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How many chemo treatments are needed before you see improvement?
My husband was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in December. He has a mass in the sigmoid colon, 5 metastatic lesions on his liver and a CEA level of 76.3. He was started on FOLFOX 6, after biomarker testing, Chemo changed to FOLFOXIRI + Bevacizumab. He has done a total of 6 treatments and the other day had a full body CT. The liver lesions and tumor had a very slight change. The CT report stated "some response to therapy". Positive is that the number of lesions did not increase and CEA level dropped to 34. Meeting the Oncologist tomorrow and doing my research today. I appreciate anyone's feedback.
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@admedical, I'm responding much too late to be of use for your oncology appointment, but didn't want to leave this with no response. I'm afraid there isn't a definitive answer to your question. It depends on multiple factors (age, stage, spread, type of chemo, response to chemo, overall health, etc.) specific to each patient. I hope that your oncologist was able to give you and your husband more guidance pertinent to your husband's situation.
Do you mind my asking what you learned? Will your husband continue with chemo? The same regimen or something different?
The oncologist was also disappointed with the lack of response from the liver lesions. Oncologist recommended we see surgeon. 1 week and MRI later surgeon counts 7 lesions and suggests more chemo because an unidentified mass in lung shrunk so now concerned cancer spread. My husband is on FOLFOXIRI. Getting ready for round 8 of chemo and seeing radiology the following week.
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2 ReactionsGood to hear back from you. Fingers crossed for your appointment with radiology. How is your husband doing? How you YOU doing?
My husband has the same with tumor in rectum and liver metastasis. Started treatment end of June, 5fu with Avastin and oxiliplatin and CEA marker reduced from 28 to 2 after about 4 mos or 8 cycles. Pulmonary embolism developed but dissipated with Eliquis. Dropped oxiliplatin after 6 mos as neuropathy is a real problem and possibly irreversible. Switched to oral Xeloda with Avastin infusion from 48 hr pump infusions last week. Tumors are stable and no new so he continues treatment and tolerated ok so far.
So much to think about and learn and research and all. Sounds like he’s responding. My husband will be 70 in a few weeks. We weren’t sure we’d see that birthday when he was diagnosed last May. He golfs once a week and plays pickleball when he can. Hang in there!
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2 ReactionsHi
My name is Philip. I have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer February 2023 during a colonoscopy.
I have had 3 chemo treatments and I am doing my 4 th treatment today.
My research indicates that fasting and exercise help with the healing process. It also seems that what you eat and what you do not eat might make a difference. My research indicates that you should avoid sugar, salt, dairy and any corn meal or wheat meal products. Avoid wheat products at all cost.
Drink a lot of water. And exercise..???
Yes exercising is good for you despite the exhaustion you feel. Our oncologist said “food choices are important but what is more important is that you eat”. Nausea is a side effect so eating and keeping it down is priority. For my husband it has been having BM issues the next day so managing stool softeners and eating prunes is his priority. Wishing you good luck in finding your right mix