What Does Chemo Do for Stage 4?

hi , i’m so sorry, my dad is exactly the same sadly he’s just found it so difficult he’s been really poorly . the chemo just made him feel worse so he’s decided to stop . i wish you & your husband all the luck and strength to go through this . x

Very sorry about your Dad. I hope he is more comfortable having stopped the chemo. Sending strength and love to your family

Hi SunLove

Which chemo is your husband going on? My hubby was on Capox/Xelox from Jan 2022. The 1st 5 months went well and after 4 rounds, the cancer was declared 'stable'. Recently, however, we have had a number of crises and the June scan showed that the tumour and mets are now, sadly, growing again.

We have been offered a new course of chemo (Docetaxel), starting in August. So I feel the same as you and I wish he didn't have to go through it. But it is a lifeline and the alternative is worse, while ever there is a chance the chemo will do its job. 

There was someone on the forum (DebbieLou?) whose tumour reduced dramatically after 8 cycles. Also a guy on Cancer Chat (Cancer Research UK), calls himself 'Davek', who had 8 cycles chemo and is still around 7 years on without any further treatment. He is pretty exceptional but his story gives one HOPE.

Live in hope, not fear. I have to tell myself these words every day!

I wish you all the best.

M

Thank you so much for sharing, Martha. I hope the Docetaxel works for your husband and brings him into remission. The recurrence of this cancer (or any cancer) is so frustrating, but like you said, better to get treatment and have hope.

We are not sure yet what type of chemo it will be, but I know it will be a combination of two or three drugs, likely including Oxiplatin. Anyone have a positive or negative experience with a specific chemo drug??

I have read Davek's story and find it wonderfully encouraging. But I am not familiar with Debbie Lou. 

Thank you again and wish you and your husband healing

Hello SunLove

My husband was diagnosed 14 years ago as having terminal OC, probably 6 months - 2 years would be considered very good and surgery was not possible.  I can’t put into words how we felt but, eventually, we came to terms with the fight ahead.  He was offered chemo and went ahead without a second thought, he had 6 cycles of ECX and the oncologist said he had coped so well that he had 2 more.  

Against all the odds my husband had an oesophagectomy in 2009, the tumour had almost disappeared and the problem lymph nodes had returned to normal.  Here we are in 2022, he is well and enjoying life.  

As you said everyone is different and I know we were lucky things went so well, I just wanted you to read a positive story - I hope it helps a bit. If you have any questions just ask.

Take care of yourself too.  J x

Wonderful to know about your husband, J! Fourteen years is amazing and I wish him continued good health. 

Port placement went well yesterday and was minimally invasive. He feels great today and we are hoping he will tolerate the chemo well too. 

Hi SunLove

Thanks for your good wishes, he has his ups and downs (don’t we all!) but we are grateful for every day we have together.

I’m so glad your husband is feeling positive, hopefully the chemo will go well and help him fight - do keep us posted. Do you know when his treatment is likely to start now the port is in?

J x

He will hopefully start in the next week or two. The doctor is recommending FOLFOX.