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10/15/2007: "Back to Drip Chemo"

So here I sit in a nice comfortable easy chair. A remote control adjustment and a call button next to me that will bring a nurse on demand. I have my laptop and my iPod to keep me distracted. Meanwhile I sit and get infusions into my chest of the chemotherapy drugs Irinotecan, Avastin, 5FU, and leucovoran. This is the standard drug protocol for advanced colon cancer. I was on the same regiment for two months back in March 2006 when I quit and headed south of the border to check into a clinic in Mexico.

After a year and a half of resisting chemo, I have decided to give it another try. Tumors have progressed so much that this seems to be my only option to try and arrest things. Though I am only given about a 30% chance of results that are positive, at this point it is worth a try. Depending on your oncologist, it doesn’t always seem to be that you have a choice.

The drugs did hit me hard. I had my infusion on Thursday and was pretty tired over the weekend. I am hoping that I start to feel better as the week progresses.

Replies: 2 Comments

on Tuesday, October 16th, Monty said

Hey Doug

For tiredness, be sure and ask your doctor about the drug that builds red blood cells as chemo destorys them. I used it when I was on diaylsis. Its an injection drug, don't remember the name, but it is for chemo patients who experience tiredness from chemo.

on Monday, October 15th, Justin Pinoni said

Doug,

It's been a long time since we've connected and I wish it was under much better circumstances. I was taken back to hear of your illness and wanted to express my best wishes for you and your family. I can't imagine what you're going through but I know that you are a strong and positive individual who is giving his best to defeat this terrible disease. Thankfully, you also have a loving family and friends who surround and support you, and who will always be there. When I think back on the past, I recall many enjoyable times spent with you and your family when life was less complicated and we lived for the moment. I can't help but think what a truly great adventure life has been. Again, I wish you the best and will pray for your complete recovery. God Bless!!!