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Chemo & Immunotherapy goes into Overdrive
Battling adenocarcinoma EC with Metastases to spine. Two weeks ago finished palliative radiation for pain ( no effect yet) and today was my third round of chemo. Was a 6 hour session because in addition to folfox ( with one component halved due to it causing significant platelet drop) I began two immunotherapy drugs- keytruda , and Herceptin as well as infusions of benedryl and stearoids which made for a long time on the recliner. The past couple weeks have been the worst due to massive pain ( on 50 mcg/hr fentanyl and 24 mg dilaudid/day) and esophagitis from the 10 radiation sessions causing burning and pain with even reflex swallowing and complete blockage. Add to that I have experienced nausea and extreme fatigue from the chemo. Even so, I have returned to work a few hours a day ( plus long commute) and I’m hoping there are benefits to this that outweigh the difficulties. Certainly true for my mental wellbeing.
I am very optimistic about starting the keytruda and Herceptin because the therapy is now multifaceted and fine- tuned to attack my tumors. Between the treatment going into turbo mode and a lot of prayer ( mine and others praying for me) I believe I’m about to experience quite the turnaround over the next days and weeks. As I write this I’m sipping a soda - something that I couldn’t do for weeks.
So while I have surrendered myself to Jesus and have accepted whatever fate is the will of my Father, I believe in his time and method I will be healed.
I’m hoping to feel strong enough to resume my main recreation which is using a metal detector to find artifacts from colonial times through early 1900’s and then preserving and displaying them throughout my home. It is very good therapy for body and soul. Walking in the woods and experiencing Gods glorious creation brings great peace, and a sense of well being you won’t get on the couch watching TV.
It’s impossible to not get dark thoughts given the nature of this cancer being stage 4 inoperable/ incurable - eating nothing by mouth in 2 months, constant pain, frequent nausea and fatigue, but you have to turn away from the dark thoughts as fast as they come.
If you don’t turn away from the dark thoughts they will weigh down like an anchor and suffering will be inevitable.
The next couple weeks are critical and I will post updates on how it’s going-how my body is responding to the full spectrum of therapy.
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Thank you for all the comments, I really do feel that I am at the beginning of a turnaround and take each day with gratitude, patience and faith.
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2 ReactionsYou are an inspiration. Stay strong.
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2 ReactionsThank you for your frank, honest remarks. I was just recently diagnosed with the same condition. My radiation begins next week; 10 treatments, then chemo with immunotherapy. I, too, have dark moments which I quickly bring myself out of. I turn to my Lord, and figure he has a plan. I will pray for you.
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3 ReactionsThank you, Labagozzi, sounds like the same treatment course as mine. I can’t imagine going through this without a positive attitude and strong faith , as well as submitting to Gods will. Just said a prayer for you as well.
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1 ReactionThank you…I so appreciate the prayers. The intent is that the radiation will shrink tumor so as to allow me to take in soft foods, such as eggs, etc, and not be relegated to just liquids. Was that your experience?
By the time of diagnosis I was swallowing only liquid so had emergency PEG tube surgery so I could get enteric feeding. My 10 radiation treatments were palliative with the aim of dulling pain receptors in my back from the constant pain from spine metastasis. It gave me a bad case of esophagitis. The chemo and now immuno therapy the esophageal tumor is shrinking and I’m on the verge of being able to swallow thick soup ( in small amounts). Once that happens. I’ll put weight on ( my low was 113, I’m at 117 now and my healthy weight is 135. My goal is eating small amounts of regular food by September plus all the sautéed food I want, and I’ll make up any caloric shortages with formula through the G tube. I assume you do not have a feeding tube at this time - hopefully you can get by without one.
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1 ReactionGod bless you, @rselicmeister!! Your truly an inspiration. The Keytruda is giving people a lot of hope. Keep eating for nutrient as you've been doing. Enjoy unsweetened flavored yogurt with a nectarine for natural sweetness. Organic broths are helpful but not everyday due to sodium content. The steroids will fatten you up as well. Stay mentally strong and blessed!
No, I do not currently have a tube, but believe it’s in the very near future, as I am belching all the time and struggling with liquids such as ensure, even water. Can you leave your home, with a tube? How do you shower or bathe? What about meds, such as Tylenol? or I take a daily thyroid pill ?
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I had a tube for eight months. Helped save my life. Took pressure away from not eating.
Yes, you can leave home. You have a bag to carry what you need.
Yes, you shower.
Yes, you take meds (crushed then through the tube).
A key is getting the tube set up so it doesn’t rough up your skin, get infected. That happened to me for awhile. Antibiotics fixed it.
I can offer some insights and ideas if you want to talk.
Gary
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1 ReactionI have learned to coexist with my PEG or G-tube since getting it late June. It did cause a lot of pain early on because the surgeon couldn’t use the endoscope to pass through stomach and had to enter from outside the stomach in- requiring a big incision. It’s still sore a lot and I try hard to protect the 6”-7” of outside tube. I bought a belt with a pouch that the tube goes in and can’t snag on anything with normal movement. It hurts if that happens. Otherwise it’s no problem. Maintaining weight and nutrition without oral intake made the tube essential for me, but I don’t think I’ll gain back what I lost un til I can eat by mouth as well. I hope and believe I’ll be able to slowly eat some foods fairly soon, although the tube will still be used every day for a long time.