Q&A – Diagnosed with colon cancer at 31 part 2

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  1. * Folfox: oxaliplatin and leucovorin are given together at the infusion center – you go home with the flouracil. Typically you are given ‘pre’, drugs: dexamethasone (steroid), aloxxi (anti nausea) and sometimes Benadryl.

    If your WBC/ neutrophils tends to tank – they can give Neulasta when your pump is disconnected.

    My oncologist at MSKCC has said that most people hit toxicity and have real issues with the oxaliplatin after 8 cycles.

    PS You seem to be handling the chemo very well. You are active and eat so healthfully. It does make you more sun sensitive
    Sunblock for Hawaii – but so good that you’re getting in a little holiday! I’m jealous😊. At least 3 friends have just come back from Hawaii trips.

    * Pardon me for butting in.

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  2. I’m a 28 year Colon Cancer survivor and I applaud you for all of the energy you have. I was diagnosed when I was 29, the summer of 1994. I was diagnosed with Stage 3C and underwent chemo therapy every week for a year. The chemo drug regimen was a little different back then with having one oral drug taken 3 times a day for 3 days straight every other week and a short infusion with a butterfly needle & a syringe of 5 Fluorouricil (5FU) every week. The first round was a week of one a day for 5 days of daily 5FU infusions. Then I had two weeks off then my weekly treatment tsp started off with taking the oral and the infusion followed by a week of just the infusion and then the two drugs again. About 6 hours after the second infusion with the oral, the uncontrollable vomiting started and lasted for four days, no matter what drug my oncologist tried to help with the nausea. I learned to eat sparingly during the days when I took the oral chemo, and I also developed narcolepsy. I can completely relate to your feeling of being isolated despite having an excellent support system. I also felt that way so I also had therapy. Once I was finished with chemo, I was able to cope better and life as it is right now couldn’t be better. I used to swear at cancer. But now I’m thankful for it, because it helped me to see all of the blessings I had and continue to have. I also learned humility, and empathy for others. Kindness and understanding for others are the best gifts cancer gave me. I am available on Facebook as Pauline Glaser. On instagram as @snowiebun, if you ever need someone who understands and has come out the other side of what you are going through. BTW I started out with a J-Pouch and now I have a permanent stoma.

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  3. As someone who's also going through cancer treatment I really enjoy your videos and your sharing your experience. So are you on chemo that doesn't cause hair loss? That's what was traumatic for me–losing my hair after first treatment. Glad you still have your gorgeous hair!

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  6. Laura, while you are going through treatments it seems like it will take forever but, it will all be over before you know it. I had 8 rounds of chemo, 2 surgeries (in 24 hours), 25 rounds of radiation and 6 months on the chemo pill. I was first diagnosed with breast cancer on March 12, 2020 and had 15 months of treatment. I finished treatment in June of 2021. Looking back it did go by so fast and I can't believe it's been 2 years since I was diagnosed. I am walking outside for exercise and trying to find employment so that I can get back to my old life. I had to go on medication for depression and I have joined an after cancer support group because I went through a dark period. God is good and I believe he doesn't give you more than you can handle. Take it day-by-day and pay attention to your mental health during this journey and I am glad that you are seeking help. My super power is that I went through the above and came out the other end. I had an interview 3 weeks ago and the women said "what have you been doing for the past year" (I have a year gap on my resume) and I wanted to say "surviving cancer, what have you done?" but I didn't. LOL! Treat yourself good because you are going through alot and allow yourself grace when needed.

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  7. Bless you, Laura. I had my hands and feet on ice during chemo to help with the neuropathy. I don't have neuropathy in my hands but I have it in my feet and I am 8-months post treatment. It feels like my feet are numb but hurt at the same time. Another cancer patient described it as burning in the feet and numbness. Luckily for me I handled chemo very well to my surprise. My sister was on chemo and had a rough go. Pamper yourself because you are going through alot and allow yourself grace as you go through this journey. I have been where you are at but with breast cancer diagnosis. I am so glad that you have Hawaii to look forward to. When I was on chemo I couldn't stand any type of heat. After a shower sometimes I had to lay down on the floor. Once my sister visited and we were outside in the sun for 20 minutes and I almost fainted when I was trying to reach my bed after the visit. Heat was no-no for me. It is interesting how everyone's journey is different.

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  11. Great information,dear Laura
    Your awareness of your body is amazing
    Truthfully,I’ve had to take sleeping pills on occasion
    It’s fine and I’m not going to suffer but try to manage with magnesium and zinc
    All the best love ❤️

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  12. That was a very valuable info session so very helpful you really are traveling well on this journey🤍Your aware of your emotions and addressing them and giving so many helpful hints that can help others,so proud of you🌸

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  15. Laura,
    As mentioned in earlier comment on another vlog, I have been thru the chemo you are having now etc. I had 7 cycles prior to surgery and finished 5 cycles on Feb 9th and am NED, on surveillance monitoring. All to say, if you ever want to talk, let me know.

    As always, good luck with everything.

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  16. William Charles,
    A lot of hospitals have financial aid programs. I don’t know if you are in the US, but if so you could probably get on Medicaid insurance, which should provide good coverage. I hope that your tumor is contained and your recovery from surgery is speedy.

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  18. I worked in Medical Oncology in the US for several years. Oxaliplatin is very challenging, and can be a real struggle to begin with. Chemo is a marathon and not a sprint, so having a range of supportive, comfort strategies, can make infusion sessions a little less daunting. TFS your experiences, as your lived experience will be so invaluable to people who are facing similar, serious medical challenges. Wishing you well!.

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  20. I'm a subscriber and your videos are very informative, I also have colon cancer stage 4 ,diagnosed in march 25,2019. I am currently on round 3 of chemo had a partial colectomy, chemo, some radiation, liver resection and back to chemo again , and I am 57 yrs old, and take 1 day at a time,I enjoy your vlogs and so sorry you are going thru this , you are strong and resilient, and you have alot of support here on you tube .

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  27. Even though people support you I can understand they don’t have the sickness I think it’s hard for them to really understand what your going through I was in a relationship with someone who had prostate cancer and he was in emotional pain to we did go to therapy together so I could lesrn to cope also But for him I can’t imagine what he was feeling

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  29. Great video, Laura, thank you. Im fortunate not to have cancer myself but I still find your videos very educational. I am so glad you’re seeing a therapist during this stressful time. ITs wonderful to have a impartial listener who you can just vent to. I recall in one of your earlier videos that you were studying to be a counselor. I hope you are still able to do that. Would love to hear some of the books you’ve enjoyed reading as Im always up for recommendations. Ive been eating more variation in my veggies thanks to your colorful homemade meals. Thank you!

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  30. Even if I'm told to do chemo, I don't think I'll do it. Being a hair stylist, losing motor skills would devastate my career .I don't have insurance,
    other than a few friends I'm battling this alone, I can't afford not to work.i was told the tumor was contained, before surgery, maybe i won't need it, I'll find out on my follow up 3/23

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  31. I don’t have cancer but find your vlog very educational so that if I ever do get it, I’ll have a better idea of what to expect and how to cope. I am a Vegan and (WFPB) eater so hope it keeps me healthy and lessens the odds of me getting diseases. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.

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