Help w/ dad's upcoming chemo for Colon Cancer

KGO · 10-09-2006, 01:33 AM

Hello all -

My father has stage c colon cancer and had the tumor removed the end of July. Cancer was found in a few nodes. He starts chemo this coming week. He's in his 60's. He's lost weight but is keeping active.

I was just wondering what I should expect. I work full time and have young children, and feel overwhelmed w/ how to help him. He will have chemo every other week for next 6 months, I will have to find out what kind of chemo it is. I will be there when he starts it so I will find out.

He is being treated at ***nderson, it is a long drive but it is reassuring that he'll be going there.

Thanks and I appreciate any advice.

KG

Jeni61 · 10-09-2006, 11:17 AM

I am just getting ready for my surgery and have only had pre-surgery chemo with 5fu, which most folks tolerate fairly well. I had some mouth sores but was spared nausea and diarrhea and didn't have much fatigue.

Others here will be able to give you more info. What is his chemo regimen going to be ? The side affects will be different according to the regimen he will be getting ---

Jeni

KGO · 10-09-2006, 02:34 PM

He is having Eloxatin in combination w/ the 5-FU-LV, if that helps anyone to give me some feedback. Any advice or insight would be appreciated!!

KG

Lifes2short · 10-09-2006, 11:42 PM

I can only say that if he's at M.D. Anderson, he's in very good hands. I've heard nothing but good about this facility. They are one of the foremost colorectal cancer facilities in the world.

The chemo will likely cause fatigue, possible diarrhea, possible mouth sores. He should try to stay well hydrated, eat well and as often as possible and stay as active as possible.

Good luck!

bmccrea · 10-10-2006, 12:25 AM

Hi and Welcome

I was diagnosed in March, surgery in April, chemo started in May. I'm stage 3C and on Folfox. Started out every 2 weeks but now every 3 weeks because my WBC was affected badly. I'm on Neulasta for that and doing quite well. I am to have 12 treatments. 7 down and 5 more to go. Number 7 was the easiest one yet. The only time I had diarrhea was with the first treatment. I've had only a few mouth sores, and very little nausea. Treatment #2 was followed by a lot of fatigue. I'm 62 and retired but go about doing my normal daily routine. I live on a farm and have lots of animals. The doc told me I cannot clean out horse stalls

I have changed my diet.... no white refined sugar, no white flour or greasy foods.. I'm eating healthier than I ever have in my life and I think that has helped me a lot too.

I hope your Dad will do fine.

BAMc