colorectal cancer

Hi Gasmor 

My mum has been a stage 4 patient for 13 years but only used chemotherapy for two of them but is back requiring treatment of some sort . I think it depends on your wife’s cell type . Some oncologist re challenge with previously successful treatments after a break . As long as my mum had six months off oxa her dr was allowed to use it again . Which she did and responded again . However that was a long time ago and not sure what the current rules allow .

In recent chats with my mum’s team they are talking about using targeted biological agents on cap tablets on their own . Then there are possible clinical trials . I think it depends on the cell type and the options available.

However your wife can also seek a second opinion from a different oncologist just to see how they would treat her. . Some are more progressive than others . There is a stage 4 bowel cancer U.K. Facebook group and they are quite up to date on different treatments for different cell types . Might be handy to connect with them . I am not a member as I don’t do FB. .

But others find it helpful .

It’s good she is tolerating oxa . My mum found it rough but it did a good job . 
If you know your wife’s cell type I could see if I can find out some info for you on treatment options Nice recommend.

Court 

Hi Gasmor 

I have just writes a big long post that seems to have been lost !

I need to pop out just now but will come back and reply again . Do you know your wife’s cell type and I could try and get some information for you from Nice guidelines?

Court 

Thanks for your comments  I do not have my wife's cell type but will endeavour to find out. She doesn't like to have the conversation so I have to pick the right moment. certainly more conversations would help as I feel very isolated.

Regarding her present treatment with oxyplatin the plan is to have a session on followed by a break.

As I understand the drug will only be effective for a length of time so is it better to have longer breaks in the hope that the overall gain will be longer or is it better to try and hit the tumour harder ?

Any views would be appreciated.

Hi Gasmor 

I think it’s quite individual. My mum was on the same approach as your wife . She had six months of chemo then a break . This really helped her regain her strength . Bit of regrowth when she was off treatment but that soon went back down when she recommenced . I honestly thing she needed the break as it gave her some quality and let her gain strength . It was quite effective for her .

They monitor closely with scans and CEA ( tumour markers in the blood ) when off treatment and this helps guide them when to restart treatment .

My mum went to surgery after two years . Within that time frame she did not grow resistant to the chemotherapy and has never been off first line chemo . She has a recurrence currently that is not operable . She will use some part of chemo or a targeted treatment if required in the future . She was supposed to be scanned before Christmas but nothing has come through so will pursue that after Christmas .

Its good for you to get support . I understand it’s entirely up to your wife depending on how much she wants to know . It’s hard for you but you can sometimes get a feel for things the more knowledge you get . But it’s also important you are supported as it’s quite isolating .

Mum has been a stage 4 patient for over 13 1/2 years . Lots of different approaches and a good team behind her .

Take care ,

Court