Re: Newly diagnosed with colon cancer stage 2

[Guest guest]

Hi it would help to know your name.

Stage 2 is very treatable You have had surgery so they will probably give

that time to heal. You will then probably be on a combination chemo called

FOLFOX which stands for 5FU, Leucovorin and Oxaliplatin.

You may feel pretty lousy on chemo day with a slight fever aches and chills.

This is from the Oxaliplatin. If you bundle up under the covers and take

some Tylenol it will pass by late afternoon or early evening.

Another side effect is a tingly almost shock like feeling if you touch cold

objects or are out in the cold. Sometimes people who are on Oxaliplatin for a

long time have a tingling in their hands and feet that lasts a few months

after treatment.

If you start in January my guess is you should be done around June.

In between you will have regular blood tests and CT scans to be sure the

chemo is working and the cancer is GONE for good. I copied and pasted the basic

things you'd want to know about this chemo

Let us know how your visit goes

Best Wishes

Narice

General information

Fluorouracil is one of the most commonly used drugs to treat cancer. It is

used in the treatment of many types of cancer including, breast, head and

neck, anal, stomach, colon and some skin cancers.

5FU is part of a group of chemotherapy drugs known as the anti-metabolites.

Anti-metabolites are similar to normal body molecules but they are slightly

different in structure. These differences mean that anti-metabolites stop

cells working properly instead of helping them. Anti-metabolites often stop

cells making and repairing DNA. Cancer cells need to make and repair DNA in

order to grow and multiply. Anti-metabolites also stop normal cells working

properly. This is why you get side effects.

You can have 5FU as an injection or infusion into a vein. There is also an

ointment that your doctor may give you for skin cancer.

The side effects associated with fluorouracil (5FU) are listed below. Use

the links (underlined) to find out more about each side effect. For more

information on side effects where there is no link please see our chemotherapy

side effects section or click on 'search' at the top of the page.

Common Side Effects

Many people have one or more of the following side effects

Fatigue - patients say this is the most disruptive side effect of all.

Tiredness often carries on after treatment has ended. Most people find their

energy levels are back to normal from 6 months to a year after their treatment

finishes.

Feeling or being sick (usually mild)

Mouth sores and ulcers

Diarrhoea

Temporary drop in bone marrow function causing

- Drop in white blood cell count. This increases the risk of severe

infection. Infections can sometimes be life threatening. You should urgently

contact a doctor if you think you have an infection. This can feel like you

have

'flu (headache, feeling very cold and shivery, fever, aching joints and

muscles). Or you may have a cough, sore throat or pain when passing urine.

- Fall in red cell count (anaemia), which may make you feel tired and look

pale or be short of breath. You may need a blood transfusion or treatment to

bring up your red cell count.

- Drop in platelets in the blood causing bleeding or bruising. You may have

lots of tiny red spots or bruises on your arms or legs. You may have

nosebleeds or bleeding gums.

Contact your hospital if you have any of these bone marrow side effects.

Tiredness

This drug may have a harmful effect on a baby developing in the womb. It is

not advisable to become pregnant or father a child while on chemotherapy.

You should talk to your doctor about contraception before having the

treatment.

Occasional Side Effects

Some people have the following side effects

Hair thinning

Brittle, chipped and ridged nails

Sensitivity of the skin to sunlight - you should not sit in the sun if

having 5-FU. Cover up or use a sun block.

Rashes which may be itchy

Watery eyes from increased production of tears

Gritty eyes and blurred vision

Loss of appetite

Brown marking on the skin following the line of the vein where 5FU has been

injected

With continous infusion of 5FU an occasional side effect is soreness and

redness of the palms of the hands and soles of the feet (sometimes called hand

and foot syndrome or palmar-plantar syndrome).

Rare Side Effects

A very small number of people experience these side effects

Total hair loss

Darkened skin

Angina or heart attack

Confusion or unsteadiness

Remember

Not everyone will get these side effects. You may have none or several. A

side effect may get worse through your course of treatment, or more side

effects may develop as the course goes on. This depends on

- How many times you've had the drug before

- Your general health

- How much of the drug you have (the dose)

- The way you take the drug (tablets or drip)

- Other drugs you are having

Some side effects are upsetting or inconvenient, but not damaging to your

health

Some side effects are serious medical conditions and need treating. Where

we have urged you to contact your doctor, this is because

- Your side effect may need treating

- You drug dose may need reducing to try to prevent the side effect

Tell your doctor about any other medicines you are taking, including

vitamins, herbal supplements and other over the counter remedies - drugs can

react

together

Talk to your doctor or nurse about all your side effects so they can help

you manage them

People you can talk to about your side effects

Your chemotherapy nurse, clinic or ward nurse will have given you a contact

number. You can ring if you have any questions or problems. They can give

you advice or reassure you. If in doubt, call.

Immunisations

You should not have immunisations with live vaccines while you are having

chemotherapy or for 6 months afterwards. In the UK, these include rubella,

mumps, measles (usually given together as MMR), BCG and yellow fever. You can

have other vaccines, but they may not give you as much protection as usual

until

your immune system has fully recovered from your chemotherapy.

It is perfectly safe for you to be in contact with other people who've had

live vaccines as injections. There can be problems with oral vaccines, but no

one in the UK is given an oral vaccine now. So there is no problem in being

with any baby or child who has recently had any vaccination in the UK. If you

live abroad, you might need to make sure that you aren't in contact with

anyone who has had oral polio or oral typhoid vaccination recently.

Cancer Research UK

What's New Clinical Trials Donate About Access Keys

NHS Information Partners

Last updated 08 April 2004

CancerHelp UK is not designed to provide medical advice or professional

services and is intended to be for educational use only. The information

provided

through CancerHelp UK is not a substitute for professional care and should

not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. If you

have, or suspect you may have, a health problem you should consult your

doctor.

Copyright Cancer Research UK 2002

Cancer Research UK Charity Number 1089464

LEUCOVORIN

Generic Name: leucovorin (oral and injectable) (loo koe VOR in)

Brand Names:

What is the most important information I should know about leucovorin?

• Take this medication only under the supervision of your doctor.

What is leucovorin?

• Leucovorin is a form of folic acid. Folic acid is a naturally occurring

substance that is important for the formation of red and white blood cells.

Folic acid is present in many foods such as dried beans, peas, oranges, spinach,

and others.

• Leucovorin is used to reduce the side effects of large doses of

medications such as methotrexate (Rheumatrex), pyrimethamine (Daraprim),

trimethoprim

(Trimpex, Proloprim), and others that may reduce the effects of folic acid in

the body. Leucovorin may also be used in the treatment of anemia caused by

folic acid deficiency and with 5-fluorouracil (Adrucil) in the palliative

treatment of patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

• Leucovorin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this

medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking leucovorin?

• Do not use leucovorin without first talking to your doctor if you have:

·anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency;

·a history of seizures or central nervous system (CNS) problems (e.g., CNS

metastases) that may increase the risk of seizures;

·mouth sores (stomatitis or mucositis); or

·vomiting or diarrhea.

• You may not be able to take leucovorin, or you may require a dosage

adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

• Leucovorin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not

known whether leucovorin will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this

medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could

become pregnant during treatment.

• It is not known whether leucovorin passes into breast milk. Do not take

leucovorin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a

baby.

How should I take leucovorin?

• Take leucovorin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not

understand these instructions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain

them

to you.

• Leucovorin is available as a tablet for oral administration. It is also

available as a solution for intravenous (into a vein) or intramuscular (into a

muscle) injection by a healthcare provider.

• Take each oral dose with a full glass of water.

• Do not take doses larger than 25 mg by mouth unless your doctor directs

otherwise.

• Take leucovorin only under the supervision of your doctor.

• Store oral leucovorin at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and

light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Notify your doctor if you miss a dose of oral or injectable leucovorin.

What happens if I overdose?

• An overdose of leucovorin is unlikely to threaten life. An overdose of

leucovorin may decrease the desired effect of other medications (e.g., folic

acid antagonists) you are taking. Call an emergency room or poison control left

for advice if an overdose is suspected.

• Symptoms of a leucovorin overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking leucovorin?

• There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities unless

otherwise directed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of leucovorin?

• Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you

experience any of the following serious side effects during treatment with

leucovorin:

·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling

of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

·vomiting, diarrhea, or mouth sores;

·seizures; or

·fainting.

• No other side effects have been reported from the use of leucovorin alone.

Notify your doctor if you experience other side effects during treatment

with leucovorin.

What other drugs will affect leucovorin?

• Before taking leucovorin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the

following medicines:

·phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek), fosphenytoin (Cerebyx), or ethotoin

(Peganone);

·phenobarbital (Luminal); or

·primidone (Mysoline).

• You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with leucovorin. Talk

to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or

over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about leucovorin written for

health professionals that you may read.

Copyright 1996-2004 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.04. Revision date: 9/ 17/

04.

OXALIPLATIN

Generic Name: oxaliplatin (ox AL ih plah tin)

Brand Names: Eloxatin

What is the most important information I should know about oxaliplatin?

• Oxaliplatin should only be administered under the supervision of a

qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic

agents.

• Serious side effects have been reported with the use of oxaliplatin

including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;

swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); decreased bone marrow

function

and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody

or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection); sores in the mouth

or throat; severe vomiting or diarrhea; and others. Talk to your doctor about

the possible side effects from treatment with oxaliplatin.

• Oxaliplatin may cause nerve damage such as: becoming very sensitive to

cold temperatures and cold objects, trouble breathing, swallowing or saying

words, jaw tightness, odd feelings in your tongue, chest pressure, pain,

tingling, burning, a " pins and needles " feeling or a numbing of your hands,

feet or

around your mouth or throat.

What is oxaliplatin?

• Oxaliplatin is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Oxaliplatin

interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in

the

body.

• Oxaliplatin is used in the treatment of colon and rectum cancer, often

with other anti-cancer medicines or when other treatments have not worked or

stopped working.

• Oxaliplatin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this

medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking oxaliplatin?

• Do not use oxaliplatin without first talking to your doctor if you have

· an allergy to platinum or platinum-containing products such as the cancer

medicines cisplatin (Platinol) and carboplatin (Paraplatin);

· have kidney disease;

· have an infection;

· are in a poor nutritional state;

· have or have had numbness in your hands or feet;

· have had previous treatment with another chemotherapy medicine; or

· have poor bone marrow function.

• The use of oxaliplatin may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions

listed above.

• Oxaliplatin is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is

known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use oxaliplatin without first

talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during

treatment. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate use of birth control during

treatment with oxaliplatin.

• It is not known whether oxaliplatin passes into breast milk. Do not take

oxaliplatin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a

baby.

How should I use oxaliplatin?

• Oxaliplatin should only be administered under the supervision of a

qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic

agents.

• Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment

with oxaliplatin depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other

factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding

the treatment schedule.

• Your doctor may want to admit you to the hospital for your first dose or

doses of oxaliplatin to monitor you for any reaction.

• Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood

tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with oxaliplatin to

monitor

progress and side effects.

• Your healthcare provider will store oxaliplatin as directed by the

manufacturer. If you are storing oxaliplatin at home, follow the directions

provided by your healthcare provider.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of oxaliplatin.

What happens if I overdose?

• If for any reason an overdose of oxaliplatin is suspected, seek emergency

medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

• Symptoms of a oxaliplatin overdose tend to be similar to side effects

caused by the medication, although often more severe. In particular, difficulty

breathing, wheezing, vomiting and sensations such as burning, pricking,

tickling or tingling may be symptoms of an overdose.

