Mop up chemo after Op. Same experience as the first chemo ?

Hello, I have no experience (yet) but am seeing oncologist on Thursday and expect to be told further chemo will be recommended. I had 4 rounds of capox pre surgery (4 weeks ago), to which I was told there had been only a ‘marginal response’. Fingers crossed all goes well for you and I would also be interested in hearing how others have got on.

best wishes. Moira 

Thanks Moira. Good luck on Thursday. 

It might depend on what the mop up chemo is, I just had 5FU/FA, lots now just have the tablets. Wishing you well! Xx

Thank you. I start folfox again on the 20th but with IV. They usually stick to the same type of treatment method as before. 

Hello, sorry if I have ‘stealing’ your post paul for advice.

I saw oncologist yesterday and she didn’t recommend more chemo ‘at this stage’ (mop up). I was devastated. I had 4 cycles of capox plus a week of radiotherapy pre op (a month ago). The chemo had what they described as ‘moderate response’. The lab results from the surgery showed 18 out of 19 lymph nodes affected and blood vessel invasion. The oncologist said they would review me in 2 months and would give more chemo ‘as necessary’ (if spread to liver / lungs). The tumour was removed with good margins so they are not worried so much about local spread. I would just feel happier if mop up chemo was given. The oncologist said something about side effects and if used now they might not be able to use it again later if needed? All v confusing.

so sorry to offload ….. I hope everyone is good and warm today! We have artic conditions here in Scotland! Moira 

No problem. Offloading is good. They know what they are doing so there must be good reason for no mop up chemo yet. I'm dreading it but it has to be done. I hope all goes well for you Moira. Take care

Hi Moira

https://www.hematologyandoncology.net/archives/october-2017/what-is-the-optimal-duration-of-adjuvant-therapy-in-colon-cancer/

Take a look at this link. It provides a muddled degree of re assurance for me as well as yourself.

I too requested additional mop up chemo. Had 6 capox. They were prepared to authorise 2 more in new year.

Informed that the benefits were marginal and disputable...kidney function..neuropathy etc.

Reading this guff...it seems true. Not made a final decision yet.

Reflecting on the problem..almost 100 per cent likely for me and all other Stage 4 punters that cancer will return so a better bang for your buck to get more Chemo at that stage.

Don't be disheartened. There are no absolute right or wrong demarcations

Yes. Looks confusing to a point. I would favor getting chemo ASAP if you can. Anything that gives you a better chance. 

Hi Dadpool

My initial take on this is to take up the extra 2x Capox to put a seal on progress.

However the actual value is nuanced. Being a Stage 4 colorectal punter..realistically the disease will return. Your kidneys and stuff can only take so much punishment.

The position of the Head of Oncology at my hospital is the benefits of 2x extra mop ups are marginal. That is also what this study shows.

If the disease were localised..below S4 then there would be less need to play percentages.

Anyways I'm just musing.

Good Luck

Thanks so much. And all the very best to you too. I’ll keep you all posted / bored!!! 
moira