Cycle 9 Day 1

Today was the last time I will be having Oxaliplatin, and I am really relieved. The tingling kicked in about 10 minutes into the infusion and is still there. Not quite painful unless I touch something cold, but not comfortable. Plus my lower legs are more tingly than previously.

I had some good news from the oncologist. My liver function is not quite normal, but not a cause for concern. The CEA marker has dropped to 500 from 1100 a fortnight ago. Yay!

I will have a three week holiday break from chemo. When I resume on May 19th I will be having an infusion of Avastin and will be taking Xeloda orally every three weeks. Apparently the side effects to be expected are much the same, except for the tingling and cold sensitivity caused by Oxaliplatin. So nausea, diarrhea, etc are still to be coped with. This regime will be for another 6 months.

Not so good news. The effects of the nerve damage caused by Oxaliplatin will probably take 6 months to resolve. Plus the interdisciplinary committee has decided that surgery for my bowel cancer is not an option at this time. The reason - the numerous metastatic liver tumours are the most serious part of my condition and can only be attacked by chemotherapy. If I were to have surgery, chemo would have to be suspended for 6 to 8 weeks, which could result in a worsening of the liver tumours. I am a bit disappointed - I would have liked to have gotten rid of the primary - but I can see the logic of the decision.

The pump is pushing flouracillin in at the moment. When I get it removed on Friday, the PICC line will also come out. I can hardly wait.