Next Scan

Less than one minute read time.

My next scan is in a couple of weeks and I'm starting to worry about if the Irinotecan will still be working. Will have had 8 doses of it when the scan happens, and the last scan after 4 doses showed it slowed right down in reducing the main tumour in my liver. I don't know if that's bad, normal or still good. After having had a failed result with Oxiliplatin after 4 doses it's all a bit scary. Not sure what they'll with me if it has stopped working. The idea that it might mean there's nothing they can do is ever so slightly terrifying.

Was aiming to start the Rave diet as it was recommended by a friend but not sure how I might react to it.  It means cutting out all meat and fish, and that sounds not only impossible 7 days a week, but it could possibly have a negative impact on my overall health  by doing it. Don't anyone who has tried it for cancer reversal purposes so no idea who to talk to about it.

Anonymous
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi there, i know how you feel waiting for scan results, theres nothing quite like it is there?

    My partner should be starting Irinotecan as his second line treatment (although he is in hospital at the moment after a serious side effect of radiation) Oxaliplatin worked initially but stopped working after the 4th scan, so a lot similar to your self. I always think if you feel well in yourself its usually a good indicator of how things are going. With my partner he felt really well at first (when the chemo was working) but went downhill after (when it wasnt) theres always clinical trials, we have been put forward to go on the Piccolo trial (i think thats what it is) a combination of Panitumumab and Irinotecan so never give hope!

    You are always welcome to join us in the bowel cancer forum, THE place to be for information and support.

    Much love to you, stay strong, Julie x

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Julie,

    I hope is going well with your partner. Weirdly I felt fine with the Oxaliplatin, a few small side effects like the tingly fingers when you touch anything clod and that horrible jaw pain when you take the first bite of anything, but otherwise all fine and dandy. even the consultant was shocked when it became clear it wasn't working at all.

    How did you find out about the trial? I have no idea how to look out for that stuff. Plus everyone's diagnosis is so different it's impossible to know if it would be suitable.

    Keeping fingers crossed for the next scan, think it will be ok. Just wish the grogginess would go away. Feel rubbish for the first 3 or 4 days after chemo. Strong stuff that Irinotecan, not pleasant. You lose your appetite and your stomach becomes so much more sensitive. not really nauseaus but uncomfortable. never know what's gonna set off a bad reaction. my advice to your partner would be to start popping the anti-sickness pills and immodium as soon he feels squiffy, as they take a while to kick in.

    Take care and good luck with the new treatment

    Michelle  xx