JJ2212 wrote:I'm a newbie at this, having done only 3 rounds of FOLFOX so far.
From the start, I was surprised by how uneventful the infusion part was. I kept expecting that i'd start feeling sick but I never did. Just slept through most of it, since I didn't get a good night's sleep the night before. Round #1 was hard for me because i was hypervigilant about every little feeling and potential side effect. In hindsight, it went pretty smoothly but my nerves got the best of me.
My best advice would be to try to stay calm and not worry about getting all of the potential side effects. Every one reacts differently. I know it's easier said than done, but good luck.
kiwiinoz wrote:
Can I ask why you have an uncofirmed Lung Met?
dbmelone wrote:Just got my chemo schedule... I start 12/4 and go every other week for 12 treatments .... I was wondering what advice/tips are out there for Folfox? ... What tips/tricks are out there for this.....
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: https://www.chrisbeatcancer.com/one-dose-of-5-fu-chemo-can-kill-you/
Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency (DPD deficiency)
ColonClub thread: 5-FU & Xeloda Extremely Allergic-
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