Next Steps for Bryan's Cancer Treatment

He starts chemotherapy on May 22nd + info about the drugs and the schedule.

Hi, it’s me. Apologies that I haven’t posted a cancer update in awhile¹ - I’ve been busy pretending this isn’t happening. Two weeks ago Bryan had a post-op appointment with the surgeon who said he’s healing as expected. He was also cleared to start lifting and moving things heavier than ten pounds again, which includes his favorite cat and the garbage cans. 👍

This sign said “It’s Fall, Ya’ll!” until a couple weeks ago.

We met with the oncologist about the chemo drugs and schedule for his treatment. Here’s the rundown:

• His first infusion is scheduled for Monday, May 22nd. He’ll continue to get infusions every other week for three months, with the potential for another three months if he can tolerate it (six total).

• Each appointment includes a blood draw, meeting with the oncology team, and a 3 1/2 hour drip infusion. We’ll be at the hospital for most of the day, all told.

• Bryan is receiving a drug cocktail specific to colorectal cancer (and a few others) called the FOLFOX regimen. It includes two main drugs:

  • Drug #1: 5-FU, which is not short for Fuck Up or Fuck-U as I first assumed, but FLUOROURACIL, which is known to slow the growth of cancer cells.

  • Drug #2: OXALIPLATIN, which attaches itself to a cancer cell and prevents it from growing and dividing into two cells.

The GI Oncology floor at Fred Hutch looks like an Apple store.

Fred Hutch is a research hospital, so we said give us all the research! They enrolled Bryan in two studies at no cost to us that will help inform treatment for future cancer patients. One is studying the use of acupuncture to relieve symptoms of nerve and cold sensitivity caused by the Oxaliplatin (more on symptoms below). He’s in the … whatever the group is called that gets the acupuncture… the not control group… the out of control group… which is pretty cool.

(UPDATE: Bryan read his email wrong and is actually in the control group that does not receive acupuncture during treatment. However, he’ll receive free acupuncture sessions after the trial is over.)

Clinical trial drugs have kept our friend alive for many years, so YES to participating in research! 💪

There are many side effects of the drug treatment. Here are the main ones:

Oxaliplatin is the drug that causes side effects like hair loss and nausea, because it attaches itself to ALL cells that grow and divide, including the healthy ones. Examples of healthy cells that are constantly dividing are for our hair, which is always growing, and the skin lining in our digestive system, which is constantly renewing itself. These healthy systems take a hit along with the cancer cells, but the healthy cells will eventually repair themselves once chemotherapy is over.

Peripheral Neuropathy, also caused by the Oxaliplatin, is nerve sensitivity that causes numbness and tingling in the fingers and toes. It can be triggered by cold things 🧊, so it helps to avoid eating or drinking cold things, or hanging out in the fridge or freezer 🥶. Some of the literature recommends wearing gloves while handling ice 🧤.

Aaaaaand The Kraken just lost the seventh game of the series and is out of the NHL playoffs. Coincidentally, it’s the first game Bryan and I have watched, so… sorry we jinxed it, Seattle!

Until next time,

Jen

1. If you need to catch up, the cancer backstory is HERE.