To 1Dove: - Cancer: Colon Message Board

Sister · 08-10-2002, 07:52 PM

Hi- Could you please tell me what 5fu chemotherapy is? Thanks.

1Dove · 08-10-2002, 08:38 PM

Hi,
5fu stands for fluorouracil which is used in chemotherapy for some types of cancer. My grandfather had advanced colon cancer in the early '60s that had spread to his liver and bladder. He was given 5fu treatment, and was cured. In the late 70s my dad had colon cancer that had spread to his lymph nodes. Because of the success of the treatment on my grandfather, my dad also opted to go on 5fu chemotherapy. After his surgery to remove the tumor, he spent 5 day in the hospital with an IV in his arm through which he received the initial 5fu treatment. Then for 6 months he went in once a week for a 5fu injection. He only felt a little nauseous the day after injection, and felt fine the rest the time. He was able to continue to work through treatment, and he didn't lose his hair. Then after 6 months everything checked out okay. This was over 25 years ago, and my dad is still living at age 78 cancer free.
Did your friend find out about his biopsy yet? I hope everything comes out okay for him.

Luvpeach48 · 08-12-2002, 09:36 AM

I, too, have cancer of the liver and undergoing chemotherapy. I have been give 5fu and and have a hepatic infusion pump implanted in my abdomen. As of august 5, 2002, I seem to be doing well and the treatments have begun to shrink my tumors and the tumor markers are showing improvement. I also receive systemic chemotherapy and go to the treatments once a week. I used to go for 5 days a week every month and then have two weeks to rest. My pump has to be filled every 28 days so it will not run dry. It is filled with FUDR and runs for two weeks and then it is emptied and refilled with saline and heparin. I am doing well at this point, no severe nauseas (spelling). Still tired, though. I hope you will continue to do well.

1Dove · 08-12-2002, 05:01 PM

Luvpeach48,
5fu has been around for a long time, but it seems to be a very good treatment for certain types of cancer. My grandfather was very advanced when he was diagnosed with colon/liver cancer, but he was completely cured with the 5fu. Best of luck and health to you.