oxaliptlatin, avastin 5fu leucovorin

My sister was just diagnosed stage iv colon cancer with 6 mets in the liver. Has anyone had any experience with avastin, oxaliptlatin 5fu and leucovorin, this is what they are talking about starting her with. Prayers for her would be GREATLY appreciated. Judy is her name

Maryjudy,

I have done all four of the drugs that you mention but not at the same time.  The last 3 are known together as FOLFOX.  I found this to be a tough regimen.  The most common side effect is cold sensitivity.  Your sister probably won't be able to eat or drink any cold foods for at least a week after each treatment.  She also may have issues touching cold items in the fridge/freezer.  My hair thinned a lot but I didn't lose all of it.  I had some slight nausea which was controlled by medications. 

Avastin isn't a true chemo drug.  It is an antiangiogenesis drug which works by blocking the blood supply to tumors.  It has very few side effects, but it can cause blood clots or perforated bowel in a very small number of patients.

It sounds like her oncologist is going with a pretty standard approach.  Was her colon tumor resected?  Did they talk about other potential liver treatments such as resection (6 mets is probably too many to resect right now), RFA (radio frequency ablation, SIRT Spheres, etc.  She may not be a candidate for these right nowbut hopefully the chemo will bring her to a place where they can cure her.

Jack

My sister had colon surgery right after they found the cancer. She is going to Duke for a second opinion on Monday so we'll see what they say, sounds like a long ugly road ahead. But I'm sure you know that too well. How are you doing now?

Thank you for replying, I also read that MD Anderson is heads above all the rest, she lives  in NC and is going for a second opinion to Duke on Monday, if they do not see good results I think they would  consider Anderson. Hearing five years makes me hopeful because so much of what I've read is dismal. Thanks again and good luck to you.

I don't know why it cut off my length message anyhow continuing.  He would crave junk food the day of his treatment eat a bunch and feel lousy for 3-4 days and start the cycle all over again.  About 4 months into it his neuropathy got worse and the dr. cut some of his chemo drugs to keep it from gettingn worse.  It has been 4 full months since his last round of chemo and he still has the neuropathy in his fingertips-can't tell if something is hot, can't feel the texture of something.  He said yesterday it felt like it was getting better.  Everyone will handle the chemo differently.  His drs. were puzzled by his little side effects in the beginning.  I am sending prayers Judy's way.  I think you will find comfort, friends and answers on these boards.  Best to you!

I have been on all of the chemo drugs you mentioned I was on them from Feb. of 08 till Sept. of 08. They had good results for a time. they were shrinking, then it stopped working. My side effects with that regimine was mostly nausea for 2-3 days and then gradually improved, but still wasn't really hungry. My hair thinned but didn't all fall out. A little diarhhea,but not too bad. Lost about 10 lbs, but have since regained that.  they switched me to irinotecan and vectibex. You are in my prayers. I was diagnosed in Jan. 08 and am still hanging in there. Take care

Maryjudy,

I was dx'ed with stage IV CRC w/liver mets in 2005. I received 4 months of exactly the same drug cocktail you mentioned. My hair thinned, I lost the sense of taste (after about 10 weeks), and had the typical cold -sensitivity that everyone tells you about. The only lasting side-effect is some peripheral neuropathy in my hands and feet -- but thankfully it isn't too bad. I experienced no nausea, and tried to stay a bit active by walking and working part time. All side effects (except for the neuropathy) have dissapeared -- and of course the good news is it's 2009 and I'm still kickin'. My last scan was clean so I've been in remission for 3 1/2 yrs. So, tell your sis that this *can* be beaten. Judy will be in my thoughts and prayers...  Brian

Thank you all for your insights and prayer.  Please know that you all are in mine also. Each and every time I read a positive story it gives me a little more hope we are so scared,I love her so.

Hi Jack

I'm a stage IV w/mets in liver and rt lung - diagnosed September 1, 2007. Presently, I am doing 5fU, leuc, avastin & camphostar (sp?), my dr pulled me off the oxali when my platelets took a nose dive. You mentioned the spheres and the magic word "cure". What can you tell me about the spheres and what makes some a candidate and others not? I read its for those that don't respond to standard treatments, my md confirmed that. I would appreciate any info you have. God bless

Beth