I finally had the results of my scan on my liver. The tumour has shrunk but is only deemed to be borderline for surgery. Therefore they have recommended a further three months of chemo.
I was initially very disappointed as the only way I will be ‘cured’ is with surgery to both my rectum and liver. But I have to go with the experts in this. The good news is that the chemo has been doing its job.
I went to see my oncologist at my local hospital yesterday to discuss the further chemo. She would like me to be treated with not only chemo but with a targeted therapy (Cetuximab). Has anyone else had this? I’ve read about the side effects (rashes, spot etc) which I feel I can deal with but anyone else’s experience would be good to know.
There’s a spanner in the works as the way the body metabolises Cetuximab means I wouldn’t be able to take Capecitabine. I would still have the Oxaliplatin but combined with 5FU (FOLFOX). It would also mean a change from a 3 week cycle (Oxaliplatin followed by 14 days of Capecitabine tablets then a week off) to a regime of Oxaliplatin and 5FU (by pump over 2 days) every 2 weeks and Cetuximab every week. I would also need a PICC line.
There’s lots of information to digest and I’ve been weighing up the pros and cons. I have the option of continuing with my current CAPOX regime and then reassessing the situation in 3 months time. Fortunately I didn’t need to make a decision there and then. I have an appointment next Wednesday to give them my answer.
I’m sure there are many of you that are undergoing or have undergone FOLFOX and I believe the side effects are very similar to CAPOX. I suppose that any change will bring its own anxieties. That and a fear of the unknown as I feel like I’m starting all this again. But I also feel that this is an excellent chance, not offered to many, to seriously help with my treatment. The fact that the genetic tests on my tumours have all been positive that I will benefit from this treatment and that the doctors are willing to use it (I dread to think of the cost! Good old NHS!) makes me think I should give it the green light. I know that the regime change will affect me (more visits to hospital, more needles, more drugs, more nightmares finding somewhere to park etc) but I feel it’s a price worth paying.
So lots going on in this little brain of mine but I’m sure I’ll come to the right decision.
On another note I mentioned to the doctor that I was in pain at times after a bowel movement. She prescribed me liquid morphine. I have to say 10ml of this stuff before bed and I slept for a full 5 hours undisturbed. A record for me in the past few months! Has anyone else been given this? It’s definitely not for use during the day.
So lots of positives to enjoy but a few anxieties as well. Another plus is that the new course of chemo should finish mid-December so at least I won’t be having treatment over Christmas. There I've said the dreaded C word (not the one we're all used too either)
