatment whenever something starts going wrong.
    .
  • Consent form - If you have not done so already, you will need to read and sign the hospital's "Chemotherapy Informed Consent" form. This is a form that describes the major risks and benefits of the treament procedure. I would recommend that you read your form thoroughly before you sign it, and be sure that any questions you might have are answered before you sign. Also, ask for a photocopy of the form that you have just signed. A sample template of such a form can be downloaded from the link below. Click on the link, and use the SaveAs option to save the file to the Windows Desktop. Then after the download is complete, open the file and look at its contents, in particular the section on "Risks/Side Effects of Proposed Treatment". This is where the main side effects of your treatment (FOLFOX) will be listed on the form that they give you to sign. Chemotherapy Consent Use and Discussion Guide
    .
  • Book - I would recommend reading the following book, which gives a general introduction to chemotherapy without focusing on any particular drug. The emphasis is on how to deal with the main side effects that are common to most all chemotherapy regimens, i.e., nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, neuropathy, etc. It is a good guide for someone who has had no prior experience with chemotherapy
    "Chemotherapy Survivor Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Get through Treatment ", by J. McKay and T. Schacher, (2009)
    .
  • Your weight - Oxaliplatin dose is determined by patient body surface area (BSA) measured in meters squared, the formula for which requires your height and weight as input. Body Surface Area (BSA) Calculator. Be sure that they get your exact current weight, otherwise they may put the wrong dose of oxaliplatin in the syringe (i.e., don't get weighed with your pockets full of keys, cell-phone, wallet, etc, and be sure to take off your shoes and any heavy clothing). If you weigh in at a heavy weight, the dose they calculate for you may be too high, and it may amount to an overdose. A normal dose of Oxaliplatin (85mg/m2) is bad enough, and you certainly don't want to get an overdose. Also, make sure they re-weigh you properly for each new cycle of Oxaliplatin, since you may be losing weight from one week to the next, so your dose should be decreased each time according to amount of weight lost.

  • Oxaliplatin side effects - Treating peripheral neuropathy by naturopathy -

    Re: Oxaliplatin advice (post)
    http://coloncancersupport.colonclub.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=50311&p=385241#p385241
    Prevention and Management of Chemotherapy-Induced-Peripheral Neuropathy in Survivors of Adult Cancers: ASCO Clinical Practice Guideline
    http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/32/18/1941.full.pdf+html
    Complementary Therapies for Chemo-Neuropathy: An Integrative Oncologist's Bag of Tricks
    http://www.integrativeoncology-essentials.com/2013/06/complementary-therapies-for-chemo-neuropathy/
    °
  • Note: Oxaliplatin toxicity and oxaliplatin desensitization protocols -

    Oxaliplatin desensitization questions
    http://coloncancersupport.colonclub.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=35164#p246839
    Allergic reaction to Oxi
    http://coloncancersupport.colonclub.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=43093#p304849
    Desensitization protocol for oxaliplatin
    http://coloncancersupport.colonclub.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=57906&p=456018#p456018
    Hypersensitivity Reactions to Oxaliplatin and the Application of a Desensitization Protocol
    http://theoncologist.alphamedpress.org/content/9/5/546.full.pdf+html
    °
    °
  • Note: 5-FU toxicity and DPD deficiency (Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency)

    Several sources indicate DPD Deficiency affects from three to eight percent of the population.

    Over 11 thousand new cancer patients can expect to have some degree of DPD deficiency. Unfortunately, this is not typically discovered until a cancer patient receives some form of 5-FU.

    In its most severe from, the combination of the deficiency and 5-FU toxicity has a 33% mortality rate. Thirteen hundred people die annually from 5-FU toxicity. 1300 people...if those same people were dying in plane crashes, by crazed gunmen, etc, there would be a media outrage. Instead, these are people dying quietly in hospitals and their homes.

    Genetic testing is readily available but not part of the standard of care. It may not be covered under insurance plans as part of treatment. The cost of testing is relatively inexpensive. If your treatment is going to include 5-FU based, DEMAND TO BE TESTED. Pass along this information and do everything you can to make testing a standard part of the use of this dangerous drug.
    Reference: http://dpd-deficiency.com/

    Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency (DPD deficiency)

    ColonClub thread: 5-FU & Xeloda Extremely Allergic-

Tdubz
Posts: 152
Joined: Sun May 07, 2017 11:01 am

Re: Just got real, y'all

Postby Tdubz » Sat Feb 10, 2018 5:12 pm

Just the next step in beating this disease! Good luck! You got this

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horizon
Posts: 1669
Joined: Tue Apr 12, 2011 10:10 pm

Re: Just got real, y'all

Postby horizon » Sat Feb 10, 2018 9:22 pm

For me it was a lot better once I got one under my belt. There wasn't a fear of the unknown anymore and I could focus on getting through the next 6 months. I had a bad experience my first infusion with a failed IV that completely changed my mind and got me to get a port (after input from this forum). You're already doing better than I did!
I'm just a dude who still can't believe he had a resection and went through chemo (currently 13 years NED). Is this real life?

