After the wtf moment back in August, when the gastrointestinal surgeon apologetically informed my husband that his cancer was inoperable, he is 4 cycles into palliative treatment. This is FOLFOX and Nivolumab, fortnightly. He also has an infusion of either a placebo or trial drug.
This last cycle has caused him immense pain in his mouth, blistering and red raw lips. At his oncologist appointment today, he was told that he should have called the team earlier, rather than struggling through. He was using Difflam, Bonjela and Vaseline. They said it's the 5FU that causes this side effect. He has been given some sachets of a substance he has to mix with water to make a gel that he needs to apply the the affected area.
So, they've given him a break from the treatment and it will resume in a fortnight, with a reduction in the 5FU strength.
CT scan today and eye examination tomorrow. One of the common side effects of the trial drug is eye problems, including some sort of vision impairment. Results next week but he feels the treatment is working and has gained a bit of weight. Since being off work, he says his eyesight has actually improved because he's not sat at a screen for hours on end.
