FCR Bound: Hi everyone. Just wanted to update... - CLL Support

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FCR Bound

KateEvaLen profile image
68 Replies

Hi everyone. Just wanted to update you.

Following getting my second opinion with a CLL specialist this week, its now certain that I'm heading for FCR.

My specialist:

- confirmed that I need treatment now and can no longer wait.

- went through all options but felt that FCR was the right route for me at this time

- wants me to do the full 6 cycles

I'm now reconciled to it, even though disappointed that it has come to this and only 18 months since my diagnosis.

I hope to start in early December and will let you know how I'm getting on.

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KateEvaLen profile image
KateEvaLen
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68 Replies
AussieNeil profile image
AussieNeilAdministrator

Hi KateEvaLen,

Sorry to hear your news, but do hope that obtaining that second opinion has brought you some assurance that you are taking the right path. While we generally don't have to rush into CLL treatment, waiting too long is not advisable either. I hope the 18 months grace period has helped you prepare for this next stage in your CLL journey and that you will be one of those patients that quickly finds greatly renewed energy from treatment. Hold onto that hope that you may fall into that category of CLL patients that can be cured by FCR.

Neil

KateEvaLen profile image
KateEvaLen in reply to AussieNeil

Totally at peace now Neil. Really confident in my CLL specialist who was both kind and smart. Have accepted it and I am really grateful - I got my daughter through her final second level exams and into college, handled a major house renovation project and got to move house before needing treatment.

You are also right - the idea of perhaps no longer feeling exhausted and walking around with huge lymph nodes is comforting!

helenolton profile image
helenolton in reply to AussieNeil

Neil have you received treatment?

AussieNeil profile image
AussieNeilAdministrator in reply to helenolton

I expect FCR probably next year. I think I've been slowing progression by taking green tea and turmeric (with my specialist's knowledge).

helenolton profile image
helenolton in reply to AussieNeil

Thanks....I am going to try turmeric...I am still in the wait and watch......

Did Fcr treatment. Not bad. Weak. Rested a lot. Never stop being happy. Several blood transfusions during first couple rounds. Doctor pleased with results.

Bubnojay profile image
Bubnojay

Hi KateEvaLen

Wishing you a calm journey through your treatment, never as bad as the fear of it.

Stay strong as you have been, I look forward to the post at the end of it, saying how well you have done.

A cyber hug and sending good vibes

Bubnjay1

KateEvaLen profile image
KateEvaLen in reply to Bubnojay

Thanks Bubnjay! Will do.

CCLandwell profile image
CCLandwell

Good luck to you and the fact that they are choosing this course means they believe you will achieve good results.

Peggy4 profile image
Peggy4

Hard though it must be, it's good to know that you're on the right track. Sending my best wishes and support. Keep us posted. Peggy.

KateEvaLen profile image
KateEvaLen in reply to Peggy4

Will do Peggy and thank you!

rlyndecker profile image
rlyndecker

After my first round of FCR, my lymph nodes went down A LOT and I felt like i had A LOT more energy. I too though have had some "hiccups in the road" after round 2 & now 3, definitely need rest (not as much as before though!) but to see the #'s is amazing...I haven't had this low of WBC since 2006- way before I was diagnosed. I wish you the best of luck and if you have any questions, I am going through it now. I am about done with round 3. I will be happy to answer anything I can!

KateEvaLen profile image
KateEvaLen in reply to rlyndecker

That's brilliant - fantastic to be in touch with someone already in the road and great to hear sbout the reduction in lymph nodes and bloods. Hope the next rounds go smoothly for you and I will let you know how it's going this end.

wroxham-gb profile image
wroxham-gb

KateEvaLen

Best wishes sent on the start of your FCR Journey. Always remember it is the gold star treatment and works well. You will be monitored closely and well looked after by all the clinical staff. Couple of tips, always report any side effects(if they do not know they cannot help), drink as much water as you can and keep away from too many people, ie big shops, crowds etc.

