Trusting Holiday Is Best Medicine Now

Hi folks;

I am in a limbo state wondering what treatment to do next, and when?

 I have been on and off Xeloda (2nd line treatment) for the past 18months for STG IV colon cancer.  I stopped 3 weeks ago. My CEA is rising fairly rapidly again (approx 800) and tumours are growing slowly in lungs and liver.  It looks as though Erbitux is the next line of treatment suggested for me. (probably with another chemo agent as well).  My doc has suggested genetic testing on the tumour to check for the mutation showing if this could be ineffective (30-40% of population - gene =  KRAS).  I will have this result next week along with another blood test and CT scan. Then we can make a plan. (mets inoperable in liver)

I am going on a family holiday in 8 weeks time, hoping to maintain my current very good Quality of Life as it is at the moment. I am noticing some aches under the rib area..... nothing severe, but niggling.  I am worried that if I stay off any chemo for the next 8 weeks, I will jeopardise future treatment successes;  or should I persist with low level Xeloda even if I am showing resistance and intolerance due to hand and foot syndrome?? In the meantime I am staying on all my complimentary approaches, diet, supplements, meditation, positive attitude, etc.

My priority is to stay well for the next 10 weeks, enjoy an active family holiday, then I can handle anything!! 

Looking forward to your comments and advice. Has anyone had this genetic test? What next if Erbitux is not appropriate? How fast can colon cancer progress if I wait 10weeks?

thanks for your comments if you have had a similar situation

from Benny

I have always been assured that colon cancer is a slow progressing cancer.

The liver mets I don't know about.

I have to be honest, if you have a chance to have a 10 week vacation with your family, personally, I would go for it.

My Mom was off chemo for almost 9 weeks this past late summer/early fall, with little or no progression of the disease.

You need to live your life. No sense of taking all these drugs and extending the time, if you cannot enjoy it.

Have a wonderful time.  Relax, grow strong and E N J O Y !!!

The stupid cancer will still be there, when you get back to it!

Best to you

Beth

Thanks Beth and Cookiemouse

I am going on my holiday. The growing mets (slow) can wait for 2 months then I will have the mental strength to live with weekly hospital visits and adverse side effects. I will be fine!!  The onc agrees with me.

Therefore I am going to live life to the fullest and share special times with my family and friends

thanks for your encouragement and support

PS It is great being off treatment in terms of no side effects and better energy. I am mostly symptom free at present.

best wishes

Benny