On July 21, 2021, everything changed for me. A diagnosis of stage 2 colon cancer abruptly entered my life. After spending a week in the hospital for an obstructed bowel and colectomy surgery, I got the call. During the colectomy, the surgeon removed a 5cm tumor wrapped around my stomach, right ovary, and right fallopian tube. Pathology results confirmed the tumor was colon cancer.
Understanding Stage 2 Colon Cancer
Like any other type of cancer, colon cancer has different stages. Stage 2 means the cancer cells have grown deeper into or through the colon’s wall but have not yet spread to the lymph nodes.
Given my age (46), which is relatively young for a colon cancer diagnosis, and the risk of reoccurrence within three years, my cancer care team and I decided that the best treatment option was chemotherapy. After seeking a second opinion, the chosen chemotherapy drugs for my regimen were FOLFOX.
Seeking a second opinion was instrumental in deciding on the FOLFOX regimen. Each patient’s situation is unique, and exploring all treatment options is essential. A second opinion can provide a different perspective, offer alternative treatments, or reinforce your confidence in the initial treatment plan.
The FOLFOX Chemotherapy Regimen
FOLFOX, an acronym for a combination of chemotherapy drugs including Fluorouracil (5-FU), Leucovorin (Folinic Acid), and Oxaliplatin, is a standard regimen for treating colon cancer. This treatment shrinks tumors and kills cancer cells, preventing them from multiplying and spreading throughout the body.
Each component of FOLFOX plays a vital role. Fluorouracil, a drug known as an antimetabolite, interferes with the cells’ metabolic processes, thus stopping their growth. Leucovorin enhances the effectiveness of Fluorouracil, ensuring that it can do its job more effectively. Oxaliplatin, a platinum-based drug, causes DNA damage in cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing.
Post-treatment, a chemo pump is worn for two days, administering the Fluorouracil steadily into your bloodstream. This pump is an essential component of the FOLFOX regimen, allowing the therapy to have a prolonged impact.
Coping with Side Effects of FOLFOX
After my first treatment, I experienced severe mouth sores and peripheral neuropathy. These side effects made eating hard and affected my quality of life significantly. However, I found ways to minimize them. For instance, a good oral care regimen helped manage dry mouth and mouth sores. This included rinsing with warm water, salt, and baking soda, using a baby toothbrush, and avoiding spicy and acidic foods.
Staying well-hydrated is crucial to counter diarrhea, another common side effect. Drinking plenty of water can help maintain hydration levels. I also found maintaining a healthy diet beneficial as part of my cancer care. Rather than three large meals, eating small meals throughout the day helped keep my energy level stable and prevented appetite loss.
Peripheral neuropathy, a condition that results in tingling or numbness in your hands or feet, is a common side effect due to Oxaliplatin. To mitigate this, you can take certain precautions, like avoiding cold temperatures and over-the-counter pain relievers. Regular exercise can also help improve your symptoms.
Maintaining Quality of Life During Chemotherapy
Coping with the side effects of chemotherapy isn’t just about managing physical discomfort. It’s also about preserving your quality of life. During my treatment schedule, I found solace in simple pleasures like doing puzzles, gentle yoga, or walking. Furthermore, maintaining a positive mindset and receiving support from loved ones was vital to my journey.
Another vital aspect of my cancer care was regular blood tests. These tests helped my oncologist monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and the overall health of my immune system, including my red blood cells.
Embracing Adjuvant Therapy
Chemotherapy is often administered as an adjuvant therapy. After primary treatment, like my surgery, it is given to kill any remaining cancer cells. This process helped decrease my risk of recurrence and potentially improved my overall survival.
Open Line of Communication
Every cancer journey is unique, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with the effects of chemotherapy. What’s important is to keep an open line of communication with your cancer care team. Discuss any changes you notice, as they could indicate an adjustment in your treatment schedule may be necessary.
The Physical Toll and the Path to Recovery
Weight loss was another side effect that I grappled with. To combat this, I took steps to maintain a healthy diet, frequently consuming small meals. With the approval of my oncologist, I also added some nutritional supplements, such as Vitamin D and protein powder. These helped replenish nutrients and maintain a healthy energy level, which was pivotal during my treatment.
Chemotherapy isn’t just a physical challenge; it also takes a toll on your mental health. Anxiety, fear, and depression are common, but remember, seeking help is okay. Whether through a support group, counselor, or just talking with family and friends, expressing your feelings and fears can provide significant relief.
Keeping Hydrated
Given that diarrhea is a common side effect of the FOLFOX regimen, drinking plenty of water was paramount. This helped maintain hydration levels, replacing the fluids lost during episodes of diarrhea. I would sip on small amounts of water throughout the day to keep myself hydrated without feeling overwhelmed.
The Role of Nutrition and Exercise
While dealing with cancer treatment, it’s vital to maintain a balanced diet. Proper nutrition helps keep your body strong, supports your immune system, and can help mitigate specific side effects. I found it beneficial to consult with the dietician at the cancer center. She helped guide me through this journey and provided advice tailored to my needs.
Regular physical activity was a crucial part of my journey. Moving your body can help reduce fatigue, improve mood, and promote better sleep, all of which are important when coping with cancer treatment. While having the motivation or energy to exercise may be challenging, even gentle movements like walking or stretching can make a difference.
My Reflections
This journey through colon cancer treatment was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. From my cancer diagnosis to enduring the FOLFOX chemotherapy and its side effects, each step required strength and determination. Yet, despite the hurdles, I found solace in the support of my family, my friends, and myself.
The key to my journey was understanding that chemotherapy, while grueling, was necessary to eliminate the cancer cells and improve my overall survival chances. In addition, I learned to manage side effects, look after my physical and mental health, and appreciate the small things that brought joy to my day.
Every cancer journey is unique. What works for one person may not work for another, and the same is valid for managing side effects. My experience is a testament to the importance of personalized care and a comprehensive support system.
My message to anyone reading this and going through a similar experience is: Be patient with yourself. Focus on one day at a time. And remember, with every sunrise, there’s the promise of a new day.
