Pancreatic cancer relapse

I had my Whipple September ‘22 after that 6 months chemo folfirinox, had a tumor in the head of pancreas. Every day grateful for my Whipple and that I’m alive 💜

Dian
Age: 56
The Netherlands

My husband just finished his Chemo treatments w/ Folfirinox 3 weeks ago. He had the Whipple surgery to also remove tumor at head of pancreas first. He is still feeling the effects of chemo, nausea, diarrhea, etc. May I ask how long it took you to see all the side effects subside. I have read could be at least 2 months. I hope things are well with you and thanks for sharing your story.

My husband just finished his Chemo treatments w/ Folfirinox 3 weeks ago. He had the Whipple surgery to also remove tumor at head of pancreas first. He is still feeling the effects of chemo, nausea, diarrhea, etc. May I ask how long it took you to see all the side effects subside. I have read could be at least 2 months. I hope things are well with you and thanks for sharing your story.

When I was first treated for the original mass, I was treated with
Gemcitabine and abraxane. I'm not sure how long before all the side
effects subsided after treatment ended, but it didnt seem too long. The
lingering effect may have been fatigue. I exercised all during chemo,
walking and weight training, which I believe diminished the time of
recovery.
Now, on a 5FU treatment for the recurrence, I am seeing that this treatment
is much harsher. Nausea and fatigue last about a week, where the original
treatment had side effects for only a few days.
That's great that treatment has ended for your husband! Just remember,
it's going to get better. Best thoughts for a speedy recovery and
vibrant energy returning.

When I was first treated for the original mass, I was treated with
Gemcitabine and abraxane. I'm not sure how long before all the side
effects subsided after treatment ended, but it didnt seem too long. The
lingering effect may have been fatigue. I exercised all during chemo,
walking and weight training, which I believe diminished the time of
recovery.
Now, on a 5FU treatment for the recurrence, I am seeing that this treatment
is much harsher. Nausea and fatigue last about a week, where the original
treatment had side effects for only a few days.
That's great that treatment has ended for your husband! Just remember,
it's going to get better. Best thoughts for a speedy recovery and
vibrant energy returning.

Hi Collen,
Thank you for checking on me. Day 1 was good..the steroids and anti
Nausea drugs were terrific. Day 2 - 6 were tough. Nausea, body pain, and unrelenting fatigue that actually scared me. As of Sunday, much better. Feeling almost normal. Trying to exercise and eat well gearing up for next treatment on Monday. Thank you again. Hope all is well with you.

When I was first treated for the original mass, I was treated with
Gemcitabine and abraxane. I'm not sure how long before all the side
effects subsided after treatment ended, but it didnt seem too long. The
lingering effect may have been fatigue. I exercised all during chemo,
walking and weight training, which I believe diminished the time of
recovery.
Now, on a 5FU treatment for the recurrence, I am seeing that this treatment
is much harsher. Nausea and fatigue last about a week, where the original
treatment had side effects for only a few days.
That's great that treatment has ended for your husband! Just remember,
it's going to get better. Best thoughts for a speedy recovery and
vibrant energy returning.

I had 8 rounds of Folfirinox, and my onc. suggested that I take Claritin (an OTC allergy med) once daily on Days 1 thru 5 -- it helps relieve bone pain. (Not sure whether you might have been referring to that with "body pain.")

And, pls pardon my asking the obvious, but: Do you have more than one anti-nausea drug at home? I alternated generic Zofran and generic Phenergan, as directed; Zofran didn't last 8 hours for me, as it's supposed to, so I'd take Phenergan after about 6 (and I'd take Zofran when Phenergan faded before its 6 hrs were up).

Other commenters have recommended generic Compazine and ?olanzapine?. Good luck with your ongoing chemo and best wishes for a good outcome.

Good Morning!
Had an infusion yesterday. It seemed that right from the start the steroids and anti nausea infusions didnt give me the usual 1 day feeling good results. I do have 2 anti nausea drugs at home..zofran and compazine. The zofran doesnt work at all, and the compazine works but needs to be boosted with other things. I started just
having peppermint life savers..they really help alot. Plus trying to drink alot of water with lemon. Also, having bland comfort food has been helpful. Mashed potatoes seem to go a long way in keeping nausea at bay. I made some ginger tea with fresh ginger and will start that today with honey and lemon. One more new thought..
I have started to keep Frankincense oil by my bed, and use it as aromatherapy as needed. I am trying to fill my space with things that make me feel hopeful for the future and cared for the moment. I put up my Christmas tree 2 days ago. Just lights. I know it's very early, but I really only have 2 fairly good weeks a month, and wanted to give myself time to let things unfold without making me feel exhausted.
Thank you so very much for your thoughtful and kind
concerns. I'm sending my hope and love to all of us who are going through this