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

Re: Just got real, y'all

Postby Aqx99 » Sat Feb 10, 2018 11:36 pm

I know how you feel. Getting the port was a huge step for me, too. I was nervous until I finished that first infusion. On the upside, if it is a power port, you can use it for the IV contrast when you get a scan.
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

JennPixie
Posts: 39
Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2017 8:53 am
Location: Peach State

Re: Just got real, y'all

Postby JennPixie » Sun Feb 11, 2018 9:03 pm

horizon wrote: I had a bad experience my first infusion with a failed IV that completely changed my mind and got me to get a port (after input from this forum). You're already doing better than I did!


With my tiny, uncooperative veins, there was no question. I need the port. After my first surgery, needing iv for fluids and meds, my arms were covered in bruises from all the times they had to stick, re-stick try again, lather, rinse, repete... (3 times they tried for a mid-line, and twice theyve had to bring in the ultrasound to look for a useable vein). My mom told me that i got my teeny little hide-and-seek veins from my dad. They had trouble with his veins, too.
F, 44y/o
Colon cancer, ascending colon
Stage 4
NTN: T4N1M1
Colostomy, reversal, loop illeostomy

Started FOLFOX Feb. 14th...

A work in progress...
...Aren't we all.?.
8)

User avatar
horizon
Posts: 1669
Joined: Tue Apr 12, 2011 10:10 pm

Re: Just got real, y'all

Postby horizon » Sun Feb 11, 2018 9:17 pm

JennPixie wrote:With my tiny, uncooperative veins, there was no question. I need the port. After my first surgery, needing iv for fluids and meds, my arms were covered in bruises from all the times they had to stick, re-stick try again, lather, rinse, repete... (3 times they tried for a mid-line, and twice theyve had to bring in the ultrasound to look for a useable vein). My mom told me that i got my teeny little hide-and-seek veins from my dad. They had trouble with his veins, too.


It was a nightmare. They tried over and over and had to give up on one arm. Then they had to try more than once to succeed in the other arm. Then my vein got inflamed and parts of my arm felt numb afterwards.

After I got my port in it was literally "1,2,3 ok it's in". I have a huge problem with needles and I never would have made it through 6 months of chemo without my port.
I'm just a dude who still can't believe he had a resection and went through chemo (currently 13 years NED). Is this real life?

benben
Posts: 324
Joined: Fri Apr 28, 2017 3:18 pm
Location: Washington State

Re: Just got real, y'all

Postby benben » Mon Feb 12, 2018 11:18 am

JennPixie wrote:Well, the port is in. This just got real, y'all.
Before now, even though I spoken with the doctors, nurses, PA, and nurse navigator... chemo was still an oddly abstract idea. Not now. Now, there's a port. A place for it to go in. Very specifically for the chemo. Nothing else. This is really happening.

And damn, I'm scared.


I think its quite normal to experience pre-treatement anxiety. I know I had it, and most people report the same with good reason.
Usually if there is going to be an big issue with the chemo it happens sooner rather than later. A lot of times during the first infusion.
So it's quite normal to feel some fear of the unknown until you've got a couple treatments under the belt.

As for the port. Chemo is rough on even the best of veins. The port is really the best way to go. It will also serve other purposes.
Your routine blood draws for example and even upcoming CT scans or colonoscopies - they can use the port instead of needing to break a vein.

drink lots of water, and then even more water.
best of luck to you!
----------------------
3/29/17 diagnosed CRC - 44 y/o Male
4/17/17 ULAR - Straight anastomosis - no ostomy.
Path: low grade T3n1m0 - moderate diff.
KRAS - NO, MLH1/PMS2/MSH6/MSH2 - Normal.
5/3 med port install
5/22 folfox - first treatment.
3rd treat, delayed - low ANC - reduced to 90% OXI
zarxio all treats
Treat 7 - 75% OXI
Treats 8-12 - NO OXI, Luke & 5FU
10/20/17 CT- NED
3/18 Scope - Clean
11/8 PORT OUT!
7/22 CT - NED (5 years!)

DarknessEmbraced
Posts: 3816
Joined: Sat Nov 01, 2014 4:54 pm
Facebook Username: Riann Fletcher
Location: New Brunswick, Canada

Re: Just got real, y'all

Postby DarknessEmbraced » Mon Feb 12, 2018 11:35 am

I hope your chemo goes well!*hugs*
Diagnosed 10/28/14, age 36
Colon Resection 11/20/14, LAR (no illeo)
Stage 2a colon cancer, T3NOMO
Lymph-vascular invasion undetermined
0/22 lymph nodes
No chemo, no radiation
Clear Colonoscopy 04/29/15
NED 10/20/15
Ischemic Colitis 01/21/16
NED 11/10/16
CT Scan moved up due to high CEA 08/21/17
NED 09/25/17
NED 12/21/18
Clear colonoscopy 09/23/19
Clear 5 year scans 11/21/19- Considered cured! :)

