Side effects after completing Chemotherapy

After 6 months on Folfirinox, I felt pretty good overall near the end of my one-month "washout" before Whipple.

Aside from the peripheral neuropathy (worst in my feet), most of my side effects and misery were from the Whipple procedure itself. Some of my fatigue was probably related to post-op digestive issues affecting both my nutrition and my sleep.

The neuropathy was mostly gone within 6-7 months of ending the Folfirinox.

My husband has been experiencing night sweats recently. He just completed his Chemo treatment at end of September, but it was also happening during the last few treatments. Curious if anyone has also had this happen to them and could it just be another side effect of his body’s response to the various Chemo drugs. It only happens once around 12:30-1:00am and he has to change his wet shirt. Rest of night is okay. Appreciate everyone’s time for all my posts/questions lately.
God bless you ALL

My neuropathy got worse after stopping chemo, about 3 months, seems to have stabilized. Fortunately, I am able to maintain activities of daily living and I think the benefit I got from the treatment was worth it.

My periphery neuropathy seemed to be permanently after ending chemo with oxaliplatin almost 18 months. I am enduring it. How does other handle it?

It has been just over 2 years since I completed my folfirinox treatments. Neuropathy worsened for about 6 months after then remained stable. It is considered permanent at this point. Like everything else that has changed in my life since being diagnosed, I have learned to adapt or adjust in some way. To me, these are all small prices to pay in exchange for life. My cancer recurred at Whipple surgery site and I am now on abraxane/Gemcitibine and waiting for a start date for radiation and another change in chemo (looks like about 2-3 weeks away). I will deal with whatever comes along if it buys me time with family. All the best to you!

Thank you for sharing your story. You seem like such a brave, strong person. May I ask how long your scans stayed clear after Whipple and Chemo? My husband has to do follow-up bloodwork at 6 weeks and another CT-scan at 12 weeks. How do you keep your life in balance and not constantly worry between re-checks? I wish you only positive days ahead, God bless.

My CT scans stayed clear (or at least nothing obvious showed) for just over two years. My CA19-9 started to climb slowly at first then more rapidly from October 22 to March 23. March scan was ambiguous, so a PET scan was done in June 23 which showed uptake at the original surgical site near my liver and a lymph node closer to my diaphragm. I resumed chemo in late June 23. I will have my 13th treatment this round in a few days, and will be starting radiation within the next couple of weeks. I have a lot of reasons to fight - we are well aware we have already had bonus time, but are hoping for more. I know a cure is not possible but will do what I can for as long as I can. Wishing you well!

To all those fighting this terrible killer disease. After Whipple in May 2022, my CT was clear and my CA19-9 was below 20. I had no follow up treatment (I believe a mistake that I am suffering from it now). I have follow up CT every 6 months and CA19-9 update every 2 months. My August 2023 CA19-9 went up to 78 and have follow up CT in September, which showed soft tissue growth at the resection site. Ultrasound biopsy showed it to be cancerous. I have now belly and back pain that cause me lousy sleep. Will be meeting with the oncologist Tuesday to discuss future treatments, hopefully to start radiation ASAP. My only hope is that God will continue to carry me through this deep valley of my life without harm (Psalm 23) which He has done since my cancer diagnosis in Nov. 2021. God bless to all my chat room friends. I found the encouragement from each of you comforting and helpful in coping with this disease.

I am encouraged as well as humbled. Thank you!

Had meeting with my oncologist yesterday. He had meeting with the surgeon who did my Whipple and the radiation oncologist. They decided to start me on chemo with Gemcitabine and Abraxane. They were concern about the sub-cm undefined lesion occurred in my liver in the latest CT. They believe this is more urgent than doing radiation therapy to blast the recurrent cancer at the resection site. Praying that God will protect me through another valley I am about to go through!