What should I avoid while using oxaliplatin?

• Avoid cold temperatures and cold objects. Cover your skin if you must go

outside in cold temperatures. The following is a list of ways you can reduce

the side effect caused by cold temperatures:

· do not breathe deeply when exposed to cold air;

· don't take things from the refrigerator or freezer without wearing gloves;

· do not run the air conditioner at high levels in the house or in the car

in hot weather;

· do not drink cold drinks or use ice cubes in drinks;

· do not put ice packs on your body;

· Do Notuse ice chips if you have nausea or mouth sores. Ask your nurse

about what you can use.

• You need to discuss your level of activity during treatment with your

doctor and your nurse. You should follow their advice.

• Oxaliplatin can lower the activity of your immune system making you

susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu,

or

other contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live

strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with

oxaliplatin. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been

vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed

on

to you.

What are the possible side effects of oxaliplatin?

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects from

oxaliplatin, contact your doctor immediately:

· an allergic reaction (including difficulty breathing; sudden cough;

closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; rash or hives);

· decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy

bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; or fever, chills, or

signs of infection such as redness or swelling at the intravenous site, pain on

swallowing, cough that brings up mucous, sore throat, shivering or pain on

urination);

· diarrhea, frequent bowel movements or watery stools;

· vomiting that is persistent;

· signs of dehydration (too much water loss) such as, tiredness, thirst, dry

mouth, lightheadedness, dizziness and decreased urination);

· signs of nerve damage such as: becoming very sensitive to cold

temperatures and cold objects, trouble breathing, swallowing or saying words,

jaw

tightness, odd feelings in your tongue, chest pressure, pain, tingling,

burning, a

" pins and needles " feeling or a numbing of your hands, feet or around your

mouth or throat; or

· swelling of hands, legs or feet.

• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue

taking oxaliplatin and talk to your doctor if you experience:

· a dry cough and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing;

· fatigue or weakness;

· mild to moderate diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or loss of

appetite;

· sores in the mouth or throat; or

· back pain.

• Other side effects have also been reported. Discuss with your doctor any

side effect that occurs during treatment with oxaliplatin.

What other drugs will affect oxaliplatin?

• Do not receive " live " vaccines during treatment with oxaliplatin.

Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with

oxaliplatin.

• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with oxaliplatin.

Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or

over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, during treatment with

oxaliplatin.

Where can I get more information?

• Your healthcare provider may have additional information about

oxaliplatin that you may read.

Copyright 1996-2004 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.04. Revision Date: 1/ 23/

04.

[Guest guest]

I had surgery for stage 2 7/1/2003. No chemo or radiation. At the present moment

to my knowledge I am still cancer free. I know some Dr's do want the chemo

following surgery to be sure and some don't think it necessary. I still get

checked and scanned every six months now. Did have another colon resect 8/22/05

but it was for scar tissue and the mass that was showing in pet scans was also

scar tissue this time.

Hil

Newly diagnosed with colon cancer stage 2

Hello everyone, I am new at this but I am hoping to benefit from your

experience. Had major surgery two weeks ago and have an appt. to meet

with oncologist re chemo. Would anyone like to share their experience

re chemo and stage 2? Thanks.

[Guest guest]

Hello Narice,

I can't thank you enough for the information you sent.

I tried to obtain this info and all sources said I

would get this from the oncologist when I see him. I

wanted to be prepared before hand. I will be in touch

Monday after the appointment. Thank you again for

your prompt help.

Sincerely,

Marie

--- flipper759@... wrote:

>

> Hi it would help to know your name.

> Stage 2 is very treatable You have had surgery so

> they will probably give

> that time to heal. You will then probably be on a

> combination chemo called

> FOLFOX which stands for 5FU, Leucovorin and

> Oxaliplatin.

> You may feel pretty lousy on chemo day with a

> slight fever aches and chills.

> This is from the Oxaliplatin. If you bundle up

> under the covers and take

> some Tylenol it will pass by late afternoon or early

> evening.

> Another side effect is a tingly almost shock like

> feeling if you touch cold

> objects or are out in the cold. Sometimes people who

> are on Oxaliplatin for a

> long time have a tingling in their hands and feet

> that lasts a few months

> after treatment.

>

> If you start in January my guess is you should be

> done around June.

> In between you will have regular blood tests and CT

> scans to be sure the

> chemo is working and the cancer is GONE for good. I

> copied and pasted the basic

> things you'd want to know about this chemo

>

> Let us know how your visit goes

> Best Wishes

> Narice

>

>

> General information

>

> Fluorouracil is one of the most commonly used drugs

> to treat cancer. It is

> used in the treatment of many types of cancer

> including, breast, head and

> neck, anal, stomach, colon and some skin cancers.

>

> 5FU is part of a group of chemotherapy drugs known

> as the anti-metabolites.

> Anti-metabolites are similar to normal body

> molecules but they are slightly

> different in structure. These differences mean

> that anti-metabolites stop

> cells working properly instead of helping them.

> Anti-metabolites often stop

> cells making and repairing DNA. Cancer cells need

> to make and repair DNA in

> order to grow and multiply. Anti-metabolites also

> stop normal cells working

> properly. This is why you get side effects.

>

> You can have 5FU as an injection or infusion into a

> vein. There is also an

> ointment that your doctor may give you for skin

> cancer.

>

> The side effects associated with fluorouracil (5FU)

> are listed below. Use

> the links (underlined) to find out more about each

> side effect. For more

> information on side effects where there is no link

> please see our chemotherapy

> side effects section or click on 'search' at the top

> of the page.

>

>

> Common Side Effects

>

> Many people have one or more of the following side

> effects

>

>

> Fatigue - patients say this is the most disruptive

> side effect of all.

> Tiredness often carries on after treatment has

> ended. Most people find their

> energy levels are back to normal from 6 months to a

> year after their treatment

> finishes.

> Feeling or being sick (usually mild)

> Mouth sores and ulcers

> Diarrhoea

> Temporary drop in bone marrow function causing

>

> - Drop in white blood cell count. This increases

> the risk of severe

> infection. Infections can sometimes be life

> threatening. You should urgently

> contact a doctor if you think you have an

> infection. This can feel like you have

> 'flu (headache, feeling very cold and shivery,

> fever, aching joints and

> muscles). Or you may have a cough, sore throat or

> pain when passing urine.

>

> - Fall in red cell count (anaemia), which may make

> you feel tired and look

> pale or be short of breath. You may need a blood

> transfusion or treatment to

> bring up your red cell count.

>

> - Drop in platelets in the blood causing bleeding or

> bruising. You may have

> lots of tiny red spots or bruises on your arms or

> legs. You may have

> nosebleeds or bleeding gums.

>

>

> Contact your hospital if you have any of these bone

> marrow side effects.

>

>

> Tiredness

> This drug may have a harmful effect on a baby

> developing in the womb. It is

> not advisable to become pregnant or father a child

> while on chemotherapy.

> You should talk to your doctor about contraception

> before having the

> treatment.

> Occasional Side Effects

>

> Some people have the following side effects

>

>

> Hair thinning

> Brittle, chipped and ridged nails

> Sensitivity of the skin to sunlight - you should not

> sit in the sun if

> having 5-FU. Cover up or use a sun block.

> Rashes which may be itchy

> Watery eyes from increased production of tears

>

> Gritty eyes and blurred vision

> Loss of appetite

> Brown marking on the skin following the line of the

> vein where 5FU has been

> injected

> With continous infusion of 5FU an occasional side

> effect is soreness and

> redness of the palms of the hands and soles of the

> feet (sometimes called hand

> and foot syndrome or palmar-plantar syndrome).

> Rare Side Effects

>

> A very small number of people experience these side

> effects

>

>

> Total hair loss

> Darkened skin

> Angina or heart attack

> Confusion or unsteadiness

> Remember

>

>

>

> Not everyone will get these side effects. You may

> have none or several. A

> side effect may get worse through your course of

> treatment, or more side

> effects may develop as the course goes on. This

> depends on

>

> - How many times you've had the drug before

> - Your general health

> - How much of the drug you have (the dose)

> - The way you take the drug (tablets or drip)

> - Other drugs you are having

>

> Some side effects are upsetting or inconvenient,

> but not damaging to your

> health

> Some side effects are serious medical conditions

> and need treating. Where

> we have urged you to contact your doctor, this is

> because

>

> - Your side effect may need treating

> - You drug dose may need reducing to try to prevent

> the side effect

>

> Tell your doctor about any other medicines you are

> taking, including

> vitamins, herbal supplements and other over the

> counter remedies - drugs can react

> together

> Talk to your doctor or nurse about all your side

> effects so they can help

> you manage them

> People you can talk to about your side effects

>

> Your chemotherapy nurse, clinic or ward nurse will

> have given you a contact

> number. You can ring if you have any questions or

> problems.

=== message truncated ===

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi, Welcome to our group. Stage 2 is very treatable. You have a very

good chance of being cured with just surgery. They recomend the chemo

just to make sure any stray cancer cells get killed off. Please come

back and let us know which chemo they are recomending for you?

Where was your tumor at?

Let us know how you are doing?

Ingrid

>

> Hello everyone, I am new at this but I am hoping to benefit from your

> experience. Had major surgery two weeks ago and have an appt. to

meet

> with oncologist re chemo. Would anyone like to share their

experience

> re chemo and stage 2? Thanks.

>

[Guest guest]

I was stage 2 but my Dr wanted all my children no matter their age checked. I

know another person whose Dr wanted even the teenaged grandchildren checked so I

guess they all differ in opinion. Mine is everyone over 18 should be checked!

Hil

Re: Re: Newly diagnosed with colon cancer

stage 2

I am so sorry that this had to happen to you at such a

young age. Was colon cancer in your family? The

surgeon said I should have my children over 40

checked. What stage were you diagnosed and how are

you doing?

Best wishes,

Marie

Teaneck, NJ

[Guest guest]

Marie if I were you I would insist that any of your children over 20 be

checked. We have several young ones in the group and they always seem to be

the very severe cases, because docs etc think they young ones are not so

likely to get colon cancer. That is definitely NOT the case.

I had to laugh. I am a young or middle age at least 64. I did fine with my

chemo. Really was fine during chemo days - had feel good drugs (evil

steroids) that took the aches and pains away etc. Then on days off chemo,

was the tiredness and of course aches and pains were there but not so bad

until I was done with chemo. Still getting my legs to work properly. I

thought it might be something else but wondering if that is part of chemo

side effect as well. If I don't keep walking around or moving my legs hurt

like the devil after I sit awhile, while I am up and moving they are fine.

Don't think it is circulation.anyway.. So it goes. Take care and God Bless

Jolene

[Guest guest]

Hil, I am so glad that you are feeling good.

Please take care of yourself. You must do whatever your heart

tells you to do.

But please do not put off your health because you worry of

others.

I did that when I first did not feel well. Of couse by the time I

was feeling real bad and could no longer put up with the discomfort

it was already a stage 3. Often wonder if I would of been a little

more selfish and took care of myself first would I of caught this

earlier.

We all must learn to take care of ourselves first. Or else we put

our own health in trouble. And of course without good health we

cannot be there for others.

Praying for YOU!!!