Caat55
Posts: 694
Joined: Sat Dec 23, 2017 6:01 pm

Re: Just got real, y'all

Postby Caat55 » Mon Feb 12, 2018 1:48 pm

Good luck Jenn. I am a few weeks behind you. Wishing you all the best. You can rock this!
S
Do at 55 y.o. Female
Dx 9/26/17 RC Stage 3
Completed 33 rad. tx, xeolda 12/8/17
MRI and PET 1/18 sign. regression
Surgery 1/31/18 Ileostomy, clean margins, no lymph node involved
Port 3/1/2018
Oxaliplatin and Xeloda start 3/22/18
Last Oxaliplatin 7/5/18, 5 rounds
CT NED 9/2018
PET NED 12/18
Clear Colonoscopy 2/19, 5/20

AppleTree
Posts: 267
Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2016 8:16 am

Re: Just got real, y'all

Postby AppleTree » Mon Feb 12, 2018 3:35 pm

I love my port. I can not tell you how many times,IV's have had to be moved on me because they fail.

It is a weird place to be poked. I asked for an RX of lidocaine and those clear plastic bandages they use over the port. 30-40 minutes before chemo, labs, whatever...I put the lidocaine on. I swear, you barely feel it.

Best of luck! I also get hydration 4 days after disconnect. They also recently added anti nausea medicine to the drip. Who knew? Keep everyone up to date on any changing solutions and chances are, they have something to help you. I have finished 8 of a scheduled 12, so am in the home stretch. Once you pass that 1/2 Mark, I think it becomes emotionally easier.
Diag Feb 5, 2016 Age 45
3 cm tumor 5 cm from verge
Radiation + Xeloda pills - 3000mg 5x week
3/14 - 4/16 - 25 sessions
Shrank just over 50% L nodes 0/13
Remove rectum with temp Ileo 6/17
Reversal 7/20 due to infection
Acute hepatitis August. Chemo cancelled
June to September 2016 - 58 days in hospital

2017
6/16, MRI shadow in lung
Pet - 6.6mm Met in Upper R lobe
7/30 VAT surgery Mass General/Boston
8/24 port
8/30 - 4/28 Folfox. 12 rounds
2018
June CT shows new lung Mets.
July/Oct PETs...CLEAR!

User avatar
henry123
Posts: 218
Joined: Sun Oct 08, 2017 3:25 am

Re: Just got real, y'all

Postby henry123 » Tue Feb 13, 2018 7:22 am

Best advise drink upto 4 or 5 liters of water.
Stay away from raw foods and dairy products as easy to get upset stomach.
If you have any irregular heart beat, take it seriously and report to your doctor immediately. 5FU can cause heart related issues.
Best of luck.
46yo M msi-high Lynch +ve
5/16 lap AR 14/21 L nodes +ve
T4N2M1
7/16 Capox 9 cyc
9/16 cea 2
1/17 550
PET CT mets in lung & peri
iri+ avast fail
3/17 10577
4/17 regro fail
5/17 cea 28800
5/17 CT inc in size of mes nodes ,onset of multi nodules in liver
6/17 Opdivo start
7/17 26754
8/17 5623
9/17 497
10/17 52
CT all clear exc a nodule in Lung. liver norm
1/18 3.6
Aspirin start
6/18 1.5 CT clear
12/18 1.1 NED
1/20 NED Opdivo stop
8/23 1.0 All ok

JennPixie
Posts: 39
Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2017 8:53 am
Location: Peach State

Re: Just got real, y'all

Postby JennPixie » Wed Feb 14, 2018 1:09 pm

Sitting in the room now, the last lil drips going through...
Had a nap while hubby stretched his legs.
Ooops, getting the loud empty beep!.
Next, I guess I get hooked up to the one I go home with...

So far, So good. I'll keep y'all updated, thanks so much for your support. :)
F, 44y/o
Colon cancer, ascending colon
Stage 4
NTN: T4N1M1
Colostomy, reversal, loop illeostomy

Started FOLFOX Feb. 14th...

A work in progress...
...Aren't we all.?.
8)

JennPixie
Posts: 39
Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2017 8:53 am
Location: Peach State

Re: Just got real, y'all

Postby JennPixie » Wed Feb 14, 2018 9:44 pm

Oh funny, fuuu-neeey, very freakin funny. :roll:
Hot flashes and cold sensitivity at the same damn time.
Really cute, ha ha ha, laugh it up, Universe! That was a good one. Ha ha ha.

But I got me a fancy lace fan, like freakin Scarlett O'Harra, so :P raspberry to you, tryin ta mess with me! :P

:mrgreen: sorry guy's and gals, but that was just stupid crazy, made mad, and laugh at the same time :mrgreen:
F, 44y/o
Colon cancer, ascending colon
Stage 4
NTN: T4N1M1
Colostomy, reversal, loop illeostomy

Started FOLFOX Feb. 14th...

A work in progress...
...Aren't we all.?.
8)


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