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FLOT chemotherapy? How many rounds?

Posted by emersonmoon @emersonmoon, Apr 4 2:05pm

Did a lot of people here go through a FLOT regime? The surgeon did not find any metastasis and said my hubby’s best option for survival is FLOT, surgery, and then more chemo. He thinks radiation would not be needed with this. We’re leaning toward this but are frightened by the chemo-originally the oncologist was leaning toward low dose chemo once a week, paired with radiation 5 days a week. This felt manageable, while this new option feels like a mountain. I worry about him tolerating the side effects (he’s 65 but in good shape and good health prior to the cancer diagnosis). I don’t want him to be so worn out by the chemo that he can’t have the surgery. But the overall results are showing better long term.

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emersonmoon | @emersonmoon | 1 day ago
In reply to @sosereal "Hi - :) For me the FLOT has gone pretty well. My 4th treatment May 2..." + (show)
@sosereal

Hi - 🙂
For me the FLOT has gone pretty well. My 4th treatment May 2 then Folfox and Proton. Some slight nausea (additively increasing), neuropathy (soles of feet, fingers, tongue - taste) - all tolerable.
- Bring ice-ice packs for feet, and hands- fingers. Use compression socks. They can provide ice chips for your mouth. I also double up a size too small latex gloves.
- I believe that the supplements I take helps with energy and side effects. ( Bromelain and Ellagic acid powder ( mixed with Gatorade), Magnesium, Curcumin, Iron, B-complex, Ginger root and Lutein. It seems like every positive study on supplements has an opposing one. Check with your Oncologist.
- Don't loose faith. There seems to be so much sadness and negative vibes but there are many positive outcomes. Try not to get hung up on survival rates its a dark side.
- Get as much exercise as possible.
- Eat-Eat-Eat... We will loose weight through our journey!
- Keep a journal
- Checkout Zoom support groups here is one that I regularly follow.
- Ok...EC Zoom info: Call times never change.
Sundays, 9am Eastern
Wednesdays, 6pm Eastern
Here's a one-touch Zoom link to pop right in:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4550284795?pwd=UjBHQ0J2V1pOc21SOExTR2N1UXNpQT09
If this link doesn't work for you... use the Zoom app. Open it and use these codes:

ID - 455 028 4795
Passcode - tuiBE5

All my greatest prayers and wishes, I'm sure we will cross paths. RickK

Jump to this post

Were you able to do the ice packs with FLOT? I know one side effect is cold sensitivity so the oncology said they wouldn’t be an option for my hubby. The sensitivity went away fairly quickly after round one but it might last longer moving forward (though I have hope that it doesn’t).

REPLY
RickK | @sosereal | 1 day ago

Hi,
I am not sure why they said it is not an option? I guess I would try it and if it doesn't work out he can discontinue.
I am into my 4th and final FLOT. Yes, I have used the ice packs thus far with no issues. I still get some mild and temporary neuropathy and pins and needles sensitivity. For me the overall side effects seem a bit additive with each treatment.
RickK

REPLY
kmordan | @kmordan | 16 hours ago
In reply to @sosereal "Hi - :) For me the FLOT has gone pretty well. My 4th treatment May 2..." + (show)
@sosereal

Hi - 🙂
For me the FLOT has gone pretty well. My 4th treatment May 2 then Folfox and Proton. Some slight nausea (additively increasing), neuropathy (soles of feet, fingers, tongue - taste) - all tolerable.
- Bring ice-ice packs for feet, and hands- fingers. Use compression socks. They can provide ice chips for your mouth. I also double up a size too small latex gloves.
- I believe that the supplements I take helps with energy and side effects. ( Bromelain and Ellagic acid powder ( mixed with Gatorade), Magnesium, Curcumin, Iron, B-complex, Ginger root and Lutein. It seems like every positive study on supplements has an opposing one. Check with your Oncologist.
- Don't loose faith. There seems to be so much sadness and negative vibes but there are many positive outcomes. Try not to get hung up on survival rates its a dark side.
- Get as much exercise as possible.
- Eat-Eat-Eat... We will loose weight through our journey!
- Keep a journal
- Checkout Zoom support groups here is one that I regularly follow.
- Ok...EC Zoom info: Call times never change.
Sundays, 9am Eastern
Wednesdays, 6pm Eastern
Here's a one-touch Zoom link to pop right in:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4550284795?pwd=UjBHQ0J2V1pOc21SOExTR2N1UXNpQT09
If this link doesn't work for you... use the Zoom app. Open it and use these codes:

ID - 455 028 4795
Passcode - tuiBE5

All my greatest prayers and wishes, I'm sure we will cross paths. RickK

Jump to this post

Thankyou!
Mark starts his 1st treatment May 6th. We meet with the surgeon tomorrow.

Our prayers and positive thoughts to you as well!
KarenM

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