Thursday, October 16, 2014

I thought for those of you who might be interested in the more scientific side of things, now that we know what my treatment is going to be I can share it with you. My treatment regimen involves three chemo drugs and one to just help one of the chemo drugs. I start with Irinotecan (Camptosar). It infuses through IV for 1.5 hours. After that I get Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin) and Leucovorin simultaneously for 2 hours. The Leucovorin is the non chemo drug used in combination with my final drug which is 5-Fluorouracil (Adrucil). The 5-Fluorouracil takes 48 hours to infuse by IV. For this first round of therapy I am at the hospital for the duration, but for all subsequent therapies I will come get the treatment and go home while still receiving the 5-Fluorouracil on a pump. These drugs will be repeated every 14 days. Everything went well last night. Right now I am in the first 24 hour stage of my final drug. I am expecting to go home on Saturday. Hopefully they will have my oxygen all worked out for my home by then. It would be difficult to go home if I don't have oxygen to breathe! Because of the way the cancer has spread through my lungs (in a very rare way, I might add. The doctors said they could only find a handful of cases where colon cancer has presented in the lungs in this particular way.) I am dependent upon oxygen to breathe. I think that is about all for now. I hope that satisfies the curiosity of a few. (I know most don't care about that technical stuff, but I know there are enough of you out there who are interested that I thought I would share.) Have a lovely day to you all!

7 comments:

  1. I'm one of those who want every detail possible. Can't have enough updates! So glad that your first treatment is progressing well. Love you!

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  2. Like Hope, I want all the details possible and as many updates as I can get. You're a very dear friend and I love you and your family. (But you already know that.)

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  3. Of course you are thinking of others at this time :) It is so you! We do appreciate the info though. Love you Cuz

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  4. Very happy to get these updates! Wishing you great success in your treatments. Hugs to you and your family!

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  5. Thank you so much for taking time the explain the details! It helps answer my questions! So glad you'll be able to be home soon!! The youth have prayed for you in seminary every morning! You're on our minds throughout the day!

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  6. I like all the details, too. We love you, and pray for you everyday.

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  7. I hope you are still side effect free and still slated to go home Saturday! It didn't feel right not seeing you today. Love, Deborah

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