CancerCompass message board discussion started by Eliot1 on 4/15/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23089,0.htm Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Today we had our appointment to follow up yesterdays CT scan and decide where we go from here. CT scan came back with no detectable changes with the exception of an 8mm spot (1/3" for us non-metric persons, ha) on one of his lungs. Doc is not concerned about this as she says she has seen these come and go many times. Just something we will have to watch as time rolls on.Rick has lost 4 pounds since our last treatment on 3/21 due to a reduced appetite and maybe some additional physical exercise in the yard as spring is now popping up (now down to 146 lbs.). She feels now is the time to change up our drugs by staying ahead of any further weight loss. (She feels the stomach is back to not expanding as much). We are heading down the road with Flourouracil (5FU), Irinotecan, and Avastin (if our insurance company will pay? Any bets?) If not, we will swap in Cisplatin. We are going to do treatments every 2 weeks (there goes the traveling every 3 weeks, damm), with 2 days per treatment of the 5FU on a pump in a fashionable little fanny pack, lol. This is going to severely crimp our style, but I guess we really should be thankful for the 14 wonderful months we have already had. Greedy, greedy, it's the American Way, no? Rick is still feeling great and has more energy than I'll ever have.In our research this afternoon, it looks like Irinotecan might cause some wicked diarrhea. As we have had minimal side effects from the original Oxalyplatin, Epirubicin, and Xeloda, (This regimen was SO  GOOD to us) we are only hoping and praying we will have the same results with the second line treatment.Have any of you been on this new (to us) regimen for gastric cancer, and if so, could you share your experience? I feel like we are once again heading into uncharted waters and feeling a little uneasy about change.Thanks for the opportunity to share our experience as well as read others experience with this nasty disease. We really are all in this together. Carpe diem,  Scott Eliot1 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Scott, glad to hear of Rick's good news and glad you are sharing with us.  You both are so inspirational.  My husband had the 5-FU fanny pack while he was receiving radiation for five weeks - he really didn't have any problems with it except for it getting in the way.  The other course of treatment he did not have, so I can't help you there.  My husband followed the MacDonald regimen for stomach cancer (he was treated at the VA hospital - he was a Viet Nam vet).  When his cancer recurred, he was given Taxol (from the California yew tree).  This regimen in all gave us three years with stage IV.  Keep up the good attitude - your sense of humor is great.  So was my husband's.  God's blessings,Diane Anniedips Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT My very active dad was on Irinotecan for 3 weeks.  Despite being told to expect severe diarrhea, he was okay for the first two weeks and then experienced it during the third week.  I guess it can occur early - within 24 hours of treatment and late - after 48 hours of treatment.  However, they did equip us with this informational sheet that gave us a higher dose of Immodium to use than normal.  This can help to control it.  My dad ended up needing fluids in the hospital - but he had some other complications as well which may have contributed to things.  I hope Rick's experience is a good one with it.  Just being aware of what to expect and knowing what to do when it does can help.  speranza Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi Scott,So glad to hear that Rick is doing well except for the weight loss.  My dad has had EXCEPTIONAL results from the epirubicin, oxaliplatin and xeloda combination (I am posting an update about my dad in a separate message...please read : ).  Is the doc changing the meds because of the weight loss?  Are there other reasons?  Just wondering....Lila. LSUSAN Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hey Lila,I am so thrilled to hear your Dad is having the same great luck with his meds that we have had. I can't find your post, have you not posted it yet?Yes, the weight loss and reduced appetite have led her to believe the stomach is not expanding as it once was (Although today his appetite is great). In addition to that, we were up against the limit of 18 treatments of Epirubicin, only had 2 more to go. She wants to try to stay ahead of any significant weight loss by changing the regimen now as opposed to after the fact.We were THRILLED with the results we had on Oxalyplatin, Epirubicin, and Xeloda. God willing, we will have just as good results with the second line chemotherapy.Look forward to hearing all about your Dad and his progress, will keep looking for your post. God Bless you for sharing.Peace and Love to you and your family,   Scott Eliot1 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT How long has he had stomach cancer? My dad has had it for 2 years now. scdaughter Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT He was originally diagnosed Feb 01, 2007. Their best guess was 8 to 10 months, we are now rolling into month 15 on a new regimen. So far, so good. Eliot1 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT