FLOT Chemotherapy

Thanks Suzy. I got the fantastic news yesterday that my hip was clear of cancer so I am back to plan A and start Chemo tomorrow. Strange to be celebrating that I can start Chemotherapy but the alternative was far worse.

Its really interesting what you have said about Mr Abbassi-Ghadi. When I met him I found him a little cold and not very communicative so it really worried me that my case has been passed to him. The fact that you found him so good is really reassuring although I suppose the main thing is that he is a good surgeon!!

Thanks again for your words of support.They mean a lot!

Mike 

Hi Mike 

Great news .Onwards & Upwards 

Stay strong ..You’ve got this ! 

Wishing you a successful  treatment ahead  

regards J 

Hi Mike,

Whoo hoo! That's fantastic news!!  I'm so pleased for you! I know we inhabit a crazy world where celebrating chemo is a thing

Nima can be quite serious and formal but as I've gotten to know him, he's quite warm. He really cares. I went from diagnosis at endoscopy to first chemo in 5 weeks because he pushed it. Yes of course i spent the intervening weeks either sedated or recovering from sedation. 

All the best for chemo.  We're all here for you.

Take care,

Suzy

So pleased for you Mike. Take it as it comes and let everyone support you. In my prayers

Good luck Mike.

I am post FLOT chemo, 6 weeks. Awaiting surgery in a couple of weeks. 

• I found it tough. After the 1st session for 3 days I was OK ish. After that to my initial amusement I had pins and needles in hands when taking things from the fridge. That got worse and in my feet. I generally felt really unwell. My 2nd session the dose was reduced due to my bad experience. Still felt really unwell and lost my hair. Sleeping at night had become difficult only managing 2 hours ar a time  the nights became very long. Session 3 was further reduced but by now I could eat anything and was hungry and put on the weight I had lost (the tumour had prohibited swallowing) so I knew the chemo was working. Session 4 was further reduced and the chemical causing neuropathy was excluded completely. 

So here I am, still fatigued but managing to walk about 2-3 miles most days and have tried to throughout but not always a able to, neuropathy improving, sleeping better after trying Anitriptyline for a week. It was a relief to get my PICC Line taken out.

I am still 'not right' but can't explain, kind of in a bubble. Surgery is scary and the thought of 'clean up chemo' even more so.

You just have to go with it, trust the incredible experts, appreciate the amazing support and be grateful we are able to have this treatment. It's shite but better than the alternative. 

Best wishes 

Tim (66 years)

Hi Tim 

You have jumped on the back of a post that is over a year old, so I wanted to ensure that you knew your post had been seen. 

You seem to have been on an incredible journey with your treatment, and it is amazing that you are managing to walk and do so much even though you are "kind of in a bubble", I do hope that you continue to find things improving and that you will keep us updated on those changes as they happen, your experience will be a great support to others who are worried about their own similar journey. 

I wish you all the best. 

Lowe'

Thankyou for your kind words.

Much appreciated. 

Tim 

Hi Tim

i think someone pointed out that my post was from this time last year.

i had my surgery in July 24 followed by another four rounds of FLOT and then finished off with some radio/chemo combined. As my surgeon said they threw everything they had to try and clear the cancer. I finished treatment at the end of February this year. My last scan showed I was cancer free!

the only advice I can offer you is to take it one step at a time. There are difficult and tough times but I really hope you get through it and come out the other side. I know I now live every day to the max and going through the 14 months of treatment has taught me not to sweat the small stuff. The whole thing has taught me just to be patient- your body is put through a lot and it takes time to recover fully. I am still working on my recovery.

i wish you all the luck in the world with your surgery and hope it goes smoothly for you and know that every day that goes by brings you one step closer to ridding yourself of this horrible disease.

please stay strong and wishing you all the very best

Mike

Hi Mike.

Great news indeed and many thanks for taking the time to respond. 

My prognosis is good and I expect without a doubt a full recovery.

Because I have had such a rough time with chemo my operation was postponed for 3 weeks so it's due on 2nd June. I am feeling a lot better every day. 

I've pushed for robotic surgery and they are going with that, however i am still very anxious.

I have been and recommend anyone unlucky enough to be in a similar situation to be resigned to go through the whole process the experts advise. It's really tough but not as tough as the alternative. 

I am grateful for the incredible support I have had and am having from professionals and freinds.I  have been humbled by the bravery of people I have met on the chemo ward.

Thousands go through this and worse and come out the other side fit and well.

Onwards and upwards

With thanks. 

Tim 

Hi Tim

I had Robotic surgery at the Royal Surrey in Guildford. It made a huge positive difference. Due to cancerous lymph nodes they had to go in both sides of my chest and I cant imagine how complicated recovery would have been if they hadnt used the robot. It really is remarkable so I hope you have the same experience.

I have everything crossed for you. As my daughter kept saying to me "you've got this!"

Mike