Love, Ingrid

>

> I know I had wrote with my stage 2 I did not have chemo or

radiation. I have changed from the original colon specialist and now

go to the Wilmont Cancer Center. The oncologist there definitly does

both chemo and radiation after surgery for stage 2. I have not seen

the oncologist since my last surgery end of August that turned out

not cancer. I will see him next month and at this point I don't think

he will do the chemo. I have seen the colon cancer specialist that

did the surgery and wanted to put off the oncologist until after the

holidays. We just lost one member of the family last week to renal

cell cancer and don't think my family needs any more worries right

now.

>

> Hil

> Re: Newly diagnosed with colon

cancer stage 2

>

>

> I would look real hard at chemo. As expected, without chemo there

is a

> higher survival rate for stage 2 than stage 3. The latest studies

show stage 3A

> with chemo has a higher survival rate than stage 2. While chemo

is not normally

> recommended for stage 2 logic would dictate it should be

considered in light

> of the latest research.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

, Just wanted to thank you for replying to all of us.

Yes, Your messages are posted for all here to read no matter who

you send it to. As long as you send it through the board all can read

it. We are all family here and we want you to feel part of us too.

Your expeirences will one day provide support for future cancer

patients who join us. Hope your feeling beter and stronger each and

every day. Love, Ingrid

>

> > I had surgery for stage 2 7/1/2003. No chemo or

> > radiation. At the present moment to my knowledge I

> > am still cancer free. I know some Dr's do want the

> > chemo following surgery to be sure and some don't

> > think it necessary. I still get checked and scanned

> > every six months now. Did have another colon resect

> > 8/22/05 but it was for scar tissue and the mass that

> > was showing in pet scans was also scar tissue this

> > time.

> >

> > Hil

> > Newly diagnosed

> > with colon cancer stage 2

> >

> >

> > Hello everyone, I am new at this but I am hoping

> > to benefit from your

> > experience. Had major surgery two weeks ago and

> > have an appt. to meet

> > with oncologist re chemo. Would anyone like to

> > share their experience

> > re chemo and stage 2? Thanks.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > [Non-text portions of this message have been

> > removed]

> >

> >

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Pat, You are so right. We have to be demanding with the doctors.

They see so many and cannot possible know everything about us just

with a glance of our charts. Hope you are feeling great and enjoying

the Holiday Spirit. Love, Ingrid

> > >

> > > Hello everyone, I am new at this but I am hoping

> > to benefit from your

> > > experience. Had major surgery two weeks ago and

> > have an appt. to

> > meet

> > > with oncologist re chemo. Would anyone like to

> > share their

> > experience

> > > re chemo and stage 2? Thanks.

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Marie,

Do lots of research. My wife is the one with cancer and before we

saw the onc, I had questions galore from all the research I did. Its

hard to ask the right questions if you dont know about your cancer,

and from the doctors I know they dont want to tell you too much. I

am much smarter now and when the doctor says something I dont

understand or disagree with, I question it. Stay strong, and stay

involved.

D

>

> >

> > Hi it would help to know your name.

> > Stage 2 is very treatable You have had surgery so

> > they will probably give

> > that time to heal. You will then probably be on a

> > combination chemo called

> > FOLFOX which stands for 5FU, Leucovorin and

> > Oxaliplatin.

> > You may feel pretty lousy on chemo day with a

> > slight fever aches and chills.

> > This is from the Oxaliplatin. If you bundle up

> > under the covers and take

> > some Tylenol it will pass by late afternoon or early

> > evening.

> > Another side effect is a tingly almost shock like

> > feeling if you touch cold

> > objects or are out in the cold. Sometimes people who

> > are on Oxaliplatin for a

> > long time have a tingling in their hands and feet

> > that lasts a few months

> > after treatment.

> >

> > If you start in January my guess is you should be

> > done around June.

> > In between you will have regular blood tests and CT

> > scans to be sure the

> > chemo is working and the cancer is GONE for good. I

> > copied and pasted the basic

> > things you'd want to know about this chemo

> >

> > Let us know how your visit goes

> > Best Wishes

> > Narice

> >

> >

> > General information

> >

> > Fluorouracil is one of the most commonly used drugs

> > to treat cancer. It is

> > used in the treatment of many types of cancer

> > including, breast, head and

> > neck, anal, stomach, colon and some skin cancers.

> >

> > 5FU is part of a group of chemotherapy drugs known

> > as the anti-metabolites.

> > Anti-metabolites are similar to normal body

> > molecules but they are slightly

> > different in structure. These differences mean

> > that anti-metabolites stop

> > cells working properly instead of helping them.

> > Anti-metabolites often stop

> > cells making and repairing DNA. Cancer cells need

> > to make and repair DNA in

> > order to grow and multiply. Anti-metabolites also

> > stop normal cells working

> > properly. This is why you get side effects.

> >

> > You can have 5FU as an injection or infusion into a

> > vein. There is also an

> > ointment that your doctor may give you for skin

> > cancer.

> >

> > The side effects associated with fluorouracil (5FU)

> > are listed below. Use

> > the links (underlined) to find out more about each

> > side effect. For more

> > information on side effects where there is no link

> > please see our chemotherapy

> > side effects section or click on 'search' at the top

> > of the page.

> >

> >

> > Common Side Effects

> >

> > Many people have one or more of the following side

> > effects

> >

> >

> > Fatigue - patients say this is the most disruptive

> > side effect of all.

> > Tiredness often carries on after treatment has

> > ended. Most people find their

> > energy levels are back to normal from 6 months to a

> > year after their treatment

> > finishes.

> > Feeling or being sick (usually mild)

> > Mouth sores and ulcers

> > Diarrhoea

> > Temporary drop in bone marrow function causing

> >

> > - Drop in white blood cell count. This increases

> > the risk of severe

> > infection. Infections can sometimes be life

> > threatening. You should urgently

> > contact a doctor if you think you have an

> > infection. This can feel like you have

> > 'flu (headache, feeling very cold and shivery,

> > fever, aching joints and

> > muscles). Or you may have a cough, sore throat or

> > pain when passing urine.

> >

> > - Fall in red cell count (anaemia), which may make

> > you feel tired and look

> > pale or be short of breath. You may need a blood

> > transfusion or treatment to

> > bring up your red cell count.

> >

> > - Drop in platelets in the blood causing bleeding or

> > bruising. You may have

> > lots of tiny red spots or bruises on your arms or

> > legs. You may have

> > nosebleeds or bleeding gums.

> >

> >

> > Contact your hospital if you have any of these bone

> > marrow side effects.

> >

> >

> > Tiredness

> > This drug may have a harmful effect on a baby

> > developing in the womb. It is

> > not advisable to become pregnant or father a child

> > while on chemotherapy.

> > You should talk to your doctor about contraception

> > before having the

> > treatment.

> > Occasional Side Effects

> >

> > Some people have the following side effects

> >

> >

> > Hair thinning

> > Brittle, chipped and ridged nails

> > Sensitivity of the skin to sunlight - you should not

> > sit in the sun if

> > having 5-FU. Cover up or use a sun block.

> > Rashes which may be itchy

> > Watery eyes from increased production of tears

> >

> > Gritty eyes and blurred vision

> > Loss of appetite

> > Brown marking on the skin following the line of the

> > vein where 5FU has been

> > injected

> > With continous infusion of 5FU an occasional side

> > effect is soreness and

> > redness of the palms of the hands and soles of the

> > feet (sometimes called hand

> > and foot syndrome or palmar-plantar syndrome).

> > Rare Side Effects

> >

> > A very small number of people experience these side

> > effects

> >

> >

> > Total hair loss

> > Darkened skin

> > Angina or heart attack

> > Confusion or unsteadiness

> > Remember

> >

> >

> >

> > Not everyone will get these side effects. You may

> > have none or several. A

> > side effect may get worse through your course of

> > treatment, or more side

> > effects may develop as the course goes on. This

> > depends on

> >

> > - How many times you've had the drug before

> > - Your general health

> > - How much of the drug you have (the dose)

> > - The way you take the drug (tablets or drip)

> > - Other drugs you are having

> >

> > Some side effects are upsetting or inconvenient,

> > but not damaging to your

> > health

> > Some side effects are serious medical conditions

> > and need treating. Where

> > we have urged you to contact your doctor, this is

> > because

> >

> > - Your side effect may need treating

> > - You drug dose may need reducing to try to prevent

> > the side effect

> >

> > Tell your doctor about any other medicines you are

> > taking, including

> > vitamins, herbal supplements and other over the

> > counter remedies - drugs can react

> > together

> > Talk to your doctor or nurse about all your side

> > effects so they can help

> > you manage them

> > People you can talk to about your side effects

> >

> > Your chemotherapy nurse, clinic or ward nurse will

> > have given you a contact

> > number. You can ring if you have any questions or

> > problems.

> === message truncated ===

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

The perforated colon is a POSSIBLE side effect it is not a definite one. In

fact the doctor my mom sees is a very large cancer center and they have never

seen that side effect happen from the chemo.

[Guest guest]

Ah so you'd have the standard treatment and Avastin, hmm this is a tough one

because Avastin was definitely the most effective treatment for my husband.

When he was on it he had a colonoscopy (about this time last year) and found

out that the 13 cm colon tumor was GONE If his liver had not been full of

tumors there was even a slight chance Avastin might have cured him and he was

STAGE 4!!!

The only reason I can see for NOT doing the study is the future. Let's say

for the moment you take all the chemo they can give you and WORSE case

scenario years from now it comes back. Of course we hope and pray it doesn't

and the

odds are it won't but in making this decision it is wise to look at the

possibility.

Now recurrence is worse than an initial diagnosis so you need bigger and

better guns to fight it. Well, currently those bigger and better guns are

Erbitux and Avastin. so if you use Avastin now you may not be able to use it

later.

Let's look at something we all know more about. You get a simple sore

throat. you go to the doctor and you learn it is Strep. He can give you simple

Amoxicillin or a new and powerful antibiotic known to kill the deadliest

bacterial infections, which will the doctor give you?

Well, most doctors will give you the Amoxicillin. The reason being that they

can give you something stronger but if they give you the stronger stuff for

this what happens if you build up tolerance and get an even worse infection

later? They will have to find something even stronger and that may or may not

exist.

So it is with the Avastin trial your body could build up tolerance and you

might not have it as a weapon later on should you need it. I would definitely

ask your doctor about this possibility.

Avastin and Erbitux have only been approved for under 2 years and they are

the big guns. You want to make sure you will have a ready arsenal to fight

with should you need it.

Hope this makes sense

Narice

In a message dated 12/20/2005 9:33:13 AM Eastern Standard Time,

jehret@... writes:

Well, if you would be getting the usual treatment that would be good. I think

I would go for it. They have to tell you the possible side effects even

though they are few. Whatever you decide I wish you well. Jolene

-----Original Message-----

From: colon_cancer_support

[mailto:colon_cancer_support ] On Behalf Of A. M. Werling

Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2005 12:28 AM

To: colon_cancer_support

Subject: Re: Re: Newly diagnosed with colon cancer

stage 2

Hello everyone,

I wasn't clear in explaining about the clinical trial.

Whether I agree to participate or not, I would get

5-FU, Leucovorin and Oxaliplatin for six months. If I

am in the clinical study, they would add Bevacizumab

which is currently being used for stage 4. I would

not know if I were getting the Bevacizumab or not.

