Need Advice On Clinical Trial

Hi,  I was diagnosed July 3rd with rectal cancer.  I finally met my oncologist today and he will be starting me on 5Flu and radiation next Tuesday, then surgery then six months of Folfox (I hope I named that correct).  He asked if I would be interested in a clinical trial where I would get the folfox or the folfox and Avastin and I said yes.  I just want to know anyone else's opinion of whether they think I should or shouldn't do this.  I heard Folfox is pretty harsh, what are the side effects of Avastin and what are the more common effect of the Folfox.  I want to help in cancer research but I don't want to risk my own life.

Thanks for any advice.

Terry

Hello Terry~ I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I am a Nurse/Clinical Research Coordinator with a Neurologist. I don't know very much about the investigational compunds that your MD is testing, but I do know that you can look up information on clinicaltrials.gov. Also, when you meet with your Doc again to discuss your possible involvement in the trial it might be helpful to know what phase the trial is in, how many patients in his site have already enrolled and the most commonly reported side effects to date. Also, you can ask what Safety Reports have come back from the pharmaceutical company and what they have reported. Good luck to you and I will keep you in my prayers. ~Susan

Hi Susan,  Thanks for the information.  I had a phone call today asking if I would do a presurgical clinical trial, I will ask the questions you told me to before I decide.  This clinical trial will have the same chemo drug they wanted to use but in week 3 they would add oxiplatin and in week 4 they would add xeloda (I know that's not spelled correctly).  I'm thinking that that would be better than the 5FU alone.  This is all so much information to decide on so quickly.  I hate it!   I'm also a RN and sometimes I think I understand way to much of this.  I got ahold of a copy of my pathology report and of course looked up the type of cancer and it had to be an aggressive one with worse statistics.  Anyway, thanks for your advice.

Terry

hi! i've read plenty of blogs here & everyone seems to think highly about adding avastin to the folfox, hope u read them too! harriet

Hi Terry, Hope you are doing okay.  My niece has aggressive form of cancer and had been on 5FU/oxiplatin/avastin in 2006.  She has not been on Xeloda yet.  She was extremely sensitive to cold during this time as well as some other side effects.  The avastin does not have many side effects.  Are you having systemic then as well as Xeloda-pill form? Is your protocol 6 months?  My niece will be having chemo again so wondering how you are doing and possibly where you are being treated?  Have you tried to supplement with any alternative/complimentary?  I have been researching for 2 years now.  I have read about some great success with IV vitamin C during chemo.  Best wishes to your for strength and a wonderful reaction to treatment.

Hi,

 I just finished up 6 wks of radiation and 8 wks of continuous infusion 5FU three weeks ago.  I'll be having surgery in about 5 weeks and then oxilaplatin/5FU and Leucovarin.  Actually, I've been reading up on teas and other natural treatments.  I have to go so I'll write more later.