@heartofgold57 chemo on a 21-day cycle for 6-7 month is not unusual, I’m currently on gem/cis on a 21-day cycle for 6 cycles with reevaluation after 3 cycles which we just completed. Everyone is different but, in my case, only side effects, fatigue (afternoon nap when needed), constipation (manageable), and numbness in fingertips. Chemo is only on days 1 and 8, that is only 2 days out of 21 with most of the rest mainly normal.
Based on my specific condition, gallbladder adenocarcinoma pT3 pNx G3, liver resection (clean margins), CA 19-9 230 and derived from Yifan, A Predictive Model for Survival of Gallbladders Adenocarcinoma with reoccurrence after 10 months my 5 year survival would be estimated at 29%. Now I have survived for 1 year and that increase my expected 5-year survival to 38%. When I reach2 years survival next year that will increase to 56% and 72% when I reach the 3-year mark. Each day/week/month/year increases your chance of survival.
Given that I have had a reoccurrence limited to the liver total remission is not expected. However, it was discovered early, based on frequent CA 19-9 monitoring, and we expect it can be controlled with a maintenance and monitoring program after we have finished chemo.
CA 19-9 in my case was elevated and is following the progression of the cancer allowing for early detection and monitoring of treatments.