Oxaliplatin reduction in dose

Scooby25 1 day ago

3 replies
127 subscribers
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Hi all, I'm about to have my final (12th) round of FOLFOX. I had a Right Hemicolectomy in May 2025 followed by three months (6 cycles) of FOLFOX. Had an isolated para aortic node removed in October 2025 and now on adjuvant chemo.

The peripheral neuropathy has become persistent in my feet and I'm feeling more and more nauseous with each cycle. At cycle 9 my Oxaliplatin was reduced by 25% but the neuropathy in my feet is slightly worse. They've suggested we drop the Oxi for the last cycle, but I'm worried that this might impact the efficacy of the treatment. My cancer has characteristics that mean it's more likely to return, so I want to give myself the best chance by completing the course with both drugs.

I've been told not many folk complete a course of FOLFOX on both drugs, and that by cycle 8, the benefit of the treatment is pretty much 100% with additional cycles being seen as bonuses.

Just wondering if anyone has had any experience like this, as I'm trying to get a variety of feedback to help me come to a balanced decision if the docs suggest dropping Oxi for the last round.

Many thanks

court 1 day ago

Hi Scooby25

I think you have done remarkably well . That’s a lot of treatment .

My mum was on chemo , same combination for two years . Six cycles one year and six the second . The second year she had a dose reduction from cycle 2 . She got brilliant results both times yet one was at a reduced dose . As she was a stage 4 patient they were measuring reductions and the smaller dose achieved the same as the large dose roughly speaking .

You have done your very best .

Everyone is different but you have certainly tried .

Take care and enjoy the next chapter ,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

Scooby25 1 day ago in reply to court

Thank you so much for your reply. I'll not lie, it's been poop at times, but I think you just have to take it a day at a time and trust the medics. I'm so glad your mum responded so well. Like her I'm classed as stage 4 and I've responded well to the surgeries and the treatments, and my Cancer Markers are consistently low, but it's always in the back of my mind that it might return, hence my hesitation to knock the Oxi off at the last hurdle. You've given me a positive aspect to reflect on to consider dropping, or further reducing the Oxi dose if the doctors recommend it. Thank you.

court 1 day ago in reply to Scooby25

My mum lived for 15 years as a stage 4 patient and although she did have a few recurrences one consisted of lung surgery through Vats . Two days in hospital and out and about two weeks later . She was getting years between issues and her quality of life was great . They treated it like a chronic condition. Robust scanning allowed it to be dealt with at mms and removed . She did not even have chemo with her lung met .

As time went on normal life slipped back in and we had some wonderful times .

You have gone through the tough times to enjoy this next chapter in your life .

It has been wonderful to see the advances over the years .

She just treated it like a chronic condition and to honest she was fitter and enjoyed life more than a lot of her friends . She was out kayaking at 78 on open waters .

Best foot forward and hope the last cycle goes well and you recover quickly . You have a great summer to look forward to .

Take care ,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000