The side affects to Bevacizumab say there is risk

related to wound healing " There have been reports of

patients on bevacizumab who had delaed healing of

their surgical wounds. A few patients have had a

breakdown of tissue at the site where their bowel was

reattached after removal of the tumor. A few patients

have also had a hole form in their stomach or bowel

wall. " There are 9 other side effects re heart, lung

and liver problems.

Under benefits, they say, " You may not necessarily

receive any direct benefit from your participation in

this study. While doctors hope that adding

bevacizumab to chemotherapy will be more useful in

treating colon cancer compared to chemotherapy alone,

there is no proof of this yet. "

The oncologist said bevacizumab is currently being

used for stage 4, but they want to see if it would be

of benefit for stage 2 and 3 colon cancer.

I have to decide by the first week in January what to

do regarding taking the trial drug in addition to the

regular chemo, so again, any input from the group is

appreciated.

--- " M. Womack " wrote:

> I believe that is the treatment given to Stage III

> and Stage IV cancer patients. I think it is a

> clinical trial not because of the chemo regimen but

> deciding/proving whether it also would benefit Stage

> II patients. Based on studies to date, there has

> not proven to be a lot of benefit in giving chemo to

> Stage II. There are some " high risk " Stage II

> patients that are given chemo.

>

> My concern would not be in getting Folfox, but in

> being in the placebo group.

>

> MA

> Re: Re: Newly

> diagnosed with colon cancer stage 2

>

>

> Hello everyone,

> I am just back from the oncologist and my head is

> swimming. I am so thankful to Narice for the

> information he gave re chemo drugs. Onc. is

> strongly

> recommending I participate in a clinical trial " A

> Phase III Clinical Trial Comparing Infusional

> 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), Leucovorin and Oxaliplatin

> (mFOLFOX6) He says they have had good results

> with

> patients in the later stages, but they want to

> test on

> people like me in stage 2 and I would be a " great

> candidate " . The side effect would be perforated

> colon. The clinical drug deals with metastis.

> Then

> the chemo regimin was described--2 days with a

> pump

> attached which is removed the 3rd day. The 4th

> day I

> get a shot to build white blood count. Treatment

> every other week for 6 months. If I agree to the

> clinical trial, I wouldn't know if I were getting

> it

> or not.

>

> Has anyone experience with this?

>

> My cancer is stage 2--perforated the wall of the

> colon, but the surrounding lymph glands are clear.

> I

> was told I a 60% without chemo, and another 10-20%

> with added chemo. I don't need a perforated

> colon.

> What are your feelings out there.

>

> The oncologist did spend time with us, and he said

> he'd treat me either way, but he really was

> pushing

> the clinical trial.

>

> I'm really glad I found your group. I wouldn't

> know

> where else I could bounce fears and questions off.

>

> Marie

>

> --- Grandmommyandme@... wrote:

>

> >

> >

> > In a message dated 12/17/2005 7:34:59 PM Eastern

> > Standard Time,

> > dlelsea@... writes:

> >

> > Marie,

> > Do lots of research. My wife is the one with

> cancer

> > and before we

> > saw the onc, I had questions galore from all the

> > research I did. Its

> > hard to ask the right questions if you dont know

> > about your cancer,

> > and from the doctors I know they dont want to

> tell

> > you too much. I

> > am much smarter now and when the doctor says

> > something I dont

> > understand or disagree with, I question it.

> Stay

> > strong, and stay

> > involved.

> >

> > D

> >

> >

> >

> > Very good advice from Doug to you Marie!!!

> Get

> > a notebook and write

> > all questions down and DEMAND answers...of some

> > kind!! You have a right to

> > know anything and everything in order to battle

> this

> > BEAST!! You need to be a

> > SURVIVOR!!!

> >

> > Lots of hugs and prayers, Donelle

> > Caregiver to Glenn

> >

> >

> > [Non-text portions of this message have been

> > removed]

> >

> >

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

My mom is stage IV but she hasn't had Bevacizumab so I'm not sure about it.

One of the possible side effects to Avastin is perforated colon also, thats

the one I had commented on.

[Guest guest]

Well if you would be getting the usual treatment that would be good. I think

I would go for it. They have to tell you the possible side effects even

though they are few. Whatever you decide I wish you well. Jolene

Re: Re: Newly diagnosed with colon cancer

stage 2

Hello everyone,

I wasn't clear in explaining about the clinical trial.

Whether I agree to participate or not, I would get

5-FU, Leucovorin and Oxaliplatin for six months. If I

am in the clinical study, they would add Bevacizumab

which is currently being used for stage 4. I would

not know if I were getting the Bevacizumab or not.

The side affects to Bevacizumab say there is risk

related to wound healing " There have been reports of

patients on bevacizumab who had delaed healing of

their surgical wounds. A few patients have had a

breakdown of tissue at the site where their bowel was

reattached after removal of the tumor. A few patients

have also had a hole form in their stomach or bowel

wall. " There are 9 other side effects re heart, lung

and liver problems.

Under benefits, they say, " You may not necessarily

receive any direct benefit from your participation in

this study. While doctors hope that adding

bevacizumab to chemotherapy will be more useful in

treating colon cancer compared to chemotherapy alone,

there is no proof of this yet. "

The oncologist said bevacizumab is currently being

used for stage 4, but they want to see if it would be

of benefit for stage 2 and 3 colon cancer.

I have to decide by the first week in January what to

do regarding taking the trial drug in addition to the

regular chemo, so again, any input from the group is

appreciated.

--- " M. Womack " wrote:

> I believe that is the treatment given to Stage III

> and Stage IV cancer patients. I think it is a

> clinical trial not because of the chemo regimen but

> deciding/proving whether it also would benefit Stage

> II patients. Based on studies to date, there has

> not proven to be a lot of benefit in giving chemo to

> Stage II. There are some " high risk " Stage II

> patients that are given chemo.

>

> My concern would not be in getting Folfox, but in

> being in the placebo group.

>

> MA

> Re: Re: Newly

> diagnosed with colon cancer stage 2

>

>

> Hello everyone,

> I am just back from the oncologist and my head is

> swimming. I am so thankful to Narice for the

> information he gave re chemo drugs. Onc. is

> strongly

> recommending I participate in a clinical trial " A

> Phase III Clinical Trial Comparing Infusional

> 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), Leucovorin and Oxaliplatin

> (mFOLFOX6) He says they have had good results

> with

> patients in the later stages, but they want to

> test on

> people like me in stage 2 and I would be a " great

> candidate " . The side effect would be perforated

> colon. The clinical drug deals with metastis.

> Then

> the chemo regimin was described--2 days with a

> pump

> attached which is removed the 3rd day. The 4th

> day I

> get a shot to build white blood count. Treatment

> every other week for 6 months. If I agree to the

> clinical trial, I wouldn't know if I were getting

> it

> or not.

>

> Has anyone experience with this?

>

> My cancer is stage 2--perforated the wall of the

> colon, but the surrounding lymph glands are clear.

> I

> was told I a 60% without chemo, and another 10-20%

> with added chemo. I don't need a perforated

> colon.

> What are your feelings out there.

>

> The oncologist did spend time with us, and he said

> he'd treat me either way, but he really was

> pushing

> the clinical trial.

>

> I'm really glad I found your group. I wouldn't

> know

> where else I could bounce fears and questions off.

>

> Marie

>

> --- Grandmommyandme@... wrote:

>

> >

> >

> > In a message dated 12/17/2005 7:34:59 PM Eastern

> > Standard Time,

> > dlelsea@... writes:

> >

> > Marie,

> > Do lots of research. My wife is the one with

> cancer

> > and before we

> > saw the onc, I had questions galore from all the

> > research I did. Its

> > hard to ask the right questions if you dont know

> > about your cancer,

> > and from the doctors I know they dont want to

> tell

> > you too much. I

> > am much smarter now and when the doctor says

> > something I dont

> > understand or disagree with, I question it.

> Stay

> > strong, and stay

> > involved.

> >

> > D

> >

> >

> >

> > Very good advice from Doug to you Marie!!!

> Get

> > a notebook and write

> > all questions down and DEMAND answers...of some

> > kind!! You have a right to

> > know anything and everything in order to battle

> this

> > BEAST!! You need to be a

> > SURVIVOR!!!

> >

> > Lots of hugs and prayers, Donelle

> > Caregiver to Glenn

> >

> >

> > [Non-text portions of this message have been

> > removed]

> >

> >

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Narice and everyone,

You have been so helpful. I am so fortunate to have

found you. Right now I am leaning toward not

participating in the clinical trial. I am not happy

with the added risks, and what you said about saving

the big guns for later makes a lot of sense. Thanks

again.

Marie

--- flipper759@... wrote:

>

>

>

> Ah so you'd have the standard treatment and Avastin,

> hmm this is a tough one

> because Avastin was definitely the most effective

> treatment for my husband.

> When he was on it he had a colonoscopy (about this

> time last year) and found

> out that the 13 cm colon tumor was GONE If his liver

> had not been full of

> tumors there was even a slight chance Avastin might

> have cured him and he was

> STAGE 4!!!

>

> The only reason I can see for NOT doing the study is

> the future. Let's say

> for the moment you take all the chemo they can give

> you and WORSE case

> scenario years from now it comes back. Of course we

> hope and pray it doesn't and the

> odds are it won't but in making this decision it is

> wise to look at the

> possibility.

>

> Now recurrence is worse than an initial diagnosis so

> you need bigger and

> better guns to fight it. Well, currently those

> bigger and better guns are

> Erbitux and Avastin. so if you use Avastin now you

> may not be able to use it later.

>

> Let's look at something we all know more about. You

> get a simple sore

> throat. you go to the doctor and you learn it is

> Strep. He can give you simple

> Amoxicillin or a new and powerful antibiotic known

> to kill the deadliest

> bacterial infections, which will the doctor give

> you?

>

> Well, most doctors will give you the Amoxicillin.

> The reason being that they

> can give you something stronger but if they give you

> the stronger stuff for

> this what happens if you build up tolerance and get

> an even worse infection

> later? They will have to find something even

> stronger and that may or may not

> exist.

>

> So it is with the Avastin trial your body could

> build up tolerance and you

> might not have it as a weapon later on should you

> need it. I would definitely

> ask your doctor about this possibility.

> Avastin and Erbitux have only been approved for

> under 2 years and they are

> the big guns. You want to make sure you will have a

> ready arsenal to fight

> with should you need it.

>

> Hope this makes sense

>

> Narice

>

>

>

> In a message dated 12/20/2005 9:33:13 AM Eastern

> Standard Time,

> jehret@... writes:

>

> Well, if you would be getting the usual treatment

> that would be good. I think

> I would go for it. They have to tell you the

> possible side effects even

> though they are few. Whatever you decide I wish

> you well. Jolene

>

>

>

> -----Original Message-----

> From: colon_cancer_support

> [mailto:colon_cancer_support ] On

> Behalf Of A. M. Werling

> Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2005 12:28 AM

> To: colon_cancer_support

> Subject: Re: Re: Newly

> diagnosed with colon cancer

> stage 2

>

>

>

> Hello everyone,

> I wasn't clear in explaining about the clinical

> trial.

> Whether I agree to participate or not, I would get

> 5-FU, Leucovorin and Oxaliplatin for six months. If

> I

> am in the clinical study, they would add

> Bevacizumab

> which is currently being used for stage 4. I would

> not know if I were getting the Bevacizumab or not.