I sincerely hope all goes well for you.

Sue

KateEvaLen profile image
KateEvaLen in reply to wroxham-gb

Will do Sue.

Corin850 profile image
Corin850

as I recall 70% get at least five years before needing further treatment after six rounds of FCR. All the best. oh by the way I started training for the London marathon half way through my FCR in 2007 (June to December). Completed the London Marathon in April 2008. Ran 10k in December 2007 in 66 minutes, a week after finishing FCR.

KateEvaLen profile image
KateEvaLen in reply to Corin850

Wow. Not sure I'd be up to marathon training but would love to shake off this fatigue enough to get back to daily power walking.

Corin850 profile image
Corin850 in reply to KateEvaLen

basically my experience was feeling very rotten for a week each month, and good for a fortnight each month. The first couple of rounds do most of the work and after that you can probably really start power walking and be fit after FCR. During the first couple of rounds if you can its probably a good idea to get outside for a gentle walk each day when you are not feeling sick (3/4 of the time).

KateEvaLen profile image
KateEvaLen in reply to Corin850

Sounds do-able. Will try this and intend posting how it's going here. Thanks for making it less daunting!

NooNoo14 profile image
NooNoo14

Wishing you lots of luck on your new journey. Hope it goes smoothly for you and Will look forward to following your future posts to see how you are doing.

Love and hugs

NooNoo

KateEvaLen profile image
KateEvaLen in reply to NooNoo14

Thanks Noo Noo. Hope you are coping well.

NooNoo14 profile image
NooNoo14 in reply to KateEvaLen

I am doing ok thanks. Still on W&W so have no experience of what you are going through - yet! Will be good to hear about your experiences.

Stay strong

NooNoo

Newdawn profile image
NewdawnAdministrator

Hi Kate,

I was both sorry and pleased to read the news of your impending treatment. Sorry that it's become necessary and so soon following dx but pleased that it will give you the release from the fatigue and enlarged lymph nodes you're enduring.

What a shame it couldn't have started after Christmas for you though. The major thing is you sound to be psychologically reconciled to the idea and I think that's a real 'biggie' in this. Plus FCR can be spectacularly successful for the right candidates!

I hope that's you Kate and I hope it's uneventful. We'll be willing you on throughout and sending huge best wishes for a successful outcome.

Newdawn

KateEvaLen profile image
KateEvaLen in reply to Newdawn

What a lovely post New Dawn. Thank you. I am feeling reconciled to it all, hopeful but also a little fearful! Actually, now the decision has been taken I just want to get on with it and get out the other side. I hope others here will benefit from my posts through FCR as I'm planning. Keep well New Dawn.

Ednarose profile image
Ednarose

I finished FCR in Sept 2012, and had far more energy even after the 1st treatment. Apart from feeling a bit rough for the first week it was OK. I had to stop the R due to an allergic reaction after the 2nd round. Three years on my bloods are all normal, I do get very tired if I over do things and it takes a few days to recover, but I live a normal life and do everything that I want to within reason. I had 10 days in hospital in 2013 with an unknown infection and was pumped full of antibiotics, but other than that I have had no problems. I wish you all the best with your treatment.

RK66 profile image
RK66

Dear KateEvaLen:

Wishing you the best on this part of your journey. Sooner or later most of us will do the same.

RK66

fieldmeadow profile image
fieldmeadow

FCR fell within the Christmas period for me too and although I was not up to eating our roast dinner (you can feel nauseous between days 3 and 10) I was fine during Boxing Day so made up for it! Having treatment around that time also resulted in the whole family taking over cooking duties, which was great!

I completed 6 rounds of FCR over 18 months ago, even with cardiac issues. But 6 rounds is not set in stone. Your bloods will be taken between each round to see how you are responding to the treatment so you may required fewer rounds. Many doctors seem to suggest 6 rounds to give optimum remission. The downside is that the toxic elements can hit your immune system too hard so that (like mine) it may never fully recover.

