Struggling today

yep those pesky cells will affect it  I think its called N1c    :( ..... there are many papers out there that say many times stage 3 prognosis can do better than certain stage 2's due to the chemo they automatically will throw at you whereas ( in the past  at least) stage 2 didn't get chemo option although as we know that's changing now as they try to nut out which stage 2's are high risk 

Thanks to everyone for all the advice. I’d tag you if I knew how! 

update from me: first chemo infusion is on Christmas Eve! Meaning I’ll be at home with the pump in a bag for Xmas day and Boxing Day day. I’m thinking of recording a cover of the Mariah Carey song but changing the lyrics to “all I want for Christmas is chemo”. 

hope everyone is doing well with their treatment and has something to look forward to over the holiday period. 

Hope your doing ok Chelmarsh and that by now you have a plan in place, thinking of you 

Hi MartinHerts. I was diagnosed 18 months ago with stage 4 rectal cancer and liver mets in +/- 50% of my liver. My treatment began with 6 cycles of FOLFOXIRI and it was really effective. Some of the liver mets disappeared completely and the primary tumour shrank so much that I lost my stent. Despite some delays owing to the various lockdowns last year we were able to remove the offending piece of liver in Feb and the primary tumour in May.

I don't want to sugar-coat it: FOLFOXIRI is really strong chemotherapy. I found it extremely physically and emotionally draining but, if you stay focused on the end goal, you will get through it. I was able to work (remotely) during the second week of each cycle which helped to give my life some structure. My main tip would be to walk as much as possible. You need to try to stay strong, physically, for the next stages of your treatment. I generally tried to shuffle round the block on day 4 or 5 and gradually build up to much longer walks (5-10km) by the end of week 2. 

I wish you the best of luck with your first cycle!

That’s amazing TD2000. I never heard of anyone’s stent falling out . So glad you shared your update .

Court 

Thanks this was really helpful and great to hear things have gone so well for you. Id meant to reply sooner but caught up on the pre-Xmas whirlwind. 

I heard such mixed messages on how strong FOLFOXIRI is. Everyone linked to CRC seems to say how strong it is, and the onc said it was the strongest he could give me, but then other more generalist doctors have referred to it as comparatively mild. Guess the only thing that matters is my body’s response so we’ll see soon! 

how is everyone else doing on their recovery from operations? 

Hi MartinHerts. Wishing you luck with your chemo today. Take care and sending hugs Nelly 55 xx

Hey Guys .... sorry been AWOL 

Wishing everyone the best Christmas under all our differing circumstances. I'm envious of your chilly temps as we will have 42deg for xmas day and 44deg (centigrade) or Boxing Day 

I'm 9-10 weeks post op and can honestly say eating and drinking ( non alcoholic) , energy levels are as pre-op so I'm very thankful. Chemo on the other hand has been another story.  A lot of trial and error... 

this website has been a great source of support and I will no doubt keep contributing and sharing into 2022

Hi Parky 

Are you Antipodean.  I was in Perth W.A one November and seeing Santa in a T-shirt was great fun. Have a good Christmas too 

Ex Brit ( Hampshire)  been here 27 years.. mum and brother still in Blighty