> The side affects to Bevacizumab say there is risk

> related to wound healing " There have been reports of

> patients on bevacizumab who had delaed healing of

> their surgical wounds. A few patients have had a

> breakdown of tissue at the site where their bowel

> was

> reattached after removal of the tumor. A few

> patients

> have also had a hole form in their stomach or bowel

> wall. " There are 9 other side effects re heart,

> lung

> and liver problems.

>

> Under benefits, they say, " You may not necessarily

> receive any direct benefit from your participation

> in

> this study. While doctors hope that adding

> bevacizumab to chemotherapy will be more useful in

> treating colon cancer compared to chemotherapy

> alone,

> there is no proof of this yet. "

>

> The oncologist said bevacizumab is currently being

> used for stage 4, but they want to see if it would

> be

> of benefit for stage 2 and 3 colon cancer.

>

> I have to decide by the first week in January what

> to

> do regarding taking the trial drug in addition to

> the

> regular chemo, so again, any input from the group

> is

> appreciated.

>

> --- " M. Womack " wrote:

>

> > I believe that is the treatment given to Stage

> III

> > and Stage IV cancer patients. I think it is a

> > clinical trial not because of the chemo regimen

> but

> > deciding/proving whether it also would benefit

> Stage

> > II patients. Based on studies to date, there has

> > not proven to be a lot of benefit in giving chemo

> to

> > Stage II. There are some " high risk " Stage II

> > patients that are given chemo.

> >

> > My concern would not be in getting Folfox, but in

> > being in the placebo group.

> >

> > MA

> > Re: Re: Newly

> > diagnosed with colon cancer stage 2

> >

> >

> > Hello everyone,

> > I am just back from the oncologist and my head

> is

> > swimming. I am so thankful to Narice for the

> > information he gave re chemo drugs. Onc. is

> > strongly

> > recommending I participate in a clinical trial

> " A

> > Phase III Clinical Trial Comparing Infusional

> > 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), Leucovorin and

> Oxaliplatin

> > (mFOLFOX6) He says they have had good results

> > with

> > patients in the later stages, but they want to

> > test on

> > people like me in stage 2 and I would be a

> " great

> > candidate " . The side effect would be

> perforated

> > colon. The clinical drug deals with metastis.

> > Then

> > the chemo regimin was described--2 days with a

> > pump

> > attached which is removed the 3rd day. The 4th

> > day I

> > get a shot to build white blood count.

> Treatment

> > every other week for 6 months. If I agree to

> the

> > clinical trial, I wouldn't know if I were

> getting

> > it

> > or not.

> >

> > Has anyone experience with this?

> >

>

=== message truncated ===

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

What is the alternative course of treatment if you don't enroll in the

clinical trial? Also, is the clinical trial just testing the efficacy

in non-metastatic disease, because the protocol you have described is

standard treatment now, I believe, for Stage III and above (this is

what I had anyhow - FOLFOX 6). IMHO, you should probably be getting

FOLFOX even if you aren't on a trial...what is your Dr. proposing

alternatively? just 5fu?

I did great on Folfox 6 and (knock on wood) have been cancer free for

almost 3 years. I was a stage 2 but was treated very aggressively. I

wasn't in a trial, but had very progressive doctors who had been using

oxaliplatin for awhile.

I guess my point is, don't be frightened by the fact that this is a

" clinical trial " if it is 5fu, leucovorin and oxaliplatin that you

would be getting. This is what they have been using as standard

treatment for more advanced disease for some time.

Best of luck to you.

>

> >

> >

> > In a message dated 12/17/2005 7:34:59 PM Eastern

> > Standard Time,

> > dlelsea@h... writes:

> >

> > Marie,

> > Do lots of research. My wife is the one with cancer

> > and before we

> > saw the onc, I had questions galore from all the

> > research I did. Its

> > hard to ask the right questions if you dont know

> > about your cancer,

> > and from the doctors I know they dont want to tell

> > you too much. I

> > am much smarter now and when the doctor says

> > something I dont

> > understand or disagree with, I question it. Stay

> > strong, and stay

> > involved.

> >

> > D

> >

> >

> >

> > Very good advice from Doug to you Marie!!! Get

> > a notebook and write

> > all questions down and DEMAND answers...of some

> > kind!! You have a right to

> > know anything and everything in order to battle this

> > BEAST!! You need to be a

> > SURVIVOR!!!

> >

> > Lots of hugs and prayers, Donelle

> > Caregiver to Glenn

> >

> >

> > [Non-text portions of this message have been

> > removed]

> >

> >

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

All I ask is PLEASE do not trust me as the final word. I AM NOT a doctor.

Discuss it with them.

Narice

In a message dated 12/20/2005 11:38:44 AM Eastern Standard Time,

skipper_07666@... writes:

Dear Narice and everyone,

You have been so helpful. I am so fortunate to have

found you. Right now I am leaning toward not

participating in the clinical trial. I am not happy

with the added risks, and what you said about saving

the big guns for later makes a lot of sense. Thanks

again.

Marie

--- flipper759@... wrote:

>

>

>

> Ah so you'd have the standard treatment and Avastin,

> hmm this is a tough one

> because Avastin was definitely the most effective

> treatment for my husband.

> When he was on it he had a colonoscopy (about this

> time last year) and found

> out that the 13 cm colon tumor was GONE If his liver

> had not been full of

> tumors there was even a slight chance Avastin might

> have cured him and he was

> STAGE 4!!!

>

> The only reason I can see for NOT doing the study is

> the future. Let's say

> for the moment you take all the chemo they can give

> you and WORSE case

> scenario years from now it comes back. Of course we

> hope and pray it doesn't and the

> odds are it won't but in making this decision it is

> wise to look at the

> possibility.

>

> Now recurrence is worse than an initial diagnosis so

> you need bigger and

> better guns to fight it. Well, currently those

> bigger and better guns are

> Erbitux and Avastin. so if you use Avastin now you

> may not be able to use it later.

>

> Let's look at something we all know more about. You

> get a simple sore

> throat. you go to the doctor and you learn it is

> Strep. He can give you simple

> Amoxicillin or a new and powerful antibiotic known

> to kill the deadliest

> bacterial infections, which will the doctor give

> you?

>

> Well, most doctors will give you the Amoxicillin.

> The reason being that they

> can give you something stronger but if they give you

> the stronger stuff for

> this what happens if you build up tolerance and get

> an even worse infection

> later? They will have to find something even

> stronger and that may or may not

> exist.

>

> So it is with the Avastin trial your body could

> build up tolerance and you

> might not have it as a weapon later on should you

> need it. I would definitely

> ask your doctor about this possibility.

> Avastin and Erbitux have only been approved for

> under 2 years and they are

> the big guns. You want to make sure you will have a

> ready arsenal to fight

> with should you need it.

>

> Hope this makes sense

>

> Narice

>

>

>

> In a message dated 12/20/2005 9:33:13 AM Eastern

> Standard Time,

> jehret@... writes:

>

> Well, if you would be getting the usual treatment

> that would be good. I think

> I would go for it. They have to tell you the

> possible side effects even

> though they are few. Whatever you decide I wish

> you well. Jolene

>

>

>

> -----Original Message-----

> From: colon_cancer_support

> [mailto:colon_cancer_support ] On

> Behalf Of A. M. Werling

> Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2005 12:28 AM

> To: colon_cancer_support

> Subject: Re: Re: Newly

> diagnosed with colon cancer

> stage 2

>

>

>

> Hello everyone,

> I wasn't clear in explaining about the clinical

> trial.

> Whether I agree to participate or not, I would get

> 5-FU, Leucovorin and Oxaliplatin for six months. If

> I

> am in the clinical study, they would add

> Bevacizumab

> which is currently being used for stage 4. I would

> not know if I were getting the Bevacizumab or not.

> The side affects to Bevacizumab say there is risk

> related to wound healing " There have been reports of

> patients on bevacizumab who had delaed healing of

> their surgical wounds. A few patients have had a

> breakdown of tissue at the site where their bowel

> was

> reattached after removal of the tumor. A few

> patients

> have also had a hole form in their stomach or bowel

> wall. " There are 9 other side effects re heart,

> lung

> and liver problems.

>

> Under benefits, they say, " You may not necessarily

> receive any direct benefit from your participation

> in

> this study. While doctors hope that adding

> bevacizumab to chemotherapy will be more useful in

> treating colon cancer compared to chemotherapy

> alone,

> there is no proof of this yet. "

>

> The oncologist said bevacizumab is currently being

> used for stage 4, but they want to see if it would

> be

> of benefit for stage 2 and 3 colon cancer.

>

> I have to decide by the first week in January what

> to

> do regarding taking the trial drug in addition to

> the

> regular chemo, so again, any input from the group

> is

> appreciated.

>

> --- " M. Womack " wrote:

>

> > I believe that is the treatment given to Stage

> III

> > and Stage IV cancer patients. I think it is a

> > clinical trial not because of the chemo regimen

> but

> > deciding/proving whether it also would benefit

> Stage

> > II patients. Based on studies to date, there has

> > not proven to be a lot of benefit in giving chemo

> to

> > Stage II. There are some " high risk " Stage II

> > patients that are given chemo.

> >

> > My concern would not be in getting Folfox, but in

> > being in the placebo group.

> >

> > MA

> > Re: Re: Newly

> > diagnosed with colon cancer stage 2

> >

> >

> > Hello everyone,

> > I am just back from the oncologist and my head

> is

> > swimming. I am so thankful to Narice for the

> > information he gave re chemo drugs. Onc. is

> > strongly

> > recommending I participate in a clinical trial

> " A

> > Phase III Clinical Trial Comparing Infusional

> > 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), Leucovorin and

> Oxaliplatin

> > (mFOLFOX6) He says they have had good results

> > with

> > patients in the later stages, but they want to

> > test on

> > people like me in stage 2 and I would be a

> " great

> > candidate " . The side effect would be

> perforated

> > colon. The clinical drug deals with metastis.

> > Then

> > the chemo regimin was described--2 days with a

> > pump

> > attached which is removed the 3rd day. The 4th

> > day I

> > get a shot to build white blood count.

> Treatment

> > every other week for 6 months. If I agree to

> the

> > clinical trial, I wouldn't know if I were

> getting

> > it

> > or not.

> >

> > Has anyone experience with this?

> >

>

=== message truncated ===

__________________________________________________

Do You Yahoo!?

Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around

http://mail.yahoo.com

[Guest guest]

The way I understand it now, is you will get Folfox which is the standard

treatment for Stage III. If you participate in the trial, you may get Avastin.

I really believe the only CHANCE you have of getting Avastin at this stage in

your diagnosis is to go with the trial and hope you are getting it.

The way it is sounding I would say you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain.

MA

Re: Re: Newly

> diagnosed with colon cancer stage 2

>

>

> Hello everyone,

> I am just back from the oncologist and my head is

> swimming. I am so thankful to Narice for the

> information he gave re chemo drugs. Onc. is

> strongly

> recommending I participate in a clinical trial " A

> Phase III Clinical Trial Comparing Infusional

> 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), Leucovorin and Oxaliplatin

> (mFOLFOX6) He says they have had good results

> with

> patients in the later stages, but they want to

> test on

> people like me in stage 2 and I would be a " great

> candidate " . The side effect would be perforated

> colon. The clinical drug deals with metastis.

> Then

> the chemo regimin was described--2 days with a

> pump

> attached which is removed the 3rd day. The 4th

> day I

> get a shot to build white blood count. Treatment

> every other week for 6 months. If I agree to the

> clinical trial, I wouldn't know if I were getting

> it

> or not.

