I posted the following on another thread and copied it here. I just finished my third chemo treatment Monday (5/22/23). What helped me most was reducing the chemo dosage for modified Folfirinox. My first round was 80 percent of the standard dose; the MD lowered it from 100 percent to 80 percent because I'm significantly older than the original test subjects for this regimen. Even at 80 percent, the first round was awful–nausea and vomiting for a week and a half, coupled with 6 days of diarrhea. For rounds two and three, I've received a dosage that's 60 percent of standard. This has really helped. The side effects were much more mild. I am not taking any supplements or seeing an acupuncturist; I'm working only with the meds prescribed by the oncologist and the palliative care MD. Re sleep, I occasionally take a Benadryl before I go to bed.

Other thoughts, FWIW: I have been eating/drinking things that sound good. As a result, my diet has switched from a very veg-based, balanced diet to one focused on starches and sweets. Calories are my goal–the heck with nutrition. We've acquired some really out-of-character foods in this house (gelatin, pudding, Pop-Tarts!). Some things that have worked for me are baked potatoes, scrambled eggs, rice, cream sauces, certain frozen dinners, pancakes with syrup, cookies, ice cream, sorbet, lemonade (I don't have much cold neuropathy yet). Once in a while, I have a fast-food craving, and I do indulge it. I eat much smaller quantities and I eat more often, maybe every 2-3 hours. I tried PowerAde for electrolytes but it didn't taste good. I'm pretty much avoiding meat but not completely. I can tell that my water intake has gone up in recent days, which is good. I got severely dehydrated after the first round.

Re meds, I was told to alternate Zofran and Compazine so I had one every four hours for at least three days. My chemo is on Monday, and I get all the nausea meds there, so I begin the Zofran/Compazine switcheroo on Wednesday a.m. I was also given dexamethasone (steroid) to take along with those meds to help fight nausea. Same approach with anti-diarrheal meds; I alternate Imodium and Lomotil every 3-4 hours.

I have had some chills but no fever. I stay wrapped up most of the time. It's been hitting 80 degrees here and I'm wearing a long-sleeved flannel shirt and long pants. Re neuropathy, my oncologist emphatically told me not to try icing during the oxaliplatin dose, so I didn't. After three rounds, I have occasional tingling in my fingertips and a little in my tongue and throat.

Sorry that rambles a bit. Hope there's something helpful in there for you!