Postby debb » Mon Apr 10, 2017 10:28 pm
Hi! I'm also glad that you brought this topic up. I've been on this cancer ride since 2008. Except after my initial 3C diagnosis and 12 rounds of Folfiri, I've used surgery for recurrences. And that's been great for me because I can totally manage the recovery pain of a surgery; but, I fall to pieces at being sick for days from chemo.
But in August, after 14 lovely months off chemo (I did folfiri for 6 months to shrink/resolve multiple mets in an out of my lung), some of the nodes decided to grow a bit, and in addition, I now had rib involvement. So , I've been on folfiri again, and it worked again for me for shrinkage and reduction, but this time I was too scared to take a break (after 9 years of dealing with this, I let it get to my head and decided to use a safety net), so I'm on5-FU and Avastin. It still totally sucks and knocks me on my butt for at least 4 days and then 2 days to try to feel somewhat normal. But I feel like the low isn't quite so low as with the folfiri, so physically I am dealing with it. But mentall, it has invaded my space.
I'll prob be on this for a while. But as long as I'm on it, I am all for breaks to feel good for special occasions or mental health break. I mean, it's our lives, right? I know I'll take a break for a week in June because of a family beach vacation.
I do think that maybe you feel word because of the dehydration that you mentioned. When I'm on chemo , I drink h2o as if it's my JOB. Also, I don't get that neulasta shot, unless my numbers are bad. And they've been good. That shot tacks on a whole day or more of feeling gross for an extra bad feeling at the end! Consider asking your doc if it's totally necessary to get Neulasta.
2008, Stage 3C, age 42, mom of 4
Folfox 9/08-2/09
Met to right ovary, both removed 7/10
HIPEC 8/10
VATS 7/12, right lung
10/14 Stivarga clinical trial
3/15-7/15 Folfiri & avastin
8/16 Folfiri & avastin
Break! 10 months of freedom
1/18 - 4/23 many Folfiri & Avastin
6/23 Clinical trial REGN7075. Progression
8/23 radiation to femurs and L4
9/23 rechallenged Folfox. Allergic reaction at 4th infusion
11/23 will start Bot/Bal