Info about chemoterapy (colon cancer)

Montenegrita · Regular Joined: 17 Nov 2007 Posts: 36

Hi, I have been diagnosed with T2N1M0 type of colon adenocarcinoma. Cancer has been removed along with 10 inches of my sigmoidal colon along with 16 lymph nodes. One lymph node has been detected to carry cancer cells and therefore they want me to undergo chemotherapy for next 6 months without radiation. I have heard different stories about chemotherapy some where people suffered so much and some where people were able to go to work everyday just feeling little bit tired then usually. I would like to ask someone with experience to tell me more about chemotherapy for colon cancer. Thanks!

cherylta · New User Joined: 06 Dec 2007 Posts: 4

Hello,

I think it all depends on the type of chemo drugs, your body type/overall health, and the dosage. I have stage 3 rectal cancer and have recieved chemo, then more chemo with radiation, surgery, and finally beginning more chemotherapy. My chemo drugs are Xeloda with Oxiaplatum. The first time around I just felt very drained, and napped a lot. I took anti nausea meds and kept myself very hydrated. I also made sure I gargled with baking soda daily (as the Xeloda tends to cause mouth sores) and kept my body slathered with moisturizers (as the skin tends to dry out). It also helped me to stay active (even if I only walked or did yoga) and get plenty of sleep. A positive attitude has a lot to do with it also. One last note, bowel problems are very common with chemo at least the drugs I take so be sure to have some lomotil on hand! Some people tend to get neuropathy (a numbness or tingling in the hands and feet) I didn't have this issue. I did have a slight burning sensation in my veins after the oxiaplatum but it only lasted a couple of days. Good luck!

Montenegrita · Regular Joined: 17 Nov 2007 Posts: 36

I will be talking to my oncologist this week, I don't know what will I be given yet. He will tell me more about it, but I think it is good that we share experiences. Thank you for telling me yours! Good luck to you!

juliatheena · Regular Joined: 31 Jul 2007 Posts: 10

I have been on a Folfox-6 regimen since July 26, every 2 weeks. The 1st round was definitely the worst. Just very, very tired, not sleepy, just drained. I was up and about 5 days later.

As the treatments came, the tiredness resolved enough so that I was only down 2 days at most. I did experience fingertip blistering from the 5-FU. My DR downed the dosage twice. Now I just have finger sensitivity. Also, no cold drinks. At first, I couldn't drink or eat anything even slightly cold. All my liquids had to be slightly warmer than room temp. Now I just drink room temp liquids.

No hair loss, no weight loss....in fact, I've gained 15lbs since starting chemo. My Dr said to eat anything I felt like eating. I think she needs to revise that thinking... Laughing

Round 7 chemo, 11/29, I had a melt-down with the Oxaliplatin. My bod finally said enough is enough. The reaction was like being on fire: low blood pressure, extremely HOT HOT HOT, very red all over, fighting to breath, hence hyperventalation. I stayed overnight for observation.

My Dr will be changing out the Oxaliplatin this next Thursday for round 7. I don't know the name, but the side effects are diarrhea and possible hair loss. Bummer. Oh well, gotta do what I gotta do.

JayDS

Rectal tumour 2.5cm resulted in removal of rectum and anus and installation of a permanent colostomy. No lymph involvment but the tumour had penetrated through the rectal wall.

In 2001 I had 5FU and leucovorin for 6 months in a 1 week on chemo, 3 weeks off cycle.

Unlike what people experience with Oxaliplatin I needed drinks to be cold. I sucked on ice during infusion then later when ice was making me nauseous, I sucked on popsicles during infusion. The cold helped keep mouth sores away.

Side effects were diareha and dehydration to the point that during the chemo week and the week after I could not work. Then I would go back to work until the next infusion.

Occasionally the speed at which food went through me was incredible. One evening as part of the meal we had beets. About an hour later I had to empty the colostomy pouch and was aghast at the sight of a bright red loose stool. I was about to shout to my wife to call an ambulance, thinking I was hemmoraging when I recalled that we had had beets and that I had no symptoms of internal bleeding. Sure enough it was just the red from the beets and this meant that my supper had gone right through me in just under 1 hour.

To avoid dehydration and electrolyte loss you might want to find a sports drink like Powerade or Gatorade flavor that you like. If experiencing diareha drink a bottle. I liked Powerade orange flavor. That also reminds me that the chemo played hell with taste buds. All foods tasted different and a few I did not like at all during chemo, celery being one. However I did like all orange flavored drinks.

cptmac · Regular Joined: 19 Apr 2007 Posts: 41

I was dx with cc with mets to the liver in July of '04. I have been NED since Sept of '04.

I signed up for a Stage II clinical trial. I used Irinotecan and FUDR.
Once they figured out the right drugs to combat my side effects, all I had was a loss of hair. Otherwise I worked 50 hours a week to make up for the two days a week I took off to drive 16 hours round trip for treatment.

Everyone is different. Every body is different.

Let us know what side effects your on, and what drugs your taking and we can help you through it.

Montenegrita · Regular Joined: 17 Nov 2007 Posts: 36

Thank you all for sharing your experience with me. I will certanly let you know what's happening and how my chemo goes. Cheers!

Montenegrita · Regular Joined: 17 Nov 2007 Posts: 36

I will be put on FOLFOX via portacath... wish me luck.

PammySue51 · Regular Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 12 Location: Ohio

I was on FOLFOX6 + Avastin for 6 months. It's not an easy road, and more difficult for some than others. My main side effect was diarrhea and severe cramping. The fact that I have a colostomy probably didn't help.
However, for most it is doable and is the gold standard for our type of cancer...at least for now. You may think 6 months is a long time, but it will be over before you know it. Truly.

God bless

Pam
_________________
Pam
stage IV colorectal cancer with mets to liver and lung - dx 9/06
6 months FOLFOX6 + Avastin completed 6/07
Xeloda since 6/07 with Avastin recently added again.
http://pamsmiraculouscancerblog.blogspot.com

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