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Severe side effects from chemo and choosing to continue or not
Pancreatic Cancer | Last Active: Oct 20 8:43am | Replies (9)Comment receiving replies
You have probably made a decision by now, but for others out there in the same situation... My husband made it through 6 of 8 chemo treatments of FOLFIRINOX from April to July. He lost a total of 100 pounds. We first took a break but he wasn't bouncing back and chose not to continue chemo. Our oncologist felt he would not make it to surgery if he had any more treatments, as his body was already so weak. Thankfully, the surgery went well, but the recovery has not. My husband has not gotten his taste back after the chemo and had to be but on IV nutrition. The surgery was 9/4 and he is still barely eating. Also, surgery showed the chemo did not shrink the tumor so continuing would have been pointless. Given all of this, we have also decided not to continue with chemo after the surgery.
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Hi there! My husband has gone through similar circumstances. He had Whipple first then completed 7 out of the 12 projected Folfirinox treatments. Lost 70lbs, barely able to tolerate food, taste lost or so totally changed made him ill. Could not continue & that was ok. It was literally killing him. Last treatment was end of July to now. Honestly whatever he could possibly tolerate, that was what he ate, even if it was only a few bites. Carnation instant breakfast mi with whole milk was what he could tolerate & lived on at first. It took till about 2 weeks ago till some taste came back on some things. Beginning to get the knack of amount of pancreatic enzymes with meals & snacks. He's gained about 8lbs & starting to build stamina. It's a slow go. Taste and tolerance changes by the day. It's frustrating at times, but we try to celebrate every small victory. I think comparing other people's progress may not be helpful. If the "rules" are not working, change to what works for your husband with guidance with the oncology team. I will definitely pray for you and your husband to find wisdom & encouragement even with small victories.
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