Is post surgery FLOT effective?

Hi Anom123,

That’s a very difficult call but only you can make it. As I understand it, the purpose of the post-op FLOT is to deal with any cancer cells which may have escaped from the original tumour site and is the recommended treatment pathway. There is no doubt that it is very tough on a body which has already been weakened by major surgery. I chose to undergo it as I wanted to feel that I had done everything within my power to beat this disease but at a reduced 70% strength dosage (I managed 100% for all my pre-op FLOT) and I stopped after 3 cycles as my body had just had enough by then and I was keen to get back onto the recovery path. You can only do what your body is able to cope with. My oncologist told me that very few people manage to complete their post-op chemo. Good luck with whatever decision you make. CB

My dad had a good response pre surgery FLOT and did all 4 at 100% strength, he did X3 post surgery FLOT at 80% strength and then stopped due to worsening neuropathy in his hands and feet. He found the 80% FLOT far more tolerable than the 100% strength FLOT.

It's a very hard decision to make, and ultimately you need to decide based on how you feel. My dads oncologist said that if it comes back it won't be because he missed one session of FLOT at the end. 

There is conflicting views on its usefulness, his surgeon was of the opinion that it doesn't make much difference, but from what we've read online post surgery chemo does seem to make a difference in terms of life expectancy, it's just a trade off between that and any permanent damage done caused by the chemo. 

I wish you all the very best. 

Thanks for your reply