Chemo - Pills versus infusion? Advice...?

DulcimerGal

Hey everyone,

Went to see my new Oncologist today to find out about my next steps for chemo once the reversal colostomy surgery is complete.

I was surprised - expecting him to schedule putting a port in (the other one I had for the chemo/radiation 6 weeks prior to surgery was removed due to infection) - anyway - he does not want to give me the chemo with an infusion.

He prescribed zeloda pills every day for two weeks, then one week off, for a total of four months of treatment beginning in September. Of course the zeloda )its capecitbine or something....) acts like 5FU once it's in the system. But no pump like I had last time, no infusions......

Has anyone else done this? Doc seemed very confident it is just as effective as the infusion. He stated Folfox/folfiri combos are more for colon cancer, not rectal and that this is the way to go. But I have also heard of others with rectal cancer getting a 5FU and Leucovorin combo - which stupid me I forgot to ask about when there....I was just so surprised .......

I really like him, he seemed very knowledgable and confident, it's the Massey Cancer Center in Richmond, very well respected group...
But of course when I got home I started second guessing myself and now I am worried that the pills won't be as effective.

What can you all tell me???

Cheers
DulcimerGal
_________________
Rectal Cancer diagnosed Valentines Day 2008
Finished 6 weeks of radiation and chemo 4/23/08
Surgery to remove tumor - June 18th 2008
Colostomy Reversal August 20th 2008
Five rounds of Xeloda (chemo) to ZAP anything left!

Johann · New User Joined: 13 Aug 2008 Posts: 5

Hi Dulcimergirl,
I am a newbie to this site but have a lot of experience with researching my mothers stage 4 colon cancer. A few days ago I read a research paper on a study that showed xeloda tablets as a source of 5-fluorouracil were just as effective if not better than intravenouse 5-fu for treating bowel cancer. Wish I could remember the site for you, but I find lots of research articles on the "pubmed" website, which gives you abstracts to thousands of medical research papers. Obviously the language is a bit technical but still very useful.
Goodluck! Jo

mike3 · Regular Joined: 03 Jun 2008 Posts: 26

DG
I don't know what is right or wrong or if there is a right and wrong ?
I didn't have any treatment before surgery, as you know.

This is their plan for me, 8 weeks of Oxalplan once a week and 6, 500 mg ( 30 mins after breakfast and 30 after dinner ) Xeloda everyday for that 8 weeks. I take the Xeloda Mon - Fri. weekends off. During this time I also get 6 weeks of radaition.

After 8 weeks I stop the Oxalplan and pills and go to a pump with folfox, 2 days on 14 days off. 6 Months all together.

I started last Mon so its been almost 2 weeks, so far so good but its early yet. They told me diarrhea was one of the most common side affects from the pills, corse there are a lot more. I do have a little dry ness on the palm of my hands which they told me might happen.

Is your Oxalplan every week or every 2 weeks ? I have heard the same thing you say for the Xeloda, 2 weeks on 1 week off. I don't why I'm doing 5 days on 2 days off ? I am going to ask.
_________________
Rectal Cancer Diagnosed May 30th 08
Stage II, Surgery June 18th
6 weeks of Radiation and 6 Months of Chemo to follow.

Vee Smith · Moderator Joined: 12 Feb 2006 Posts: 818 Location: UK

I'm on oral capecitabine. It is no problem to take, and can be adjusted to your weight and response.

In three cycles [two weeks on/one week off] it has already shown an effect on my developing skin mets. Despite the skin on hands and feet thinning, I am keen to go on as it does seem to be effective, without all that awful needles and ports problem.

DulcimerGal

Hey Mike - I am not getting the Oxyplatin, just the xeloda, two weeks on and one week off like Vee says. I think I am doing it for four months, not sure exactly how many cycles though.

It's a lot to digest when you first go and get the instructions isn't it. I go back to him September 5th and will begin the following week. He wants me to heal from the reversal surgery a couple of weeks before he starts.

Actually he said he would rather I kept the ileostomy while having the chemo....but he understands most patients can't wait to get the reversal.

I think your protocol sounds really good considering you had no treatments before surgery. It sounds like you are going to get "some of everything!" radiation and chemo - You have a good chance of kicking that Cancer right out the door!

Cheers
DulcilmerGal
_________________
Rectal Cancer diagnosed Valentines Day 2008
Finished 6 weeks of radiation and chemo 4/23/08
Surgery to remove tumor - June 18th 2008
Colostomy Reversal August 20th 2008
Five rounds of Xeloda (chemo) to ZAP anything left!

mike3 · Regular Joined: 03 Jun 2008 Posts: 26

DG

I did notice your not taking Oxalplan after I made that post. Rolling Eyes

Out the door is good with me !

Good luck to you
_________________
Rectal Cancer Diagnosed May 30th 08
Stage II, Surgery June 18th
6 weeks of Radiation and 6 Months of Chemo to follow.

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