>

> Has anyone experience with this?

>

> My cancer is stage 2--perforated the wall of the

> colon, but the surrounding lymph glands are clear.

> I

> was told I a 60% without chemo, and another 10-20%

> with added chemo. I don't need a perforated

> colon.

> What are your feelings out there.

>

> The oncologist did spend time with us, and he said

> he'd treat me either way, but he really was

> pushing

> the clinical trial.

>

> I'm really glad I found your group. I wouldn't

> know

> where else I could bounce fears and questions off.

>

> Marie

>

> --- Grandmommyandme@... wrote:

>

> >

> >

> > In a message dated 12/17/2005 7:34:59 PM Eastern

> > Standard Time,

> > dlelsea@... writes:

> >

> > Marie,

> > Do lots of research. My wife is the one with

> cancer

> > and before we

> > saw the onc, I had questions galore from all the

> > research I did. Its

> > hard to ask the right questions if you dont know

> > about your cancer,

> > and from the doctors I know they dont want to

> tell

> > you too much. I

> > am much smarter now and when the doctor says

> > something I dont

> > understand or disagree with, I question it.

> Stay

> > strong, and stay

> > involved.

> >

> > D

> >

> >

> >

> > Very good advice from Doug to you Marie!!!

> Get

> > a notebook and write

> > all questions down and DEMAND answers...of some

> > kind!! You have a right to

> > know anything and everything in order to battle

> this

> > BEAST!! You need to be a

> > SURVIVOR!!!

> >

> > Lots of hugs and prayers, Donelle

> > Caregiver to Glenn

> >

> >

> > [Non-text portions of this message have been

> > removed]

> >

> >

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Hello Deb,

I did post what transpired with my onc. appt. Let me

see if I can paste that here.

Hello everyone,

I wasn't clear in explaining about the clinical trial.

Whether I agree to participate or not, I would get

5-FU, Leucovorin and Oxaliplatin for six months. If I

am in the clinical study, they would add Bevacizumab

which is currently being used for stage 4. I would

not know if I were getting the Bevacizumab or not.

The side affects to Bevacizumab say there is risk

related to wound healing " There have been reports of

patients on bevacizumab who had delaed healing of

their surgical wounds. A few patients have had a

breakdown of tissue at the site where their bowel was

reattached after removal of the tumor. A few patients

have also had a hole form in their stomach or bowel

wall. " There are 9 other side effects re heart, lung

and liver problems.

Under benefits, they say, " You may not necessarily

receive any direct benefit from your participation in

this study. While doctors hope that adding

bevacizumab to chemotherapy will be more useful in

treating colon cancer compared to chemotherapy alone,

there is no proof of this yet. "

The oncologist said bevacizumab is currently being

used for stage 4, but they want to see if it would be

of benefit for stage 2 and 3 colon cancer.

I have to decide by the first week in January what to

do regarding taking the trial drug in addition to the

regular chemo, so again, any input from the group is

appreciated.

(Wow, I just amazed myself that I was able to paste

that in.)

I am so torn. At first my thought was Stage 2 is a

treatable cancer, save the big guns (Avastin). Then I

read where stage 2 appeared again even with chemo but

without avastin. I am so worried about the neuropathy

with the oxipl (sp?) and also perforations or a hole

in the bowel with Avastin. And I am worried that this

thing will come back no matter what.

I got my husband to make an appt. for his colonoscopy.

I hope his turns out better than mine.

Thank you for your caring. Prayers help too.

Marie

--- flytodeb wrote:

> Marie, how did your appointment go with the

> oncologist? Keep in touch.

> ~Deb from KS

>

> " A. M. Werling " wrote:

> Hello Narice,

> I can't thank you enough for the information you

> sent.

> I tried to obtain this info and all sources said I

> would get this from the oncologist when I see him.

> I

> wanted to be prepared before hand. I will be in

> touch

> Monday after the appointment. Thank you again for

> your prompt help.

> Sincerely,

> Marie

>

> --- flipper759@... wrote:

>

> >

> > Hi it would help to know your name.

> > Stage 2 is very treatable You have had surgery so

> > they will probably give

> > that time to heal. You will then probably be on a

> > combination chemo called

> > FOLFOX which stands for 5FU, Leucovorin and

> > Oxaliplatin.

> > You may feel pretty lousy on chemo day with a

> > slight fever aches and chills.

> > This is from the Oxaliplatin. If you bundle up

> > under the covers and take

> > some Tylenol it will pass by late afternoon or

> early

> > evening.

> > Another side effect is a tingly almost shock like

> > feeling if you touch cold

> > objects or are out in the cold. Sometimes people

> who

> > are on Oxaliplatin for a

> > long time have a tingling in their hands and feet

> > that lasts a few months

> > after treatment.

> >

> > If you start in January my guess is you should be

> > done around June.

> > In between you will have regular blood tests and

> CT

> > scans to be sure the

> > chemo is working and the cancer is GONE for good.

> I

> > copied and pasted the basic

> > things you'd want to know about this chemo

> >

> > Let us know how your visit goes

> > Best Wishes

> > Narice

> >

> >

> > General information

> >

> > Fluorouracil is one of the most commonly used

> drugs

> > to treat cancer. It is

> > used in the treatment of many types of cancer

> > including, breast, head and

> > neck, anal, stomach, colon and some skin cancers.

>

> >

> > 5FU is part of a group of chemotherapy drugs

> known

> > as the anti-metabolites.

> > Anti-metabolites are similar to normal body

> > molecules but they are slightly

> > different in structure. These differences mean

> > that anti-metabolites stop

> > cells working properly instead of helping them.

> > Anti-metabolites often stop

> > cells making and repairing DNA. Cancer cells

> need

> > to make and repair DNA in

> > order to grow and multiply. Anti-metabolites

> also

> > stop normal cells working

> > properly. This is why you get side effects.

> >

> > You can have 5FU as an injection or infusion into

> a

> > vein. There is also an

> > ointment that your doctor may give you for skin

> > cancer.

> >

> > The side effects associated with fluorouracil

> (5FU)

> > are listed below. Use

> > the links (underlined) to find out more about each

>

> > side effect. For more

> > information on side effects where there is no link

>

> > please see our chemotherapy

> > side effects section or click on 'search' at the

> top

> > of the page.

> >

> >

> > Common Side Effects

> >

> > Many people have one or more of the following

> side

> > effects

> >

> >

> > Fatigue - patients say this is the most

> disruptive

> > side effect of all.

> > Tiredness often carries on after treatment has

> > ended. Most people find their

> > energy levels are back to normal from 6 months to

> a

> > year after their treatment

> > finishes.

> > Feeling or being sick (usually mild)

> > Mouth sores and ulcers

> > Diarrhoea

> > Temporary drop in bone marrow function causing

> >

> > - Drop in white blood cell count. This increases

> > the risk of severe

> > infection. Infections can sometimes be life

> > threatening. You should urgently

> > contact a doctor if you think you have an

> > infection. This can feel like you have

> > 'flu (headache, feeling very cold and shivery,

> > fever, aching joints and

> > muscles). Or you may have a cough, sore throat

> or

> > pain when passing urine.

> >

> > - Fall in red cell count (anaemia), which may

> make

> > you feel tired and look

> > pale or be short of breath. You may need a blood

> > transfusion or treatment to

> > bring up your red cell count.

> >

> > - Drop in platelets in the blood causing bleeding

> or

> > bruising. You may have

> > lots of tiny red spots or bruises on your arms or

> > legs. You may have

> > nosebleeds or bleeding gums.

> >

> >

> > Contact your hospital if you have any of these

> bone

> > marrow side effects.

> >

> >

> > Tiredness

> > This drug may have a harmful effect on a baby

> > developing in the womb. It is

> > not advisable to become pregnant or father a

> child

> > while on chemotherapy.

> > You should talk to your doctor about

> contraception

> > before having the

> > treatment.

> > Occasional Side Effects

> >

> > Some people have the following side effects

> >

> >

> > Hair thinning

> > Brittle, chipped and ridged nails

> > Sensitivity of the skin to sunlight - you should

> not

> > sit in the sun if

> > having 5-FU. Cover up or use a sun block.

> > Rashes which may be itchy

> > Watery eyes from increased production of tears

>

> >

> > Gritty eyes and blurred vision

> > Loss of appetite

> > Brown marking on the skin following the line of

> the

> > vein where 5FU has been

> > injected

> > With continous infusion of 5FU an occasional side

> > effect is soreness and

> > redness of the palms of the hands and soles of

> the

> > feet (sometimes called hand

> > and foot syndrome or palmar-plantar syndrome).

> > Rare Side Effects

> >

> > A very small number of people experience these

> side

> > effects

>

=== message truncated ===

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I am so torn. At first my thought was Stage 2 is a

treatable cancer, save the big guns (Avastin). Then I

read where stage 2 appeared again even with chemo but

without avastin. I am so worried about the neuropathy

with the oxipl (sp?) and also perforations or a hole

in the bowel with Avastin. And I am worried that this

thing will come back no matter what.

, Please do not worry so much about the neuropathy with the

Oxi. I was on it and yes, there is tingling in the hands and

sometimes feet when touching things cooler then room temperature.

This only lasts for a couple of days after the infusion. You will

only get the drug on your first day of each chemo treatment. The

sensations will and do go away in between the chemo treatments. The

sensations are bearable. They are NOT painful just rather a surprised

sensation. It is a minor inconveniance compared to all the good the

Oxi can do in making sure the cancer does not come back.

I know and understand that you would rather not be in this

situation to begin with. We all feel this way. But this is the next

best step.

I understand your fears of always thinking that the cancer may come

back. We all have that fear. It is part of the roller coaster ride

that we all go through with this cancer scare. You can only put your

trust in God and Pray!!!

Your chances of it NOT coming back are very good. And more so with

the chemo!!!! I have heard that in a normal human life time 1 in 3

will get cancer. Think of it this way. You got it and it's over with

so live well and enjoy life. At least now you are in doctors care and

more watchful for it. If it by some small chance dose come back it

will be caught in a early stage that is curable.

Just stay with us on this group and talk about your fears. It

helps!!!!!

Praying for YOU!!!!

Love, Ingrid

> >

> > >

> > > Hi it would help to know your name.

> > > Stage 2 is very treatable You have had surgery so

> > > they will probably give

> > > that time to heal. You will then probably be on a

> > > combination chemo called

> > > FOLFOX which stands for 5FU, Leucovorin and

> > > Oxaliplatin.

> > > You may feel pretty lousy on chemo day with a

> > > slight fever aches and chills.

> > > This is from the Oxaliplatin. If you bundle up

> > > under the covers and take

> > > some Tylenol it will pass by late afternoon or

> > early

> > > evening.

> > > Another side effect is a tingly almost shock like

> > > feeling if you touch cold

> > > objects or are out in the cold. Sometimes people

> > who

> > > are on Oxaliplatin for a

> > > long time have a tingling in their hands and feet

> > > that lasts a few months

> > > after treatment.

> > >

> > > If you start in January my guess is you should be

> > > done around June.

> > > In between you will have regular blood tests and

> > CT

> > > scans to be sure the

> > > chemo is working and the cancer is GONE for good.

> > I

> > > copied and pasted the basic

> > > things you'd want to know about this chemo

> > >

> > > Let us know how your visit goes

> > > Best Wishes

> > > Narice

> > >

> > >

> > > General information

> > >

> > > Fluorouracil is one of the most commonly used

> > drugs

> > > to treat cancer. It is

> > > used in the treatment of many types of cancer

> > > including, breast, head and

> > > neck, anal, stomach, colon and some skin cancers.

