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Began folfirinox treatment - have a few questions

Pancreatic Cancer | Last Active: Oct 27, 2023 | Replies (54)

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@markymarkfl

I also think you're counting right (with Day 1 being the first day chemo is administered).

I suppose you could ask about having him get a liter or two of IV saline for hydration when you go to have the pump disconnected, and if nausea is an issue, maybe repeating some of the IV pre-meds. My pre-med mix switched out the Zofran and replaced it with Aloxi, which is supposed to stay active in your system longer.

Managing nausea is key to keeping an appetite, maintaining weight, and getting food for energy. Managing hydration helps flush out the chemo and contributes to feeling better in general. Whatever weird symptoms or wacky questions come up don't be too shy to ask about them.

One other weird side effect I experienced from Folfirinox was an occasional muscle spasm where one finger would sort of lock up fully extended or partially bent backward. Sometimes I would get a similar spasm in one toe, or in the sole of my foot. Pulling it back out and straightening it manually, plus a little massage would relieve it.

Random thought -- I don't remember if there's a diabetic aspect to your husband's condition, but it might be worthwhile to track blood sugar issues. Steroids in the pre-meds (and any after-meds like dexamethasone) can drive blood sugar through the roof and affect energy levels in weird ways.

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Replies to "I also think you're counting right (with Day 1 being the first day chemo is administered)...."

Thanks for the advice about asking questions. I have been doing that, and to be quite honest most of my questions that I ask are thanks to this form and all of the helpful suggestions I've gotten from here. At the top of my list now is the question about getting saline on disconnect day.

Today is day 6, and he's still not feeling like himself. He's got some intestinal cramps, but bowel movements are normal. He said if he still has them tomorrow he's going to reach out to the team and just mention it.

Luckily, he does not have any diabetic issues.

Thanks again for your help!