The following is an update on my condition.
On 22nd Aug (Wed), started on the 1st round of treatment. I was treated with on FOLFIRINOX that is combination four different drugs:
1. Leucovorin Calcium (Folinic Acid)
2. Fluorouracil
3. Irinotecan Hydrochloride
4. Oxaliplatin
FOLFIRINOX is now one of the newer established method used to treat Pancreatic cancer that has metastasized (i.e. the cancer had spread to other parts of the body).
I was given Leucovorin Calcium, Irinotecan Hydrochloride and Oxaliplatin on 22nd itself over about 4 hours and Fluorouracil through a pump that I take home over the next 48 hours. The infusion was done through a port that was implanted below the skin on my upper right chest just below the collar bone.
During the initial infusion, things are generally alright and I was feeling quite well but the “hit” came in near the end of the infusion. The nausea was a feeling that I did not quite expect because I never had such “bad” nausea feeling before. The next 2 days was the same and in fact the nausea remains quite “bad”. Fortunately, the side effects are quite well documented for this treatment and I was given medication to counter the side effects.
I was told I may vomit but surprisingly it did not occur and I was able to hold all my food down. Still, it was an awful feeling of been tired and lack of appetite. Have to force myself to eat regularly even if it is in smaller portions. Had lost about 11 kg before the treatment and lost about 1.5 kg in 4 days after starting treatment.
On Friday, 24th Aug, went back to Hospital to remove the pump.
By Saturday, the appetite was still a little bad and still quite lethargic but by God’s grace, majority of the side effects had reduced in intensity by then and I was well enough to move about. The side effects got progressive lesser and lesser and by early Tuesday, it has more or less disappeared.
Due to the cancer, I am diabetic as well since my pancreatic function is impaired in that the pancreas is not producing enough insulin in the manner a normal person would. Part of the treatment uses steroid to control the side effects and boost the blood count of the body. This however causes my blood sugar level to spike to a very high level after every meal. Therefore on top of taking the regular oral diabetic medication, I am place on insulin injection as well to control the sugar level. This process is very difficult to manage as I need to control the level of blood sugar carefully and titrate with appropriate the amount of insulin injection. This means that I need to test my sugar level regularly. My poor fingers… they are pricked so much.
Now is the time for the body to rebuild and re-strengthen for the 2nd round of treatment on 5 Sept.
Today is Monday, 3rd Sept. I feel like, look like and behave like a normal person except for the sugar level. If you do not know that I have cancer, you would not suspect it.
Truly want to thank God and those around me who is supporting me and there are so many to name. It was quite tough for Josie initially but again by God’s grace, He had strengthened her such that she is able to stand beside me and fight with me.
This few short paragraphs could hardly express my thanks to God, family and community of christians and friend who is standing with me.
In God I Trust.
No comments:
Post a Comment