FOLFOX-4 Underway

Trying to get Folfox-4 underway - computer problems have delayed the pharmacy so we have alot of restless chemo patients waiting around to get our "stuff'" so i have time to update the blog with the latest state of Chris.

So no out of the funk proclamation after Folfox-3 since we never really did get out of the funk.  The glory days of Folfox-1 are a distant memory.  The nausea, headaches, fatigue and side effects are accumulating and increasing their severity so the reality of what is to come seems more daunting.  I learned this morning that apparently #4 is typically a turning point or bench mark that leads you to the 2nd third which is alot more unpleasant than the 1st third - needless to say the last third....well that's next year.

We are going to try some different naseau meds this time.....a different family of meds i guess is the correct way to describe that....and see if that resolves the headaches....i am hoping it does or this is going to be brutally long.  They are also going to turn down the "ox" in Folfox to reduce the long term effects of the neuropathy side effects that i am having - so hopefully that means my guitar playing gets better.  Wound is looking fantastic i am told....we'll leave it at that unless you want a picture....to think the body can heal itself like that is pretty incredible.......for those that experienced the wound care during those glory days of the VNA and Nurse Amy...thanks...seems so long ago...until i see the scar...than maybe not so long ago.

The ostomy continues to be a pain in my side....no pun intended.  After meeting with my GI, Surgeon and Oncologist i think i am going to stick it out and not reverse it until the chemo is completed.  If we need to take a break from the Chemo due to low blood counts etc... we may revisit the decision but at this point it reduces the variables and i want to trudge forward and get this done.  Interestingly i have also learned that although i am surgically cured in the small intestine, there is a 95% chance the Crohn's will return in the small intestine within one week of the ostomy being taken down and i typically will be symptomatic within 2-3 years.  This could be a problem ....because of the cancer that was removed in the small intestine I cannot go back on to the biologic meds i was on previously (i.e. humira) for at least 5 years so.... who know what awaits....the real issue is the crohn's in the large intestine which is currently "sleeping" because of the ileostomy...it need it to stay that way once i am reversed .......always more fun to look forward to......anybody want to trade intestines for awhile....

Amy's design project is moving toward completion which i scheduled for the first week of December and than they move into the Boys restoom to remodel that.  Casework is to be set today....i will post pictures soon.

Have a great holiday - we are off to Sunriver which should be really interesting.

Stay Healthy

Best-

C-