Cross study treatment - anyone have experience??

[Sparky194]

Hi again,

My husband has been told his treatment will be 23 sessions of radiotherapy every day and then 5 treatments of chemotherapy every week using Paclitaxel and carboplatin.

We hope this will begin in 2 weeks after his laparoscopy.

He will have 6/8 weeks recovery and then the Ivor Lewis Op.

Is this usual treatment for this disease? I'm worrying whether we should get a second opinion as I know some people only have chemo and then the Op.

Has anyone got any experience of this treatment?

Thanks,

Vikki

[ccfc]

Hi,

Everyone’s treatment is different depending on their individual condition. I was lucky to be caught early so went straight to surgery with no chemo or radio but they must feel the treatment they have prescribed for your husband is the best for him. Best Wishes, James.

[Paulbrighton]

Hi Sparky. Always have second opinions when you can.

[Horses444]

Yes I had same treatment and it shrunk tumour to a non visable level bi it was still in the walls great result but I might add I had some extra alternative therapies to help with side effects which worked well I did not get sick or have any burns Main treatment included Vit C intravenous the night before the chemo and aloe Vera on the radiation area I might tell you some doctors don't agree with this but It worked for me I continued working all through the treatment and was back to par time within 3 months of surgery Also I took Serrapeptase after opp to reduce scar tissue have a read about it on the net

Best wishes

CJ Mudgee Aust

[Sparky194 in reply to Horses444]

Thank you for the advice. I'm definately interested in the alternative therapies so will research this. While treatment isn't happening I've got him taking cucurmin, selenium and zinc but we've been told to stop this when chemo starts.

I'm pleased your doing so well!

[timmey25]

Hi have you heard of beta glucan it's in capsules and oatmeal Google it its worth taking

[CharlieWood]

Hi, this was exactly my treatment in South Africa. Five weekly chemo sessions with those two drugs, although due to low platelet count I didn't have the last one, whilst at the same time having 25 daily radiotherapy sessions. Then an eight week break before surgery. I didn't have an Ivor Lewis as my surgeon favoured a McKeown procedure. But that's another story!

[Hidden]

This is exactly the treatment I had for a squamous cell carcinoma. The chemotherapy was given at the same time as the radiotherapy. It was very effective. I think it’s a standard procedure. Good luck

[Sparky194]

Thank you for your replies, that does make me feel better. I'm pleased all your treatments have been successful. I have been reading the research trial looking at the cross study regime compared to the FLOT regime, but I don't think there are results yet for this. I just want to make sure he's getting the best treatment. I guess we need to ask our oncologist why he has chosen this treatment plan.

[grandylynda]

I had this same treatment though the 5 chemo sessions were combinded with the radio therapy so it was all done over 5 weeks. This was june/ July and then surgery at beggining of Sept. It worked as biopsies after surgery were clear.

Good luck

[Sparky194]

Thank you, good to know your doing well after this treatment. I hope we have the same luck 🤞

[mgloughran]

I had similar treatments in early 2014 here in the US, but I had 28 radiations and 6 chemos. Perhaps mine was a bit further on, as I was diagnosed late stage 3. Fantastic result from the treatment and I was deemed eligible for resection - surgery was 11 weeks after end of treatment. I've read that we shouldn't go beyond 12 weeks as the cancer might spread after that time (they originally had me scheduled about 15 weeks out but I fought them and they rescheduled me earlier).

I did not take certain supplements during chemo as some have adverse reactions. Your oncologist can probably tell you which to avoid.

I also requested (and received) three transfusions of iron after my chemo ended, and started my hospital's exercise rehab program between the treatment and the surgery. They both helped get me stronger for the upcoming surgery, which is paramount.

[Sparky194 in reply to mgloughran]

Thanks for telling me about your experience of this treatment, im so pleased to hear the treatment worked. I havent heard of iron transfusions but i guess the treatment really takes it out of you, I will look into this.

Just waiting for it all to start now on 4th March , seems like it's taken ages.

Thanks again,

Vikki