Rhythm of my treatment

Wanted to share a brief summary of the appointments I have during my
bi-weekly treatment of FOLFOX, a combination chemotherapy, along with immune therapy. It’s important for me to keep track of these appointments and treatments to monitor my progress and ensure everything is going smoothly. Hopefully this can also serve as a source of information and support for others going through similar treatments.

FLOFOX

• folinic acid also called leucovorin – not chemo
• fluorouracil also known as 5FU
• oxaliplatin
• Opdivo (nivoluamb) Immune therapy

Day One

• 8 am appointment to draw blood labs (usually 4/5 vials)
• 10 am appointment with Oncologist to review side effects, lab work and new concerns.
• 11 am CTU (Chemo Treatment Unit) for about four hours for infusions

Pre-Meds (1hr)
Dexamethasone (Steroid)
Zofran (anti-nausea)
Emend (anti-nausea and vomiting)

Immune Therapy (45 mins)
Opdivo (Nivolumab) – though I am PDL- my oncologist still wants me to try it.

Chemo (2hrs)
Oxaliplatin as a drip into into my bloodstream over 2 hours.
Folinic acid as a drip into into my bloodstream over 2 hours at the same time as oxaliplatin.
After all that start 5FU as an infusion over 46 hours given by a small portable pump that I take home with me.

Day 2

I continue to have 5FU as an infusion given by a small portable pump.

Day 3

I go back to clinic to get my chemo pump remove and then I have 1hr acupuncture to help with neuropathy and fatigue on my hands and feet.

Day 3-14

No treatment as I try to recoup for my next round.

A few of the images taken during this time.