what type of chemo for liver..my hub is on colorectal chemo?

robynhar · New User Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 2

My Hub has liver cancer that originated in the bile duct (or so they say) called cholangiocarcinoma but they have him on a regimine of chem that is for colorectal cancer. I was wondering what types of chemo other liver patients are getting. He has just started earlier this week, will go 2 days every 2 weeks. This is all new for us and has been like a bad ride at the fair that you just cant get off of. The tumor is huge, 14 cm so he is not a candidate for any other therapies, and the fact that it is in his bile ducts eliminates alot of possibilities. He has had a stent put in, and that postponed the jaundice. So far, he is ok with chemo other than some nuropathy that we were warned about. I know what we are dealing with thank goodnes for the internet and I am not BSing myself. I would like to know more about the chemo he is taking. Any info appreciated. His chemo is oxaliplatin.

csweens · Regular Joined: 02 Apr 2007 Posts: 29

Hi -
My Dad was just diagnosed with liver cancer that originated from colon cancer that he had and beat 10 years ago - the tumor he has is 9cm and was clogging his bile ducts and he turned yellow - that's how we knew something was wrong - he had the stents put in in February and they seem to be keeping the bile at bay - he has no other course of treatment but chemo also
He started his first round of chemo on April 9th - Leucovorin 784mg and oxaliplatin 127mg and then something else that I don't know the name of that is connected via a pump that stays on him for 36 hours - just had his second round this past Monday - he was feeling good after the first round until this past weekend - had the shakes pretty bad and flushness - they lowered his dosage for this past Monday - hasn't had any bad side effects yet - but then again as they tell you everyone is different
Not sure why they put him on that regimine but I think I would ask the doctors to explain it in more detail for you - you and your Hub have the right to have ALL your questions answered so that you understand what is going on - be his and your advocate
I know what you mean about the bad ride at the fair - it never stops - but hang in there - post away here - there are so many great people here that know how we feel because they are either in the middle of the same thing or have gone through it -
Take care - you and your Hub are in my thoughts
Cindy

robynhar · New User Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 2

He is on the same 2 chemos, altho I dont know the mg. I will check on that, and if you can, please tell me more about the 3rd therapy. Can I get the name so I can research that? Thanks

csweens · Regular Joined: 02 Apr 2007 Posts: 29

robyn -
Absolutely - my Dad has a followup appointment on Monday - check his platletes etc - I'll ask then and let you know -
I'm kinda dreading the 3rd therapy - a friend of mine that used to work for an oncologist told me that most people on this course develop worsing side effects after the 3rd treatement - course I didn't tell my Dad or Mom this - no use putting that in their heads.
His 3rd is on May 7th - I'll keep you updated - I wish you well during this time -
Cindy

rlee · Site Admin Joined: 15 Jan 2006 Posts: 245

robynhar,
Cholangiocarcinoma's are rare and difficult to treat. Often they are treated as colon cancer because the cell type is similar in origin, adenocarcinoma type cells. FOLFOX is a common regimen used which includes oxaliplatin, 5FU and leucovorin. Another combination that has been used is gemcitabine with and without oxaliplatin. If his current therapy is not working, I would recommended seeking a clinical trial at a major cancer center or at least a 2nd opinion about other treatment options. Best wishes,
_________________
RLee, MD

Any information provided is NOT intended to provide specific medical advice to users but rather to provide users with information to help them better understand their health condition and related care. All readers are strongly encouraged to consult with a qualified physician for answers to their personal medical questions.

csweens · Regular Joined: 02 Apr 2007 Posts: 29

Hi Robyn -
Sorry I haven't gotten back to you - it's not that I've forgotten - my Dad had a setback this week - on Monday we went for his third chemo round and when I picked him up I noticed that he was starting to turn yellow again - long story short - his white count was down to 1700 - the stents that they put in were clogged/infected and we spent the day in the hospital having them replaced.
He is hoping to go back to the chemo on Monday, I don't know if it's actually going to happen - he's now started to develop fluid in his stomach and legs - plus they have him on antibiotic so I don't know what will happen - I'll let you know on Tuesday if I've been able to get any further info -
How's your Hubby doing? I've been thinking about you both -
Cindy

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