> >

> > >

> > > 5FU is part of a group of chemotherapy drugs

> > known

> > > as the anti-metabolites.

> > > Anti-metabolites are similar to normal body

> > > molecules but they are slightly

> > > different in structure. These differences mean

> > > that anti-metabolites stop

> > > cells working properly instead of helping them.

> > > Anti-metabolites often stop

> > > cells making and repairing DNA. Cancer cells

> > need

> > > to make and repair DNA in

> > > order to grow and multiply. Anti-metabolites

> > also

> > > stop normal cells working

> > > properly. This is why you get side effects.

> > >

> > > You can have 5FU as an injection or infusion into

> > a

> > > vein. There is also an

> > > ointment that your doctor may give you for skin

> > > cancer.

> > >

> > > The side effects associated with fluorouracil

> > (5FU)

> > > are listed below. Use

> > > the links (underlined) to find out more about each

> >

> > > side effect. For more

> > > information on side effects where there is no link

> >

> > > please see our chemotherapy

> > > side effects section or click on 'search' at the

> > top

> > > of the page.

> > >

> > >

> > > Common Side Effects

> > >

> > > Many people have one or more of the following

> > side

> > > effects

> > >

> > >

> > > Fatigue - patients say this is the most

> > disruptive

> > > side effect of all.

> > > Tiredness often carries on after treatment has

> > > ended. Most people find their

> > > energy levels are back to normal from 6 months to

> > a

> > > year after their treatment

> > > finishes.

> > > Feeling or being sick (usually mild)

> > > Mouth sores and ulcers

> > > Diarrhoea

> > > Temporary drop in bone marrow function causing

> > >

> > > - Drop in white blood cell count. This increases

> > > the risk of severe

> > > infection. Infections can sometimes be life

> > > threatening. You should urgently

> > > contact a doctor if you think you have an

> > > infection. This can feel like you have

> > > 'flu (headache, feeling very cold and shivery,

> > > fever, aching joints and

> > > muscles). Or you may have a cough, sore throat

> > or

> > > pain when passing urine.

> > >

> > > - Fall in red cell count (anaemia), which may

> > make

> > > you feel tired and look

> > > pale or be short of breath. You may need a blood

> > > transfusion or treatment to

> > > bring up your red cell count.

> > >

> > > - Drop in platelets in the blood causing bleeding

> > or

> > > bruising. You may have

> > > lots of tiny red spots or bruises on your arms or

> > > legs. You may have

> > > nosebleeds or bleeding gums.

> > >

> > >

> > > Contact your hospital if you have any of these

> > bone

> > > marrow side effects.

> > >

> > >

> > > Tiredness

> > > This drug may have a harmful effect on a baby

> > > developing in the womb. It is

> > > not advisable to become pregnant or father a

> > child

> > > while on chemotherapy.

> > > You should talk to your doctor about

> > contraception

> > > before having the

> > > treatment.

> > > Occasional Side Effects

> > >

> > > Some people have the following side effects

> > >

> > >

> > > Hair thinning

> > > Brittle, chipped and ridged nails

> > > Sensitivity of the skin to sunlight - you should

> > not

> > > sit in the sun if

> > > having 5-FU. Cover up or use a sun block.

> > > Rashes which may be itchy

> > > Watery eyes from increased production of tears

> >

> > >

> > > Gritty eyes and blurred vision

> > > Loss of appetite

> > > Brown marking on the skin following the line of

> > the

> > > vein where 5FU has been

> > > injected

> > > With continous infusion of 5FU an occasional side

> > > effect is soreness and

> > > redness of the palms of the hands and soles of

> > the

> > > feet (sometimes called hand

> > > and foot syndrome or palmar-plantar syndrome).

> > > Rare Side Effects

> > >

> > > A very small number of people experience these

> > side

> > > effects

> >

> === message truncated ===

>

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Ingrid, Thank you for your words of

encouragement; it was just what I needed. It was a

down day today. Prayers do help. I feel God has been

watching and steering me along. That I had the

colonoscopy when I did, that I found the surgeon that

I did, and that I found this group. With your help,

hopefully I will get through this journey.

With grateful hugs,

Marie

> > >

> > > >

> > > > Hi it would help to know your name.

> > > > Stage 2 is very treatable You have had

> surgery so

> > > > they will probably give

> > > > that time to heal. You will then probably be

> on a

> > > > combination chemo called

> > > > FOLFOX which stands for 5FU, Leucovorin and

> > > > Oxaliplatin.

> > > > You may feel pretty lousy on chemo day with a

> > > > slight fever aches and chills.

> > > > This is from the Oxaliplatin. If you bundle up

>

> > > > under the covers and take

> > > > some Tylenol it will pass by late afternoon or

> > > early

> > > > evening.

> > > > Another side effect is a tingly almost shock

> like

> > > > feeling if you touch cold

> > > > objects or are out in the cold. Sometimes

> people

> > > who

> > > > are on Oxaliplatin for a

> > > > long time have a tingling in their hands and

> feet

> > > > that lasts a few months

> > > > after treatment.

> > > >

>

=== message truncated ===

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi, Marie. Sorry that I did not see your later message. Thank you for

pasting that so I could read it.

That is good news that your husband will get his colonoscopy. I am praying for

both of you.

~Deb from KS

" A. M. Werling " wrote:

Hello Deb,

I did post what transpired with my onc. appt. Let me

see if I can paste that here.

Hello everyone,

I wasn't clear in explaining about the clinical trial.

Whether I agree to participate or not, I would get

5-FU, Leucovorin and Oxaliplatin for six months. If I

am in the clinical study, they would add Bevacizumab

which is currently being used for stage 4. I would

not know if I were getting the Bevacizumab or not.

The side affects to Bevacizumab say there is risk

related to wound healing " There have been reports of

patients on bevacizumab who had delaed healing of

their surgical wounds. A few patients have had a

breakdown of tissue at the site where their bowel was

reattached after removal of the tumor. A few patients

have also had a hole form in their stomach or bowel

wall. " There are 9 other side effects re heart, lung

and liver problems.

Under benefits, they say, " You may not necessarily

receive any direct benefit from your participation in

this study. While doctors hope that adding

bevacizumab to chemotherapy will be more useful in

treating colon cancer compared to chemotherapy alone,

there is no proof of this yet. "

The oncologist said bevacizumab is currently being

used for stage 4, but they want to see if it would be

of benefit for stage 2 and 3 colon cancer.

I have to decide by the first week in January what to

do regarding taking the trial drug in addition to the

regular chemo, so again, any input from the group is

appreciated.

(Wow, I just amazed myself that I was able to paste

that in.)

I am so torn. At first my thought was Stage 2 is a

treatable cancer, save the big guns (Avastin). Then I

read where stage 2 appeared again even with chemo but

without avastin. I am so worried about the neuropathy

with the oxipl (sp?) and also perforations or a hole

in the bowel with Avastin. And I am worried that this

thing will come back no matter what.

I got my husband to make an appt. for his colonoscopy.

I hope his turns out better than mine.

Thank you for your caring. Prayers help too.

Marie

--- flytodeb wrote:

> Marie, how did your appointment go with the

> oncologist? Keep in touch.

> ~Deb from KS

>

> " A. M. Werling " wrote:

> Hello Narice,

> I can't thank you enough for the information you

> sent.

> I tried to obtain this info and all sources said I

> would get this from the oncologist when I see him.

> I

> wanted to be prepared before hand. I will be in

> touch

> Monday after the appointment. Thank you again for

> your prompt help.

> Sincerely,

> Marie

>

> --- flipper759@... wrote:

>

> >

> > Hi it would help to know your name.

> > Stage 2 is very treatable You have had surgery so

> > they will probably give

> > that time to heal. You will then probably be on a

> > combination chemo called

> > FOLFOX which stands for 5FU, Leucovorin and

> > Oxaliplatin.

> > You may feel pretty lousy on chemo day with a

> > slight fever aches and chills.

> > This is from the Oxaliplatin. If you bundle up

> > under the covers and take

> > some Tylenol it will pass by late afternoon or

> early

> > evening.

> > Another side effect is a tingly almost shock like

> > feeling if you touch cold

> > objects or are out in the cold. Sometimes people

> who

> > are on Oxaliplatin for a

> > long time have a tingling in their hands and feet

> > that lasts a few months

> > after treatment.

> >

> > If you start in January my guess is you should be

> > done around June.

> > In between you will have regular blood tests and

> CT

> > scans to be sure the

> > chemo is working and the cancer is GONE for good.

> I

> > copied and pasted the basic

> > things you'd want to know about this chemo

> >

> > Let us know how your visit goes

> > Best Wishes

> > Narice

> >

> >

> > General information

> >

> > Fluorouracil is one of the most commonly used

> drugs

> > to treat cancer. It is

> > used in the treatment of many types of cancer

> > including, breast, head and

> > neck, anal, stomach, colon and some skin cancers.

>

> >

> > 5FU is part of a group of chemotherapy drugs

> known

> > as the anti-metabolites.

> > Anti-metabolites are similar to normal body

> > molecules but they are slightly

> > different in structure. These differences mean

> > that anti-metabolites stop

> > cells working properly instead of helping them.

> > Anti-metabolites often stop

> > cells making and repairing DNA. Cancer cells

> need

> > to make and repair DNA in

> > order to grow and multiply. Anti-metabolites

> also

> > stop normal cells working

> > properly. This is why you get side effects.

> >

> > You can have 5FU as an injection or infusion into

> a

> > vein. There is also an

> > ointment that your doctor may give you for skin

> > cancer.

> >

> > The side effects associated with fluorouracil

> (5FU)

> > are listed below. Use

> > the links (underlined) to find out more about each

>

> > side effect. For more

> > information on side effects where there is no link

>

> > please see our chemotherapy

> > side effects section or click on 'search' at the

> top

> > of the page.

> >

> >

> > Common Side Effects

> >

> > Many people have one or more of the following

> side

> > effects

> >

> >

> > Fatigue - patients say this is the most

> disruptive

> > side effect of all.

> > Tiredness often carries on after treatment has

> > ended. Most people find their

> > energy levels are back to normal from 6 months to

> a

> > year after their treatment

> > finishes.

> > Feeling or being sick (usually mild)

> > Mouth sores and ulcers

> > Diarrhoea

> > Temporary drop in bone marrow function causing

> >

> > - Drop in white blood cell count. This increases

> > the risk of severe

> > infection. Infections can sometimes be life

> > threatening. You should urgently

> > contact a doctor if you think you have an

> > infection. This can feel like you have

> > 'flu (headache, feeling very cold and shivery,

> > fever, aching joints and

> > muscles). Or you may have a cough, sore throat

> or

> > pain when passing urine.

> >

> > - Fall in red cell count (anaemia), which may

> make

> > you feel tired and look

> > pale or be short of breath. You may need a blood

> > transfusion or treatment to

> > bring up your red cell count.

> >

> > - Drop in platelets in the blood causing bleeding

> or

> > bruising. You may have

> > lots of tiny red spots or bruises on your arms or

> > legs. You may have

> > nosebleeds or bleeding gums.

> >

> >

> > Contact your hospital if you have any of these

> bone

> > marrow side effects.

