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← Return to Rectal cancer with inguinal lymph nodes and iliac lymph nodes
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Rectal cancer with inguinal lymph nodes and iliac lymph nodes
Colorectal Cancer | Last Active: Jul 26, 2023 | Replies (7)Comment receiving replies
@mogwa823, I think it is worth a discussion with your oncologist about the pros and cons of extending the time period between chemo sessions and/or taking a break for a period of time. This was an option that was available to my dad. He had colon cancer, not rectal cancer, so it might be different. They may also be able to lower the dosage of one or more of the drugs with similiar efficacy. I'd appreciate your returning to share what you learn after talking about it with your team.
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I saw my oncologist yesterday and requested that I skip infusion this week. I explained that my last infusion was difficult. The skin on my hands were cracking and bleeding, my tongue felt like it was shredded by razor blades and the fact I dealt with diarrhea for ten days was exhausting. He agreed I should take a break and restart my folfiri-vectbix next week at smaller dosages. He told me my markers had remains in the 4.2-4.4 range for six weeks, and that we were heading in the right direction. My markers back in April were 20.8 before starting infusion therapy. He told me I still had 5 more sessions of Folfiri-Vetribics and then we would do a scan to look at the lymph nodes and nodules on my lungs. I will always have some kind of chemo therapy in my future but I was told I can request a break when things get too difficult. It feels so good to do the things I did before starting chemo but I know this is all helping to extend my life. Grateful for all those supporting me and the doctors and nurses caring for me.