Anybody Here Done The Induction Chemo?

they want od 8 weeks induction chemo on me of taxol/carboplatinum/erbitux.

 

Then 8 weeks of radiation plus chemo with i think just taxol an carboplatinum

then 4 weeks of rest then surgery

any body elde go with induction chemo of any kind and why?

I am stage 4  with a 2 cm tonsil and a huge 7cm lymphnode.

 

Thyank you Victor Brown

Victor53, Greetings, I have completed 6 of the 9 scheduled chemotherapy sessions involving (at first) 5FU, Cysplatin and Taxotere. LAter adjusted to just Cysplatin and Taxotere (for 2), then 3 of Carboplatin. Diagnosed in December with head and neck squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) on base of tongue and a giant 4 cc to 6 cc lymph node tumor/Stage IV. After six times, I was free to end the chemo. Had 6 weeks of radiation and to weeks of booster radiation with lessened dose and smaller fields. Chemo was tough. All the side effects that the chemo oncologist said would happen did happen. The good news is it worked! My tongue tumor was shrunk and with a right radial neck dissection, the lymph node was removed. Radiation has wiped out the errant cells that the chemo didn't get. Still finishing up radiation, and will get a PET CT scan when all is done to check to see if any cancer remains. My check ups this week by the chemo oncologist and radiation oncologist were promising. Both said I am doing well. With that said, here is what I suggest: - Listen carefully to your recommended treatment procedures from your oncologist. There is a method to the madness. Chemo is used to shrink tumors, radiation to eradicate the cells. - Stick with the program! Don't do a bit then stop! Not that you would, but just saying that if you follow the plan, the plan will work for you. - It is a mental war you must win. Your body will deal with the chemicals, your mind has to achieve victory over your fear and your discomfort levels. I'm telling you now to get ready for war and don't give an inch. You will be victorious! Why? I'm a skinny little dude and I am winning. If my puny body can do it, anyone can! IT IS MENTAL- this is the battleground you must win on. After our treatments, your body does begin to heal. Chemo has a half life and remains in your body. When you are well enough, a nutrition and exercise program will have you feeling better and recovering nicely. Read the experience of other people on this forum- it is invaluable! All the best to you my friend and check back soon! One Love

hi victor- it is meesh...sorry that we were unable to connect this week.  it has been hectic here trying to work, be the caregiver and then dealing with an auto accident i was in a few weeks ago.

my s.o. went through induction chemo....it was 9 weeks in three cycles...taxotere, cisplatin, 5 fu and erbitux on week one (the 5 fu was pumped into him over 5 days and the just erbitux for two weeks.  it was rough...staying hydrated was a big problem...he went to the cancer center for extra hydration and in the middle of it all ended up in ICU for over a week...the good new is that it shrunk his tumor almost immediately.  he is almost one month out of 35 radiation treatments along with weekly carboplatin.

i will try to contact you again on monday.

hang in there...it took from mid-october until the day after thanksgiving for treatment to start for him. the waiting and decision making process is torture.

Hi, Victor---my 2 cents worth--after SCC stage IV, unknown primary, at least 4 nodes positive (one over 3cm) : My med oncologist was all for induction chemo and showed me clinical trials to support it. My rad onc, after his research, said no longterm studies have proven it to be better than the "standard of care". What to do? What a dilemma. At 54, I felt it would be too hard (on me) to do the induction chemo followed by IMRT/chemo-so I chose the standard. Then the dissection 3 1/2 mos later. I did so well and cannot honestly say I had it as bad as so many of the stories I'm reading here! Bad enough, of course. But we're all convinced I beat it, so I'm hoping FOR ME it was the right choice. I'd do it the same again. But I hated having to make the decision and I wish you the best of luck with your decision and outcome! Gayle 

Hi Victor -

 

My hubbie - stage 3b - hypopharnix (low throat) and neck node - did two cycle of induction b4 rad and weekly chemo - we're glad he did b/c now he's 1 yr cancer free. He was willing to do the most agressive treatment offered.

If you ever want to talk, I know he'd be willing to connect with you via phone.  

Julie