However, I gained MRD negative status which should give me a very long remission and I have more energy for our baby granddaughter. Treatment can give you a future. Hope yours is bright and long.

Rafe profile image
Rafe

HI KateEvaLen - Sorry you're joining the club, but I hope and will pray that all goes well for you. I started FCR less than 60 days from my diagnosis, and am now on a 2 year maintenance program. Chemo was not as difficult or as dreadful as I had anticipated. Give your self time to slow down and rest during each cycle - and stay hydrated. It helps. Take care.

Dinasantos profile image
Dinasantos in reply to Rafe

I am glad you are doing well. What does your 2 year maintenance consist off?

Thank you!

Rafe profile image
Rafe in reply to Dinasantos

Thanks. Bloodwork is fairly steady. The program is Rituxan infusion every other month. 1year left on the program. Very much looking to getting done, but it's not bad. I am able to work, energy is good. Take care.

Dinasantos profile image
Dinasantos in reply to Rafe

Thank you!

msuteg profile image
msuteg

I started FCR December 2014, and had my last in May of this year. I tolerated the treatments very well, although I did lose some weight. Now the weight is mostly back, I feel great, and have the energy of someone several years younger! Life is good.

Foggymind profile image
Foggymind

Hope all goes well for you, try and stay positive. I found the chemo nurses/teams very kind and supportive and was re-assured by their experience and understanding. Also meeting and talking with others undergoing the same kinds of treatment can be comforting. I had my FCR chemo in 2011 and am now feeling much better than I ever thought I would be. I had some ups and downs during my treatment but four years on and here I am. Good Luck and best wishes.

Kevin - Essex, UK

pumpkin48 profile image
pumpkin48

Hi KateEvaLen,I just wanted to let you know you will be in my thoughts and prayers and I look forward to hearing how you are doing.Good luck and best wishes for a long remission ,Pumpkin

zentangle profile image
zentangle

Hi KateEvaLen,

I too will be starting my journey in December, but a slightly different path of Nordic Protocol chemotherapy to deal with the MCL aspect of my composite disease (CLL/MCL).

I wish you all the best.

By the way, what were the treatment options?

Regards

Steve

KateEvaLen profile image
KateEvaLen in reply to zentangle

Hi Steve. Wishing you the very best of luck on your treatment path.

My specialist spoke about the FLAIR trial and a new trial in the works whose name I have forgotten! He also spoke at length about Ibrutinib, Idealisib, ABT 199 and the second generation drugs that are coming. Not soon enough for me though but hopefully for others who can wait a little longer!

Megellen profile image
Megellen

Hi there,

I'm in a similar situation, although I haven't had a lot of time to get my head round it,only diagnosed 5 weeks ago and need treatment ,not sure what is the best if you know one day it will happen?

Have fantastic family and friends and have to also get my daughter through her A levels ,so have to stay positive.

Hope all goes well and keep us informed as to how you go as it scares me as to how i will feel.?I also have to decide whether to go for fcr or the flair trial.

Best wishes.

KateEvaLen profile image
KateEvaLen in reply to Megellen

Sorry to hear that you have to face treatment so soon after diagnosis. The only bit of advice I can give you is the good advice I received that is get a second opinion before embarking in treatment from a cll specialist.

Wishing you the very best and do stay in touch - great support and help on this forum.

BCTexas profile image
BCTexas

Kate,

I wish you the best. I'm sure you will do fine. Please keep everyone posted during your journey.

Best wishes,

BC

imlazy profile image
imlazy

I did FCR from Jan until June 12, of this year. It wasnt as bad is I thought it could be. Good luck

Jomary8505 profile image
Jomary8505

I too had treatment 20 months after diagnosis. I had FCR last Nov- April 2015. It went well and my lymph nodes shrunk by the end of first treatment. Drink lots to keep hydrated and take meds as prescribed. Especially for nausea. I only had a mild loss of appetite for a few days but I believe the anti-nausea meds really helped. I too quite nervous about starting treatment- you just don't know what to expect but it really was ok. I didn't need any transfusions and definitely feel better. I hope you have a similar experience. JoanMary

KateEvaLen profile image
KateEvaLen in reply to Jomary8505

Thanks for sharing your experience. It's very comforting and hopeful. It's amazing how good it is to hear from fellow CLL patients sbout their experience. I hope you have a long remission and all remains good!

