Seizure following chemotherapy

FormerMember over 5 years ago

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My father was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus 9 weeks ago. He had first cycle of FLOT chemotherapy last week and came home with a 5-fu pump. This was removed after 24 hours however 2 hours later he had a massive seizure which lasted 12 minutes and he stopped breathing.

Today we saw his clinical oncologist who had not experienced this side effect before and they have stopped the chemotherapy. There will be a MDT meeting next week to discuss the way forward.

I would be grateful if anyone who has experience of Oesophageal cancer being treated with radiotherapy and surgery rather than chemotherapy could tell me the success rates as there seems very little information.

Thank you

Zappaman over 5 years ago

Sorry to hear about your dad. I decided not to take any notice of the statistics and decided to have surgery only. I felt that being a smoker for almost 45 years aged 57 the idea of having my immune system destroyed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy prior to surgery wasn't a good one. Having my right lung deflated for 9 hours during surgery wasn't appealing to me especially if my immune system was not going to be at it's best. Having a positive attitude really does help, rather than focusing on the statistics. Good luck and kind regards Frank.

P.S. I had the Ivor Lewis surgery in October 2016 and I am doing fine.

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to Zappaman

Thank you for your reply.

I think you are right in respect of statistics as after reading up it seems some people have a positive outcome with one treatment whilst others do not. It also seems quite a few react badly to chemo and have to stop treatment. My dad is adamant he doesn’t want any further chemo in fact his spirits seem to have lifted since being told he won’t have to.

A friend contacted me to say how can anybody fight any illness with their immune system so badly surpressed and whilst feeling so poorly which concurs with what you wrote.

Delighted that you are doing so well and I’m sure that your positive attitude has been instrumental in this.

Good luck for the future and hope you continue to do well.

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