Post Op Flot - How many of you did all 4?

Hey there Sunflowers

I've just returned from having my 3rd post op chemo, the 1st was at 100%, the 2nd one at 75% and this time I just had the 5FU infusion (the overnight bottle one) I too had some cancerous lymph nodes removed but localised to the tumour.

My advice would be listen to your own body as you know it better even than the medics. I knew I couldn't do all 4 at 100% and am happy with what I decided. I also asked for a CT scan after round two which helped me in making my decision.

Anthony x

thank you so much anthony, you have been such a support to us! thank you for replying to me several times now  :)   The CT scan is a good idea.  I suppose what he needs to ask/know is if reducing the amount  of flot sessions will affect his chances. He has not been offered any chemo at reduced levels either?  

I am so grateful for you coming back to me

have a good evening anthony!

I was offered a reduced dosage because I'd lost quite a bit of weight and the doses are calculated using that information. I'd definitely ask the oncologist to organise a CT or PET scan before making any decisions, It's amazing how reassuring a negative result can be 

Anthony x

You have helped hugely! thank you I am going to text him now and tell him what you have suggested. THANK YOU

Hi

I'm hoping that my experience will help to encourage your friend. I found the first post op chemo the toughest. I think that's because I was physically weaker after the pre-oo chemo and the surgery plus you know what to expect. In the ore-op chemo you're still naive but for the post op chemo I knew what to expect snd I was emotionally exhausted. I dug deep fir the second round of post op chemoas I recognised that my mindset was key. I found it easier after that slthough the fatigue hit cumulatively worse. 

Taking the long view helped. I looked back to see how far I'd come, how much treatment I'd already had. My mother was an inspiration  too - she'd had breast cancer and at that time it was standard treatment protocol to have surgery and then she was given tamoxifen. She received Chemo years later when they discovered she had liver mets and she was had chemo. She wished that she could've had chemo as part of her original treatment.

My surgeon was also clear with me when I expressed doubt about finishing all 4 cycles - he was clear that it improves outcomes. I'd encourage your friend to speak to his medical team. Can they help him cope with the side effects? It having at a weaker dose an option, etc.? There are also complementary therapies that can help. I'm fortunate to be close enough to the Fountain Centre at the Royal Surrey Hospital where I had acupuncture, reflexology and massages.

Your friend is nearly out the other side of treatment. 

Best wishes,

Sx

My dad managed X3 at 80% strength post op FLOT, he stopped after 3 due to increased neuropathy in his hands and feet and his oncologist couldn't confirm if this would be temporary or not. He didn't want to get to the point where he couldn't use his fingers due to lack of feeling as that would have reduced his quality of life. He had 38 lymph nodes removed and the two closest to his tumor had cancer cells in them. His oncologist said if it comes back it won't be because he skipped the last session.