Update from Faloola

Hi Ann,

Yes happens to me as well I just take my excuse me hat out from my handbag  lol as we all know I have boxes and a handbag full of different hats ️xx

Hi Faloola

Glad your break in Dundee went well. Hope things go well for you on 3rd March.

I've just finished 8 weeks of Folfox. Had CT and MRI last week. Been told tbey are discussing me at MDM tomorrow. Hope they say the liver mets have calmed enough for surgery! They may do ablation to tiny one in lung if necessary, not sure.

Fighting off a cough at present, but still jogging with dog and working out to music each day.

Very best wishes to you and everyone on this chat.

Nettie123

Thinking of you Nettie123  holding out for good news.

Court 

Hi Nettie,

Had a great time in Dundee struggled walking as my hip was playing up. Since I’ve got home it seems to have disappeared so don’t know if it was the cancer or I pulled something.

Can I ask is the folfox given through a pump?

Hope you get good news Nettie and hope your cough clears up.

Im off to Edinburgh on Saturday for a sleep with my daughter she’s taking me to Miller&Carter a Christmas present from her️xx 

Hi Faloola

Good to hear from you. Glad the hip problem seems to have gone.

Re: the Folfox - yes, it's given through a pump. Basically three or so hours, in hospital, on drip etc. Then 48 hours wearing a pump. Then return after 48 hours, pump off. Process repeated every two weeks. Have a pickline i right arm - wouldn't know it was there - well, you can see it, but it feels fine!

Did have the option of Capecitabin tablets, but having tried both (last year), my body much prefers Folfox.

Have a great time in Edinburgh. You deserve it.

Nettie 

Many thanks!

Hi Nettie,

Thank you for that information. 10 years ago I did the adjuvant chemo Oxilaplatin and Capecitabine tablets. The oncologist said last visit in December when I see him again in March he thinks that probably will be starting treatment and he thinks it will be same treatment as I had 10 years ago only difference he thinks he would convert the tablets into fluid and that would mean a pump. So I’m not actually sure the reason for this. 

Im looking forward to time with my daughter on her own as I’ve usually got one of my four granddaughters lol. I’ve even got them here for a sleepover when I’m away overnight so Ian won’t get a break lol

It’s lovely to hear from you Nettie it’s always a pleasure. Hope your doing ok️xx

Hi Nettie,

Im full of questions today lol how long are you on the treatment? Or is it different for everyone I’m stage 4 so not sure if I will be on it constantly forever!️xx

This time I was only on it for four cycles, over eight weeks, with the hope that it would calm the liver mets enough for surgery. I was meant to be discussed at MDM yesterday, but the liver specialist (Professor from Kings) was not there as only attends (online) every two weeks, hence will 'hopefully' be discussed next week - hope so, it's so annoying not knowing!! I have a telephone appointment with my oncologist on the 20th so hope he knows what's happening!!

Last year I was on Folfox for eight cycles and then on capecitabin for two out of a planned three cycles. The Folfox I found easy to cope with. Still looked after grandchildren, carried on with life as normal, though tired from time to time and some neuropathy. Overall it wasn't as bad as I'd thought it would be! Capecitabin I found hard as affected skin on hands and feet and they refused to give me the final cycle!

I know there are some people who've been on it for quite a long time, but have also heard of people who've suddenly been told their cancer has responded so well they can have surgery etc. So, I guess it's different for everyone. 

I do feel that despite all the strikes and all the pressure that the NHS works under, we still live in a time when they are all making great ground with Cancer. I fell quite positive overall and hope you feel that way too.

Very best wishes

Nettie xx

Hi Nettie,

Thank you so much for that information very helpful. Clearly the first time I had cancer 10 years ago they were looking to cure hence only 6 cycles of adjuvant treatment given after right hemi colectomy  although I never took the last on due to playlets being low so only had 5. Given I’m still here 10 years later I’m very grateful. 

Was just wondering if I would be on chemo for as long as I live due to my cancer being now a state 4 recurrence inoperable and incurable. 

I do feel quite positive but that’s kind of my personality  known to be the life and sole of the party ha ha still the same Cath I have to say only a bit more fatigued  ️️xx