Dear team,
I hope you are having a fab week, everyone. If anyone has any experience of FOxTROT specifically, or anything below, do let me know. I spent 5 hours at the hospital today and that was just for tests etc. and consent!
An update since I last posted. My bowel cancer is T4a, potentially N2 in my local lymph nodes but it is M0 = Stage 3 cancer. I am a bit annoyed about the lymph as the GI surgeon didn't mention that when giving me the diagnosis. My tumour has also been described as bulky (5cm, ball like).
After weeks of testing etc., my PICC line installation and chemotherapy starts this Friday (hurrah?)
Chemotherapy will be through a PICC line and I am on the FOxTROT3 trial and have been randomised to having 3 drugs: oxaliplatin, fluoropyrimidine and irinotecan as an in patient. I am pleased I am on the 3 drug trial; I would rather deal with hair loss and more side effects for a better clinical outcome.
Chemo happens every fortnight in one day and then I have some 5FU in a shoulder bag to wear for 48 hours, before going back to have it detached.
The plan is for me to have 6 weeks (3 rounds) of chemo, a month off, bowel surgery in mid November and then 18 weeks of chemo in the New Year.
If you have any hints about chemo sessions, that would be great. I have read all the Macmillan guidance and am tooled up with charged devices, books and a plan for a packed lunch. I've decided to have people pop and say "hello" but not to have someone there all day... I'll feel I need to talk to them!
Have a good evening all,
Chris
Hi Hammo.
I hope your 1st week of chemo went ok.
