CancerCompass message board discussion started by fishnguy on 4/20/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23244,0.htm Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ My mother who turns 80 in May is going through the Folfox treatments with the Cetuximab for Stage III C adenocarcinoma. She had 6 positive lymph nodes out of 22 from her biopsy. She is/Was an extremely healthy lady with no medical history prior to this.After 3 treatments of the folfox they had to stop last week, because she has about every side effect you can have, Dehydration, diarhea, cracked  hands, rash, headaches, stomach pain, and hasnt eaten a solid meal in oalmost 2 weeks. Today she is being admitted to the hospital so they can rehydrate her and get her eating again. This being 2 weeks post treatment, I thought she would be bouncing back. But she is very weak. Her Oncologist and his staff our absolutly phenominal , but he is now out of town. When he comes back, My mother wants to stop treatments altogether. Has anyone been in this situation? If so did you discuss any alternative treatments? Any help would be appreciated. I know that she has the final say on wheher to continue or not, but We would like her to make the most informed decision possible. KL fishnguy Sun, 20 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Has she been tested for DPD enzyme deficiency?  It's rare, but from what you describe she may not be able to metabolize 5fu and continuing the Folfox treatment could be a huge mistake.  Ask lots of questions and insist on testing before continuing treatment. No5fu4me Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT