Chemotherapy

Yes in fact I had the same septics and other  serious infections as well. And yes it is  terrifying, I advice speaking with your Oncologist about preventive measures. For me they gave me Nivestim  Self administered injections. It helps your immunity, but has side effects of its own. Like sore muscles and other aches and pains. Just remember it’s the side effect and don’t let it worry you to much. Always share your fears with your doctor, your not the first to have these fears as it’s very scary. 

Slightly different for my mum but she was taken into hospital , completely confused etc . She had chemo successfully for another six months at a 20% reduction and it did an amazing job even at a reduced dose . She was is a stage 4 patient so they could chart the shrinkage she was having .

Take care and I hope it’s a smoother experience for you . That sounds very , very rough . Hope your feeling a bit better now .

Take care ,

Court 

Hi Katymatey

First of all my I say welcome to our group, and I am very sorry to hear about your reaction to the chemo drug you have been given.  

You don't say what chemo you have been given but there is evidence that some patients have a severe reaction to chemos such as 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) or Capecitabine.  

Speak to your oncologist about having a DYPD gene test before going ahead with further treatment as you may have a DPD deficiency.

Some hospitals are routinely testing their patients before giving these chemos and it is hoped that all hospitals will be carrying out this test very soon.

If you do have a deficiency your chemo can then be adjusted accordingly.

Take care,

Vickiynne

Thank you that's reassured me a bit x

Hi Vickie yes they were the drugs I was given They did the DPD test which came back negative they are going to give me 5fu again at a reduced dose130 mg over 5 hrs instead of 3 hrs  and the tablets Aso intravenously instead of orally over 48 hrs so I'm hoping this will be ok x

Hi Katymatey

So glad that you were tested, it seems that your clinical team are really looking after you.

Hopefully this testing will be available to all very soon.

I hope your treatment goes well.

Take care, and keep in touch

VickiLynne x

Hi thank you I will

Hi Kateymatey

two and a half years ago following my colectomy I was put on max dose capecitabine. After 4 weeks I was really ill and in severe pain. I  stopped taking the tablets and went to see the oncologist. He decided to test for DPD which apparently at the time was not routinely tested due to its rarity. It came back as 50% deficient. As a result I was put on intravenous 5FU for 20 weeks at 50% dose. I went through this without any issues apart from peripheral neuropathy in my feet which I still have. 

Now waiting for invite for year 3 scan.

Best wishes

Hi Ifan68

Thank you so much for posting your reply to Kateymatey.  It's so good to hear that your Clinicians tested you for DPD and that they were then able to adjust your chemo to make sure that your body was able to cope with the chemo.

Hopefully everyone who is about to have certain chemos for bowel (and some other cancers)) will be routinely tested very soon.

As you were found to have a 50% deficiency it is important that you let your immediate family know about this as they might also have the faulty gene and should they need chemo at any time in the future they can make their clinicians aware of this and be tested.

I hope you are able to have your 3 year scan on time, and that your results will be good news.

Take care, and keep safe

VickiLynne

Hi Katy, 

I am glad after a rough days now the result is success and I hope you are recovering well . This is me Maya . 
My mum is diagnosed with cancer on her sigmoid colon .

we have the face to face consultant appt with surgeon on 8th of July . She is 56 years old but is not very well because of her medical issues which I have written all details on my profile. 
I am very worried about her because she always has been anxious person as I always have to calm her down . 
but now , she is feeling hopeful because the consultant nurse said she needs surgery and chemotherapy. 
I would really appreciate your all help what advice and questions I should ask so my mum can feel better without any more fear of side effects of chemo , I know everyone is different . 
I am learning so much about Dpd test , medicines and everything , but would be grateful if you help in this journey of my mum’s health . 
I wish you a very well recovery and all the best

warm regards, 

Maya