Best of luck to you. I hope the side effects are not too hard on you. I'm just about to finish up my 6th and final round of BR and am looking forward to being treatment free for a good long time (God willing).

Gigi3410 profile image
Gigi3410

Wishing you as easy a treatment period as possible, a spectacular remission (dare we say cure?) and a long and bright future!

Fran57 profile image
Fran57

Hi KateEvaLen.

Just to reassure you ( and I know everyone is different ) but my husband (58) has just finished 6 rounds of FCR and we are awaiting results of how the last lot went, this week.

I'm sure you'll be fine- he had a not very nice month for the first one but in subsequent rounds the only problem (easy for me to say😊) was the nausea, which lasted only a few days each month. I suggest you start taking the anti nausea Meds before you feel sick - they work much better like that😉

If you have any questions that I can answer from our experience, again, please ask- happy to tell you anything .

Best wishes, Fran ☺️

KateEvaLen profile image
KateEvaLen in reply to Fran57

Thanks Fran and I will take you up on that offer. WHEN your husband gets good report from his final cycle, please do share as it will give me, and I'm sure others, hope.

Hoping you both get to enjoy life together cancer free for years to come.

Fran57 profile image
Fran57 in reply to KateEvaLen

Thanks. Will do! He's been the love of my life since we were 15, 38 years extremely happily married, so it was an emormous shock but we've been through it together and are hoping for positive outcomes, like everyone else. Good luck! Fran 😊

KateEvaLen profile image
KateEvaLen in reply to Fran57

You too Jan. It really helps to have love in your life and I'm sure it makes all the difference.

jangreen profile image
jangreen

Hi I wish you all the best of luck but remember that each of us are different and some of us experience a very difficult time so be prepared for that as well. Best wishes

keepfit123 profile image
keepfit123

I'm sure you'll be o.k. I am 2.5 years since finishing FCR and still in remission.

All the best,

keepfit123

KateEvaLen profile image
KateEvaLen in reply to keepfit123

Good to hear .....,and long May remission last for you!

wiganfan profile image
wiganfan

Hi KateEvaLen, as someone on W&W I cannot give any advice or information as well as others on this forum can.

All I can do is give you my good wishes.

Wiganfan

Seven6 profile image
Seven6

Hi KateEvaLen

To wish you well and to thank you for your positiveness. Reading your posts and others responses is so helpful. I think it is obvious this community will be thinking of you.

I am in W&W and being informed by yourself and others. I will follow you posts with interest.

All the very best

Seven6

KateEvaLen profile image
KateEvaLen in reply to Seven6

Thank you and you are right - it is empowering for all of us to share real experiences in this safe environment and I for one would be lost without the knowledge and support of all contributors but most especially Aussie Neil and New Dawn.

Firefly14 profile image
Firefly14

Hi KateEvaLen,

Firstly, congratulations on getting through all of those milestones with CLL! And for your positivity. And secondly, wishing you every best wish and success for this next part of your CLL journey. We will all be thinking of you. It would be great if you could keep us updated on how it goes (when you feel ready to!). I hope it's not too tough going and of course the reason for treatment is to make you feel better!!, so I'm delighted for you that you will be out power walking again very soon and able to enjoy life to the full.

On a personal level, selfishly it's great to hear that you've got a good consultant and I'd be really grateful if you felt comfortable in sharing his name (and of course understand if you'd rather not).

