Vicky:
My 43 year old wife had Stage IV that was diagnosed in March of 2007. She went on a treatment known as ECF which included Epirubicin, Cisplatin, and 5FU (she received this via a continous pump). In June of 07 she was classified as being in remission. She continue the ECF through September of 07. She then switched to Oxaliplatin and Xeloda and completes that regimen this month. Then she will be back on 5FU for the next 6 months.
Today, she remains in remission. The treatments have been tough at times and she has been nasuous, lost her hair, been extremely tired, loss some of the feelings in her hands, and had the skin peeling off of her feet a few times, but all and all she has remained focused and positive throughout this past year.
Please include the stage of your dads cancer in future postings to give us all a better idea of where you are headed.
The most important advice is to keep him motivated and positive. Also, to always get alternate opinions. We have had very qualified oncologists (from Sloan Kettering and Dana Farber) give very different opinions and have modified our treatments accordingly. We remain hopeful and are blessed to continue in remission.
My best to you and your dad during this difficult time.
Keep the Faith
Steve
Hartford