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Started Gemcitabine infusion yesterday.
Hi 65/F stage 4 unresectable but contained pancreatic cancer. Started year ago went thru folinex ,had to stop that couple weeks short because it gave me colitis. Did radation. So couple weeks ago I was on chemo pills xelda if I spelled that right. Did 5 an half days ended yo in ER with horrible stomach pain that didn’t stop no matter what I took. So that was 2 weeks ago. So last resort doc wants me try low dose of Gemcitabine. Did it yesterday. By late evening horrible gas pains an gas. This morning horrible stomach pains again just like other chemo. This is only my first time taking this. He want 1x week for 3 weeks then 1 week off. I don’t think I can do it. Plus it gives me chest pain in middle of chest like before. Anyone else go thru this? Should I not do anymore. Thanks
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Can you get on the new drug daraxonrasib? Sounds like you’d be a candidate
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2 ReactionsI'm sorry you're going through this. It sounds incredibly difficult, especially after already dealing with FOLFIRINOX, colitis, radiation, and now reactions to both Xeloda and Gemcitabine.
Many people experience side effects from Gemcitabine, but severe stomach pain and chest pain are not things I would ignore. Since the pain started after treatment and is similar to what you experienced with previous chemotherapy, I would contact your oncologist right away and let them know exactly what happened. They may want to adjust the dose, delay treatment, evaluate other causes, or decide whether Gemcitabine is the right option for you.
Don't assume you have to "push through" severe pain. Your doctor needs to know how intense it is and how much it is affecting you.
Wishing you relief and hoping your oncology team can help find a treatment plan that is both effective and tolerable. You're not alone in this.
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3 Reactions@mcharlesfrancis Thank You!
@jak365 I’m going to try. Depends if I have any of the mutations . I’ll be getting restaged in 2 weeks so I’ll find out then. Was already contacted by MD Anderson Houston TX. I’ll find out more after my appt when I talk to the doctor.
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2 Reactions@valerina30, how are you doing? Any update with restaging and treatment options?
@valerina30 FYI my husband being treated for stage 4 pancreatic at MD Anderson and we live in Houston. Happy to answer any questions you have about the facility etc if you come for an appointment. Wishing you the best.
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3 Reactions@jak365 unfortunately I am not a canadate right now.
@mookiehouston hi I did go for 2and opinion at MDA Houston. They couldn’t do anything for me because tumor so wrapped around veins an all. So I’m doing a optune pax an chemo right now. Have you heard of the optune pax? What is Houston doing for your husband? I’m stage 3 but it’s contained in the pancreas . Thxs
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3 Reactions@colleenyoung I go this Friday for restaging and a nerve block. I already know I’m not a canadate for the pill. End of July I’ll get scan an see how well this optune pax works to.
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1 Reaction@valerina30 I've heard of the optune pax. Would very much appreciate you keeping me informed on your thoughts of its effectiveness. My husband is stage 4 with many nodules in liver and elsewhere. mild abdominal discomfort is what led to the diagnosis. He has rare type - acinar cell carcinoma which is about 1% of pancreatic cancers. Receiving chemo while we hope and wait to be admitted to the trial of a drug that treats his very rare gene fusion.
Wishing you the best in your treatment.
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