Take care, I'll be thinking about you, sending you hugs - and high fives for how great you'll be feeling soon, please God :)

Firefly x

KateEvaLen profile image
KateEvaLen in reply to Firefly14

I'll keep you updated on each cycle of FCR for sure.

I have no problem singing the praises of my CLL specialist, Professor Peter Hillmen - kind, thorough and smart - couldn't ask for better!

My local haematologist here in Ireland is also great by the way!

Cammie profile image
Cammie

Kate

Just checking in to say good luck.

Hope all goes well.

I only had three rounds of FCR but all still looking good.

Keep us informed and remember we are all pulling for you gal!

Geoff

KateEvaLen profile image
KateEvaLen in reply to Cammie

Thanks Geoff. I'll keep posting to let everyone know how it's going!

kaymack profile image
kaymack

Hi KateEvaLen,

I'm 3 years past completing FCR and I'm in a good remission. I hope all goes well for you, also.

Kay

KateEvaLen profile image
KateEvaLen in reply to kaymack

Delighted to hear you've gotten 3 years and still counting.....please god you'll be one of the lucky ones and are cured!

gkblues profile image
gkblues

Hi KateEvaLen,

Sorry to hear your news about CLL, but rest assured FCR is the gold treatment standard, tried and trusted.

Like you my consultant suggested 6 cycles of FCR, I only need 4 as they were pleased with my blood results after that cycle.

I would also suggest avoiding large crowds such as shopping centres, pubs,

travelling on public transport especially during rush hour, drink lots of water and carrying hand gel with you when you go out. If you have to go to places go when it quieter in the week.

One other point try to get someone to drive you to your appointment and pick you up, I found care to drive a voluntary organisation here in Ireland a God send as it was one less thing on mind after treatment.

I am now 2.5 years in remission after my FCR treatment and still going strong.

Good luck with your treatment.

KateEvaLen profile image
KateEvaLen in reply to gkblues

Thanks - glad your remission is holding. Best wishes from another Irish CLLr!!

gkblues profile image
gkblues in reply to KateEvaLen

Thanks KateEvaLen, if you need to ask any questions let me know.

mehall51 profile image
mehall51

Kate

All the very best for your treatment. I completed my six cycles of FCR in July 2015, things are now much improved.

onwards and upwards

Mike

Groetjes profile image
Groetjes

Hi KateEvaLen,I just wanted to let you know you will be in my thoughts and prayers and I look forward to hearing how you are doing.Good luck.

Coco1971

QS82 profile image
QS82

Hi KateEvaLen,

Just to say I hope your treatment is going well and you get great results. Your post and subsequent replies have cheered me up a lot as my dear mum who is 58 is about to start FCR in January (if she doesn't choose to do the FLAIR trial or get accepted and even then there's a 50/50 chance she'll get FCR). She is so worried and nervous about the treatment and what might lie ahead, but I will read her some of the positives here to make her feel less scared.

All the best, please let us know how you get on.

Xx

KateEvaLen profile image
KateEvaLen in reply to QS82

Please god your mum gets the new drugs but if it is FCR it is not easy but very manageable. She is very lucky to have such a caring daughter - my daughter is 19 by the way so I know how important your support is to your mum. I'll tell you something I'm sure she would tell you herself - do give her every support but also look after yourself. Enjoy life, see your friends, laugh and have fun, travel, do whatever brings you happiness while keeping space for your mum too.

All will be well. Treatments are bearable and their are lots of options coming on stream. Don't worry too much.

I'm just home from the hospital from day one of cycle two of FCR and I'm fine. A little woozy but grand. I plan to do a post when the worst if the nausea is over - probably Sunday! Take care of yourself and thank you - it's good to know that my posts helped you. It gave me a real lift in spirits tonight.

dwolden profile image
dwolden

Good luck to you KateEvaLen, do be careful to avoid crowds, airplanes etc. Be vigilant and get treatment right away if any fevers etc. FCR is very powerful and I understand still the most effective tool against CLL, but it is fearsome all around. I hope for the very best results for you.

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