FLOT

Hi hope i was diagnosed 23/12/2020 stage 3 lower oesophageal tumour,started first of 4 flot chemo in febuary from day one felt really ill couldnot eat anything even struggled with nutrician drinks ,had diarrhoa and lost 10 pound in a week , got so ill was admitted to hospital had to have feed tube fitted,after 7 days in hospital came home started to get better 2nd chemo was put back 3 weeks managed next 3 chemo's well side affects wers not as bad so things will get better for youre dad i am now getting ready for surgery ,so stay positive and be strong for dad good look ryss 

Hi Ryss

Thank you so much for your reply. Your experience sounds so like my dad - I think he has lost 9 pound this week. It sounds awful to say but I am secretly hoping they will admit him to hospital just so they can hopefully sort him out & he that he hopefully starts to feel better.

I am glad you found the side affects for the following 3 chemos not as bad. 

Wishing you all the best for your upcoming surgery! Please keep us posted. 

Thanks again :-) 

Hi Hope_86, 

I was treated for stage 3 Oesophageal cancer in 2018. FLOT x 4 --> Surgery --> FLOT x 4

I found the chemo (FLOT) much harder to tolerate than the surgery and due to me being Neutropenic on my second (post op) cycle I had to inject myself every day. BUT the FLOT saved my life. I had an almost total response to it. I did loose a lot of weight and forced myself to eat although everything (including water) tasted disgusting, and made me feel sick. I found that going vegetarian stopped me being so sick, and I forced a lot of high calorie food down me (like double cream, jam, butter, etc.). 

For me the side effects of FLOT got worse and my oncologist had to dilute my last (8th) treatment. I had a lot of support during my treatment 24 x7 hospital helpline (which I had to use on occasions instead of dialling 999), blood tests and appointments with my oncologist before every treatment, access to dieticians and Clinical Nurse Specialists, all of which I took advantage of and I am still in remission!. 

It's a tough journey and I think you have to be strong both physically and mentally to tolerate the treatment? But it is worth it. 

Hi Anon613 

Thank you so much for your reply & the info. So glad to hear Flot was really effective for you & along with the surgery you find yourself in remission - that’s amazing news. 

My dad ended up being admitted to hospital but he actually had an infection which was causing him to feel so poorly. Fortunately he is back home now and recovering well. His chemo had to be delayed due to the infection but subject to satisfactory blood results will be restarting it soon.

After just one round my dad is convinced he can swallow a little easier - which is just amazing but we were thinking surely after 1 round it wouldn’t do anything, so that’s interesting you also saw an almost total immediate response to it. He has started to lose his hair now but noticing the difference with swallowing is making it all a bit more manageable as at least there are those physical signs it is helping. 

Thanks again for the reply & all the very best. 

Hi Hope

Dal found FLOT made it easier for him to swallow almost instantly, he said it was amazing, by his 2nd treatment he was eating sandwiches, and considering he sometimes struggles now with bread, that was a brilliant result for him.

I do hope Dad keeps strong and undergoes further treatment soon.

Lowe'