Has anyone had this chemotherapy done. They are thinking of giving Jay this with a PICC line and pump just wondering if anyone has had it and if it any good. Thanks.
Hi Vicky, I've just had 4 cycles of it via a port rather than a PICC line. I initially had 12 cycles of FOLFOX 3 years ago (oxaliplatin with 5FU and Folinic acid) and as I now have a few lung nodules I am on FOLFIRI (irinotecan instead of oxaliplatin). I'm due to have a scan end of Dec, after 6 cycles to check if it has any effect on the metastases and if not they'll switch me back to FOLFOX. All I can say for now it that the side effects are manageable, mostly fatigue and nausea, which is not too bad with the cocktail of meds they give me. I'm still working part-time and looking after my 3 kids, but apart from finding these nodules during a routine CT scan I had no symptoms or other issues whatsoever. I think the PICC line is similar to the port and as FOLFIRI include a 90-120 min infusion and then a pump/bottle to go home with for 48hrs, it makes it much easier. I think the response to chemo really depends on individuals but FOLFOX/FOLFIRI seem to be the best/go to combination for treatment colorectal cancer at the moment, aside from tumour with specific mutations for which other therapies are available. Everything is worth a shot, as long as one can cope with side effects and maintain some quality of life. Sorry I can't be of more help.
Thank you so much Cecile I'll bear this in mind. I don't think they want to consider any other treatment other than this and they said they will only do it with him if they think his energy levels and blood count is ok. They took blood from him today and I take it they will be checking to see if it is alright this DPD thing they talk about. Thanks again.