> >

> >

> > Tiredness

> > This drug may have a harmful effect on a baby

> > developing in the womb. It is

> > not advisable to become pregnant or father a

> child

> > while on chemotherapy.

> > You should talk to your doctor about

> contraception

> > before having the

> > treatment.

> > Occasional Side Effects

> >

> > Some people have the following side effects

> >

> >

> > Hair thinning

> > Brittle, chipped and ridged nails

> > Sensitivity of the skin to sunlight - you should

> not

> > sit in the sun if

> > having 5-FU. Cover up or use a sun block.

> > Rashes which may be itchy

> > Watery eyes from increased production of tears

>

> >

> > Gritty eyes and blurred vision

> > Loss of appetite

> > Brown marking on the skin following the line of

> the

> > vein where 5FU has been

> > injected

> > With continous infusion of 5FU an occasional side

> > effect is soreness and

> > redness of the palms of the hands and soles of

> the

> > feet (sometimes called hand

> > and foot syndrome or palmar-plantar syndrome).

> > Rare Side Effects

> >

> > A very small number of people experience these

> side

> > effects

>

=== message truncated ===

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Ingrid, I just had to say that your message to Marie was wonderful!

Especially that part where you said:

>>>I have heard that in a normal human life time 1 in 3 will get cancer.

Think of it this way. You got it and it's over with so live well and enjoy life.

At least now you are in doctors care and more watchful for it. If it by some

small chance dose come back it will be caught in a early stage that is

curable.<<<

I printed that out so I can look at again and again and again. My memory is

not what it used to be. haha

Thank you for all your encouragement! Thank you to everyone who is on this

group. Praying for all of you also~

~Deb from KS

Ingrid Lowe wrote:

I am so torn. At first my thought was Stage 2 is a

treatable cancer, save the big guns (Avastin). Then I

read where stage 2 appeared again even with chemo but

without avastin. I am so worried about the neuropathy

with the oxipl (sp?) and also perforations or a hole

in the bowel with Avastin. And I am worried that this

thing will come back no matter what.

, Please do not worry so much about the neuropathy with the

Oxi. I was on it and yes, there is tingling in the hands and

sometimes feet when touching things cooler then room temperature.

This only lasts for a couple of days after the infusion. You will

only get the drug on your first day of each chemo treatment. The

sensations will and do go away in between the chemo treatments. The

sensations are bearable. They are NOT painful just rather a surprised

sensation. It is a minor inconveniance compared to all the good the

Oxi can do in making sure the cancer does not come back.

I know and understand that you would rather not be in this

situation to begin with. We all feel this way. But this is the next

best step.

I understand your fears of always thinking that the cancer may come

back. We all have that fear. It is part of the roller coaster ride

that we all go through with this cancer scare. You can only put your

trust in God and Pray!!!

Your chances of it NOT coming back are very good. And more so with

the chemo!!!! I have heard that in a normal human life time 1 in 3

will get cancer. Think of it this way. You got it and it's over with

so live well and enjoy life. At least now you are in doctors care and

more watchful for it. If it by some small chance dose come back it

will be caught in a early stage that is curable.

Just stay with us on this group and talk about your fears. It

helps!!!!!

Praying for YOU!!!!

Love, Ingrid

>

> Hello Deb,

> I did post what transpired with my onc. appt. Let me

> see if I can paste that here.

>

> Hello everyone,

> I wasn't clear in explaining about the clinical trial.

> Whether I agree to participate or not, I would get

> 5-FU, Leucovorin and Oxaliplatin for six months. If I

> am in the clinical study, they would add Bevacizumab

> which is currently being used for stage 4. I would

> not know if I were getting the Bevacizumab or not.

> The side affects to Bevacizumab say there is risk

> related to wound healing " There have been reports of

> patients on bevacizumab who had delaed healing of

> their surgical wounds. A few patients have had a

> breakdown of tissue at the site where their bowel was

> reattached after removal of the tumor. A few patients

> have also had a hole form in their stomach or bowel

> wall. " There are 9 other side effects re heart, lung

> and liver problems.

>

> Under benefits, they say, " You may not necessarily

> receive any direct benefit from your participation in

> this study. While doctors hope that adding

> bevacizumab to chemotherapy will be more useful in

> treating colon cancer compared to chemotherapy alone,

> there is no proof of this yet. "

>

> The oncologist said bevacizumab is currently being

> used for stage 4, but they want to see if it would be

> of benefit for stage 2 and 3 colon cancer.

>

> I have to decide by the first week in January what to

> do regarding taking the trial drug in addition to the

> regular chemo, so again, any input from the group is

> appreciated.

>

> (Wow, I just amazed myself that I was able to paste

> that in.)

>

> I am so torn. At first my thought was Stage 2 is a

> treatable cancer, save the big guns (Avastin). Then I

> read where stage 2 appeared again even with chemo but

> without avastin. I am so worried about the neuropathy

> with the oxipl (sp?) and also perforations or a hole

> in the bowel with Avastin. And I am worried that this

> thing will come back no matter what.

>

> I got my husband to make an appt. for his colonoscopy.

> I hope his turns out better than mine.

>

> Thank you for your caring. Prayers help too.

>

> Marie

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Marie, hang in there. Take it one day at a time. You can fight this and

beat it. God help you.

~Deb from KS

" A. M. Werling " wrote:

Dear Ingrid, Thank you for your words of

encouragement; it was just what I needed. It was a

down day today. Prayers do help. I feel God has been

watching and steering me along. That I had the

colonoscopy when I did, that I found the surgeon that

I did, and that I found this group. With your help,

hopefully I will get through this journey.

With grateful hugs,

Marie

> I am so torn. At first my thought was Stage 2 is a

> treatable cancer, save the big guns (Avastin). Then

> I

> read where stage 2 appeared again even with chemo

> but

> without avastin. I am so worried about the

> neuropathy

> with the oxipl (sp?) and also perforations or a hole

> in the bowel with Avastin. And I am worried that

> this

> thing will come back no matter what.

>

> , Please do not worry so much about the

> neuropathy with the

> Oxi. I was on it and yes, there is tingling in the

> hands and

> sometimes feet when touching things cooler then room

> temperature.

> This only lasts for a couple of days after the

> infusion. You will

> only get the drug on your first day of each chemo

> treatment. The

> sensations will and do go away in between the chemo

> treatments. The

> sensations are bearable. They are NOT painful just

> rather a surprised

> sensation. It is a minor inconveniance compared to

> all the good the

> Oxi can do in making sure the cancer does not come

> back.

> I know and understand that you would rather not be

> in this

> situation to begin with. We all feel this way. But

> this is the next

> best step.

> I understand your fears of always thinking that

> the cancer may come

> back. We all have that fear. It is part of the

> roller coaster ride

> that we all go through with this cancer scare. You

> can only put your

> trust in God and Pray!!!

> Your chances of it NOT coming back are very good.

> And more so with

> the chemo!!!! I have heard that in a normal human

> life time 1 in 3

> will get cancer. Think of it this way. You got it

> and it's over with

> so live well and enjoy life. At least now you are in

> doctors care and

> more watchful for it. If it by some small chance

> dose come back it

> will be caught in a early stage that is curable.

> Just stay with us on this group and talk about

> your fears. It

> helps!!!!!

> Praying for YOU!!!!

> Love, Ingrid

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

ONe more thing Marie (sorry I am verbose!)

Here's a good question to pose to the ONC. " Let's say I were not to

participate in the study. What is your treatment plan today. " That may make

things easier foryou.

MP

flytodeb wrote:

Ingrid, I just had to say that your message to Marie was wonderful!

Especially that part where you said:

>>>I have heard that in a normal human life time 1 in 3 will get cancer.

Think of it this way. You got it and it's over with so live well and enjoy life.

At least now you are in doctors care and more watchful for it. If it by some

small chance dose come back it will be caught in a early stage that is

curable.<<<

I printed that out so I can look at again and again and again. My memory is

not what it used to be. haha

Thank you for all your encouragement! Thank you to everyone who is on this

group. Praying for all of you also~

~Deb from KS

Ingrid Lowe wrote:

I am so torn. At first my thought was Stage 2 is a

treatable cancer, save the big guns (Avastin). Then I

read where stage 2 appeared again even with chemo but

without avastin. I am so worried about the neuropathy

with the oxipl (sp?) and also perforations or a hole

in the bowel with Avastin. And I am worried that this

thing will come back no matter what.

, Please do not worry so much about the neuropathy with the

Oxi. I was on it and yes, there is tingling in the hands and

sometimes feet when touching things cooler then room temperature.

This only lasts for a couple of days after the infusion. You will

only get the drug on your first day of each chemo treatment. The

sensations will and do go away in between the chemo treatments. The

sensations are bearable. They are NOT painful just rather a surprised

sensation. It is a minor inconveniance compared to all the good the

Oxi can do in making sure the cancer does not come back.

I know and understand that you would rather not be in this

situation to begin with. We all feel this way. But this is the next

best step.

I understand your fears of always thinking that the cancer may come

back. We all have that fear. It is part of the roller coaster ride

that we all go through with this cancer scare. You can only put your

trust in God and Pray!!!

Your chances of it NOT coming back are very good. And more so with

the chemo!!!! I have heard that in a normal human life time 1 in 3

will get cancer. Think of it this way. You got it and it's over with

so live well and enjoy life. At least now you are in doctors care and

more watchful for it. If it by some small chance dose come back it

will be caught in a early stage that is curable.

Just stay with us on this group and talk about your fears. It

helps!!!!!

Praying for YOU!!!!

Love, Ingrid

>

> Hello Deb,

> I did post what transpired with my onc. appt. Let me

> see if I can paste that here.

>

> Hello everyone,

> I wasn't clear in explaining about the clinical trial.

> Whether I agree to participate or not, I would get

> 5-FU, Leucovorin and Oxaliplatin for six months. If I

> am in the clinical study, they would add Bevacizumab

> which is currently being used for stage 4. I would

> not know if I were getting the Bevacizumab or not.

> The side affects to Bevacizumab say there is risk

> related to wound healing " There have been reports of

> patients on bevacizumab who had delaed healing of

> their surgical wounds. A few patients have had a

> breakdown of tissue at the site where their bowel was

> reattached after removal of the tumor. A few patients

> have also had a hole form in their stomach or bowel

> wall. " There are 9 other side effects re heart, lung

> and liver problems.

>

> Under benefits, they say, " You may not necessarily

> receive any direct benefit from your participation in

> this study. While doctors hope that adding

> bevacizumab to chemotherapy will be more useful in

> treating colon cancer compared to chemotherapy alone,

> there is no proof of this yet. "

>

> The oncologist said bevacizumab is currently being

> used for stage 4, but they want to see if it would be

> of benefit for stage 2 and 3 colon cancer.

>

> I have to decide by the first week in January what to

> do regarding taking the trial drug in addition to the

> regular chemo, so again, any input from the group is

> appreciated.

>

> (Wow, I just amazed myself that I was able to paste

> that in.)

>

> I am so torn. At first my thought was Stage 2 is a

> treatable cancer, save the big guns (Avastin). Then I

> read where stage 2 appeared again even with chemo but

> without avastin. I am so worried about the neuropathy

> with the oxipl (sp?) and also perforations or a hole

> in the bowel with Avastin. And I am worried that this

> thing will come back no matter what.

>

> I got my husband to make an appt. for his colonoscopy.

> I hope his turns out better than mine.

>

> Thank you for your caring. Prayers help too.

>

> Marie

__________________________________________________