Adjuvant chemotherapy

Several years ago I was fortunate enough to have Ivor Lewis surgery, that was after having had three cycles of ECX chemotherapy (which is easy going compared to modern day FLOT). Even so I was reluctant to undergo any post op chemo. But the science and statistics persuaded me. I got two days into my first cycle and I became very ill and was admitted to hospital once more. They obviously halted the therapy and eventually when I was well enough to be discharged from hospital they decided that any more would probably kill me.

So I sort of didn’t have adjuvant chemo.

However, today I celebrated 3,504 days cancer free.

I hope this is helpful.

It certainly does, you’re an  inspiration everyone having this operation and I have read many of your posts. I do hope you continue to have good health. Thank you Jacky

Had four courses of FLOT chemo prior to operation in mid July. Now 13 weeks post op. Chemo was pretty brutal at my age (76) although reasonably fit and put on weight prior to it all happening. This weight soon went and after week in hospital with infection had lost around 20lbs. Recovered well and lucky to retain appetite and able to eat. Started again on 4 courses of full FLOT adjuvant chemo 4 weeks ago (although cancer was fully removed). I was apprehensive about this as considerably weaker then when I started the first course and feeling each one was leaving me weaker. Effects of first course were not good and admitted to hospital after many days bad diarrhoea which was making me very weak. Fortunately it was discovered that I had neutropenic sepsis - no symptoms as no immune system to respond. Saved by antibiotics but bit alarming.

Consultant recommended reduced dose of chemo for second treatment but after discussion we (wife and I ) decided to discontinue the chemo which was really reducing the quality of life and likely to affect any long term recovery for months at best which is not great at 76 having lost a year already effectively. Now focussed on recovering and gaining weight (up to 10st 5lbs now) and strength again. 

I realise I have been very lucky in many ways and determined now to enjoy the chances I have been given by the skill and care I received from so many people during this journey since last January. In my case the chemo was actually worse than the operation and recuperation and my attitude to continuing it would no doubt be different if I were 20 years younger but I think it is right for me.

Thank you Robertv I think you have made a wise decision and wish you good health for many years to come

Hi 

My husband completed two out of the scheduled four adjuvant chemo cycles ..He had an adverse reaction during the second cycle and developed a nasty lung infection shortly afterwards ..He and his oncologist decided to end there to avoid any risk to his long term recovery ..He found the adjuvant chemo pretty tough going ..I’ve read on here that others have said the same. So he didn’t complete the curative intent pathway ..We don’t worry about it though as the first two stages (pre op chemo and surgery) worked well in treating the OC ..

Its a tough process to go through and for various reasons some may not be able to have the adjuvant chemo or just part of it .

Wishing your husband a good recovery 

regards J 

regards J