5FU infusions

[mpbser]

I spoke to my husband last night about the pump and how easy it will be, how the models at MSK are really quiet, small, and he won't even know it's there. I even made logical arguments for pump/infusion 5FU over oral, e.g. pathway through the lungs and directly into bloodstream to annihilate CTCs. But, just as before when he opted for the oral method, he became obstinate about the idea of the pump. He has been like this from the get-go for some reason. I know he doesn't want two days of living with this reminder that he has cancer, like a monkey on his back, but he needs to buck it up. The trial requirements are the trial requirements and the pump/infusion 5FU is what is required. Just one more stress to deal with. Almost every little thing has to be a battle and sometimes it's like arguing with a four year old.

[Nordy1]

I used the pump for 7.5 months on an every other week basis, its very easy to acclimatize to. I'm in Canada and the pump I used is totally silent, its actually a type of balloon inside a bottle I wore strapped to my waist. My husband was taught to disconnect me after the 48 hour mark and it really was no big deal, I'm fairly confident I could have disconnected my own but I didn't want to deprive my husband of a chance of participating

Best of luck
Nordy1

[ginabeewell]

His reaction is interesting. Cancer has so many little indignities and for me the pump was so far down on the list of stuff that bugged me, it barely registered. Once it is strapped on, I pretty much forget about it, and the two days go quickly. I don't love not being able to shower while it's on but it saves me a little time in the morning those two days! Even taking it through TSA when I travel has been no big deal.

I can see why he would be concerned, but this is one thing that turned out to be no big deal.

Good luck with your toddler! ; )

[cbsmith]

I received 5FU via my port for all my folfox and folfiri infusions, a total of over 60 I figure over the years. The pump I used was silent and it just taped to my skin to allow body heat to adminster the correct dosage. The pump was kind of a hassle for the 2 days but it wasn’t that bad and didn’t affect my sleep any.

You should be able to get it connected or disconnect locally in your own town as part of the systemic chemo I imagine. There should be no need to travel to NYC every trip to do it.

I can understand why your husband does not want to do it and if I had to go back on a chemo test included 5FU I would be hestitant now as well but it sounds like he has no other choice. Maybe at least try it for a 2-3 cycles and see and then if it is an issue discuss changing to an oral based method.

[mpbser]

Thanks, gina. I highly suspect his reaction has to be with his sense of masculinity. He can brave major surgeries and come out on top of them, fighting a good fight and being tough. On the other hand, he perceives having a pump that could possibly be seen by others as a sign of weakness. It's a small indignation to have to talk about pooping with his wife and doctors, but it's a huge indignation to have a two day pump in his chest. The irony of all was that in his frustration with the prospect of the pump, he commented that maybe he shouldn't do anything at all. This is the second time he has said something like that when facing something that won't be "easy" for him this time around. There is no easy way out of this and the sooner he accepts that, the better. For the both of us.

[hiker]

Thanks, gina. I highly suspect his reaction has to be with his sense of masculinity. He can brave major surgeries and come out on top of them, fighting a good fight and being tough. On the other hand, he perceives having a pump that could possibly be seen by others as a sign of weakness. It's a small indignation to have to talk about pooping with his wife and doctors, but it's a huge indignation to have a two day pump in his chest. The irony of all was that in his frustration with the prospect of the pump, he commented that maybe he shouldn't do anything at all. This is the second time he has said something like that when facing something that won't be "easy" for him this time around. There is no easy way out of this and the sooner he accepts that, the better. For the both of us.

First off, there's nothing masculine about dying from doing nothing at all. Second, the pump can't be seen by anyone - no one even knew when I was connected to it other than my wife and kids. And third, tell him to stop bitching because it could always be worse. I contracted a deadly bacterial infection and had to have my port accessed 24/7 for 3 straight months (yes, needle in chest with all the plumbing taped to my torso) so I could do IV infusions of antibiotics twice a day. Time to man up.

hiker