Thank you everyone. I appreciate your prayers and the support of each of you.
Misty,
Most patients with stage IV cancer will get chemo and/or <!-- TRANSIT - HYPERLINK --><!-- ./ssLINK/colorectal-cancer-treating-targeted-therapy. -->targeted therapies to control the cancer. The most commonly used regimens include:
- FOLFOX: leucovorin, 5-FU, and oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)
- FOLFIRI: leucovorin, 5-FU, and irinotecan (Camptosar)
- CapeOX: capecitabine (Xeloda) and oxaliplatin
- Any of the above combinations plus either bevacizumab (Avastin) or cetuximab (Eribitux) (but not both)
- 5-FU and leucovorin, with or without bevacizumab
- Capecitabine, with or without bevacizumab
- FOLFOXIRI: leucovorin, 5-FU, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan
- Irinotecan, with or without cetuximab
- Cetuximab alone
- Panitumumab (Vectibix) alone
- Regorafenib (Stivarga) alone
My first chemo was the FOLFOX and I already had anxiety and depression prior to receiving any of the meds. The chemo just drove my anxiety higher. I experienced severe problems with Oxaliplatin and after the 6th dose it was discontinued.
Next was the FOLFIRI - the 5 FU running for 48 hours at home brought me to my knees, I developed a nasty skin rash all over my arms and legs and had to see a Dermatologist who did a biopsy which indicated it was a drug induced rash.
Since last July I have been on Irinotecan infusions with no other med and my CEA numbers have continued to increase. Right now was are waiting on doing more scans etc but eventually we will start Chemo every week. Just thinking about it makes me feel a bit crazy.
Every person tolerates the medications in their own unique way so if you need more chemo at some point read the materials well and get a second opinion. I did but the consulting Dr. agreed with my own Dr.
Blessings,
Kitt