Oxaliplatin Compared to Alternatives

For Colorectal Cancer: I had stage 2 colon cancer with golf ball cancer & micro-invasion of colon wall. Lymph nodes negative. Given 5-FU and Oxaliplatin. Told entire time creatinine and bilirubin good - looking back now 2.5 yrs later I have stage 3 kidney disease. No one ever mentioned GFR. If no one says anything about it to you, make sure you ask. I have yet to determine if my GFR was low prior to chemo, or what decision I would have made about Oxaliplatin but I should have been informed. When asked physician I was always told - it is all good. Had neuropathy too but that's ok.,. I am still cancer free and Praise God.

For Colorectal Cancer: This is an extremely potent medication when used in combination with 5-Fluorouracil. My mum had a stage IV colorectal cancer which has metastasised into the soft tissue of the lower abdomen causing an ugly skin lesions on the abdomen. After just three cycles of Oxiplatin and 5-FU the lesion completely healed and mum had a substantial reduction in the tumour size and progression rate. The problem with the treatment is the severe side effects mainly reduced white blood count.

For Breast Cancer, Metastatic: I've been on Xeloda for 5 months. I have extreme traveling pains. Once I woke up at 3am and my right hand felt like someone had stabbed me with a knife and the knife was still in it. This lasted for 3 days. Next it was my left leg at the hip joint. I couldn't walk on it. Lots of pain when I moved it. It lasted about 4 days. Next was in my jaw joint. Painful swelling, couldn't bite down on anything..another 3 day episode. The pain is horrible. I go for scans in two weeks to see why my tumor markers went up. Could be from the inflammation xeloda is causing, could be xeloda is not working for me and the cancer is spreading. Will know soon.

For Breast Cancer, Metastatic: I have advanced breast cancer in treatment. Xeloda has been better than being stuck in the chemo suite at my oncologist's office all the time. I just take the pills and they are pretty easy to take, compared to the infusions. Now I just have to go once a month to get my Taxotere. My nurse also has me putting lots of lotion on my hands and feet to prevent side effects, so far my hands are just dry sometimes. The best part is my hair is coming back. If I'd known this drug was available earlier, I'd have asked for it.