Chemo cycles

Hi

I’m currently undergoing Treatment for stage 4 with liver metastasis. I’m in week 2 of cycle 4 of chemo and immuno and had a CT scan towards the end of cycle 3. I’m still awaiting results but had an oncology appointment prior to cycle 4 and based on my symptoms and reaction to treatment along with blood results went straight into cycle 4. Subject to bloods all 6 cycles of chemo are back to  back. My chemo is xelox or capox (oxalipilatin followed by 2 weeks of capecitabine tablets with a week off to recover).The immunotherapy started at the same time as the chemotherapy.

wishing your Mum well with her treatment

Steve M

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Thank you so much this is really helpful, all the best for your treatment too.

Hi there

My hubby is also on Capox with a similar diagnosis and he is just approaching Cycle 8 (final one!). He had a short 2-week break between Cycles 4 and 5, but that was our own choice, in order to have a holiday - otherwise it is back-to-back, assuming the bloods etc are all ok. He was told that he wasn't eligible for immunotherapy treatment, as his PDL-1 count was too low.  It needs to be above 10 for the treatment to have any effect and his was only 5. We were very disappointed at the time but there was nothing we could do about that. At half-way point, his cancer was "stable" and we are now awaiting the results of the next 3-monthly scan. I think it would be worth asking your oncologist about the immunotherapy though.  We also researched any relevant clinical trials on the Macmillan website. I think it is always worth being a bit proactive and asking lots of questions.

Good luck with your Mum's treatment. Any questions about the Capox side-effects etc, just let me know and I will try to answer.

All the best
M

Hi Martha

Thank you for your reply. I hope you’re husband is doing well & that his next scan is positive.

I will definitely ask about the immunotherapy at the next oncologist appointment & in the meantime I will do some research into the clinical trials. 

Did your hubby take a break from the chemo tablets when he had a break between cycles? Is he managing to eat better now? 

My mum is currently suffering with sore fingertips & they are cracking. She is also struggling to sleep every night although, she is adamant she doesn’t want to take any prescription pills fearing it’ll make her feel worse. 

It’s really hard to see her go through this, she’s always been fit & healthy 64 year old until this, we’re trying to remain positive but it’s really hard some days especially when we don’t know what’s going to happen.

Thanks again 

Hi there

Mark had an extra week off after his regular week "off" capecitabine, halfway through his 8 cycles. Although it ended up being 2 weeks due to appt backlogs, which wasn't really ideal.

Sorry to hear about the cracked skin. Mark hasn't suffered from that, but I have read that "Udderly" cream is very good for that sort of problem. I am the one who usually finds it hard to sleep under these challenging circumstances. I use the 'Calm' app for meditations/calming music etc and it does help. If necessary I take a nap during the day to catch up a bit. Keep looking after your Mum and giving her lots of support and love.

M

Udderly cream does help. I ordered it on Amazon .

Hi Martha, we are in a similar situation, hubby metas to the hip so no operation, also wrong type of tumour for immunotherapy, just had round 4 xelox, for a big strong man, it knocks him sideways and we never really get good days before it starts again, we are awaiting his CT results, what happens after the 8 rounds when stable, are you left for a while or does treatment just continue xx Big hugs to you, this is a rough ride xx

Hi Manfyh

At the moment we have no idea what will happen after Round 8. It has been postponed for 10 days as he is getting over a recent infection. But he will absolutely need a break from treatment, that is for sure. Initially we are planning to go on holiday - to Northumberland and Scotland! 

All the best to you and your hubby. Keep going!

M