Postby mariane » Tue Feb 19, 2019 2:47 pm
I completed 4 doses of FOLFIRINOX and got switched to FOLFOX for 3 doses, than 7 doses of FOLFIRI, 10 doses of 5FU, and 12 doses of hepatic pump chemo. I have been off chemo for 2.5 years, NED.
I took Neupogen, 3-5 shots as you did with every FOLFIRINOX. My oncologist was very particular about getting chemo regularly , every 14 days, No breaks, no delays to achieve the best possible response. I got complete response so it worked.
FOLFIRINOX was tough. I was progressively more tired every cycle. I lost my hair almost completely. EMEND helped me to control nausea. I was even able to fly on FOLFIRINOX. I walked 6 miles every day, even with chemo attached. I walked and cried sometimes but kept walking to prolong my life. Walking helped me to survive, to stay strong during a long year of chemo with short breaks for my 4 surgeries. I looked at the woods, meadows, changing seasons, and kept walking to NED.
My oncologist - Dr Kemeny was focused on getting the best possible response so I was on hepatic pump chemo just a week after my first surgery. Hardly any breaks during this long year.
However, I think this hard regimen really works. There were many researches confirming this combination FOLFIRINOX + Avastin had best statistics of resection and NED, even cure at the end of the road. You have a good oncologist who is fighting this battle with you and knows what he/she is doing. I know it is hard.
Stay strong and good luck!
mom of now 14 years old twins, dx @ 40 in 6/2015 with upper rectal cancer, 10+ liver mets, CEA 140
chemo: 8/2015 - 10/2016 - 4xFOLFIRINOX, 2xFOLFOX, 8xFOLFIRI, 10x5FU, HAI pump -12xFUDR
4 surgeries, complete pathological response
CEA<2 since 10/2015
NED since May 2016
I praise God for every day with my family!