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Nothing left to offer in the way of therapy?

Pancreatic Cancer | Last Active: Jun 22, 2023 | Replies (45)

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@ajh5285

Thanks for the suggestion.
My oncologist did recommend today that I should switch to a different 2-drug regimen. One is 5-fluoruracil, to be delivered via the port I already have. The other involves an infusion via a pump that should last for 46 hours, and will require us to learn how to disconnect it. I am now in search of an over the shoulder fanny pack of some sort to keep the pump in place when I need to be connected. That drug is Irinotecan (Liposomal) brand name Onivyde.

If anyone has any experience with this 2-drug regimen, I would be glad to hear about it.

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Replies to "Thanks for the suggestion. My oncologist did recommend today that I should switch to a different..."

I don't have personal experience, but I believe you are getting the combo-drug Folfirinox minus the Oxaliplatin (which is the chemotherapy that causes a lot of neuropathy side-effects.).

Folfirinox is made of 4 different components: Folinic Acid, Fluorouracil (also called 5FU), Irinotecan Hydrochloride, and Oxaliplatin.

Folfirinox is a standard treatment for pancreatic cancer. It is generally not given to people over 70, although my understanding is that the reason for this is perhaps somewhat arbitrary. It has a slightly better record than gemcitabine and abraxane on average.

I don't understand why you would be responsible for disconnecting your infusion pump. At my oncology practice, they schedule an appointment for the chemo nurses to remove the pump and then remove the port access. The infused drug (5-FU in my case) is highly toxic--the nurses wear PPE, full gown and gloves--and I can't imagine they want you to be handling that gear. Also, re the pump, mine comes with an over-the-shoulder carrying case; I didn't need to provide anything. The only thing I have to do is shut off the pump when the "I'm done" beeper goes off, which is typically an hour or so before the appointment to remove it. Finally, FYI re irinotecan, it can cause major GI upset. I had uncontrolled diarrhea for 6 days when I was given a dose at 80 percent of standard.

I had that regiment when I was first diagnosed (over 3 years ago(. I had a third drug too which I currently cannot remember what it is called). I had to do the pump and my husband was taught how to disconnect my pump. I was on it for about 6 months. I had a clear PET scan and stopped the chemo.
I hope I didn't already answer. My brain is out of whack from the chemo.