HI Folks,
I was reading a post on length of neuropathy after being on Oxaliplatin. I had two thoughts:
One - I feel bad for those with the long term side effects.
Two - I'm happy I declined taking it.
I had a difficult time with Xeloda and HFS. After my surgery and during "mop up" time I had a discussion with my Onc about including Oxaliplatin with the Xeloda. Given that it has a high risk of giving me permanent neuropathy and that I am a VERY tactile person I was very reluctant to include it. I had a complete response with Xeloda and radiation and felt that the inclusion of Oxaliplatin was going to add insult to injury. I declined the Oxaliplatin and was only able to get through 1&1/2 cycles of Xeloda post surgery before the side effects were too much and I quit that too.
I talked with my Onc after my decision to not include Oxaliplatin and he said he thought that I made the right decision and that the efficacy of Oxaliplatin with rectal cancer wasn't that strong anyway.
I have not done a ton of research regarding this, but I'm still cancer free and am happy with my decision. I am also Lynch positive - more apt to have a NEW cancer and less apt to have a metastatic cancer.
We are all different, but I just want to put this out there for those of you who may be questioning whether or not to take Oxaliplatin. We have the right to decline any treatment we think is not in our best interests.
Peace to all of you.
Kristi