I was quite surprised to hear from my oncologist that my chemo will be delivered via a central line. Plus I’d be having post op chemo.
Can anyone share their experiences with me?
Gather it’s so a pump can be attached for slow delivery of F5 without the need for an overnighter
I was given 4 lots of FLOT chemo before the op..after the 1st lot,my immune system was to low so on the second was changed to every 3 weeks instead of 2 and 80% of the dose..I’d have a full day receiving it then a pump put onto my picc line,in a bag ,which I took home..this went in over night..and I returned the next afternoon to have it taken off ..so pre op chemo went ,4 cycles over 12 weeks..then 12 week break until I underwent Ivor Lewis surgery..then rested for another 12 weeks before chemo started again.which was same again over roughly 3 months..I was told that if I could make 3 more sessions they would be willing to drop the 4th..but decided I had to give it my best shot ..even though the last did knock me about ..but having said all this ,I had my last session on November 5th..and apart from slightly numb fingers due to nerve end damage,and the odd bout of dumping syndrome,I feel pretty good..walking 4 to 6 miles most days or every other..put on nearly a stone since Christmas (chocolate 😂) and find my self eating just a smaller evening meal..it all seems to have flown past,,and look down to the future..I think you’ll find yourself in a whirl wind of appointments,a d recovering from 1 thing before it starts again..just stay positive and keep smiling,it will all be over soon and before you know it 12 months has passed..I think there was something else goin on this year called covid..but didn’t get involved..😂..sorry my English isn’t the best,but hope it helps..always people here to help..I wish you all the luck in the world ,but you’ve got this ..😊
Thank you so much for following me, I have read your journey with interest because apart from anything else it’s so recent. The complications of COVID are far reaching but my treatment seems to be on track now. I have to go for a COVID test tomorrow then on Friday an oncology preassessment and news of insertion of my line. I think you’re right that time will fly with all the appointments tests etc. But not really how I’d planned my first year of retirement 😂 I was 65 on the 10th.Thanks again for your honest portrayal x Dee
I know how you feel ,I had my first chemo just after my 60th last March,but everything had to go on hold,as I could hardly swallow any food..it really soon passes just another hurdle,but you will fly thro it 😊
So we are kind of a years comparison. How did yours come to light. Had you symptoms ? And also why are you called Telford hiker?
I had a laugh when I saw your name as my ex husbands first name is Telford. Richard my husband and I had a laugh about that xx
I had few chest pains,still don’t know if they were related ,but a possible sign,but the main thing was getting a peice of steak stuck that I couldn’t swallow..I had recently prior to that had an MOT which stated I was fit ..so a different doctor sent me for an endescope,which proved the worst experience of all.. to me anyway..lol.,..telford hiker is my Instagram page,as I’m from telford and love hiking..both my wife and I ,have done loads of the last few years,so the fitness had proved handy..after years of misspent youth..🙈😂
I guessed it was something to do with where you were from.
Are you UK based then..I’m from Telford but had chemo at Shrewsbury and op at royal Stoke
Yes I’m in Northumberland, near Hadrian’s Wall, so all my treatment in Newcastle
Oh gosh, I had just started enjoying my retirement too. Its a shock isn't it? Still we are lucky we have all these treatments available to us.
Hi I had a full day of Chemo and elements at the beginning of the 3 week cycle and then a chemo ball pump attached to a pic line that gave a steady dose of chemo, the the pump was changed weekly. This was for pre and post op chemo. It was 10 years ago and I think it’s improved, good luck
I think it’s changed ,but seems so many different types of chemo..good to know your are 10years passed,I take it you are now classed as cancer free..so happy for you
I am on the watch list, I tried to cut down on the PPIs and have developed Barratts so Now take my PPIs religiously and have a much better understanding of silent reflux. just hit 61 this year. Glad you are doing well.
Not heard of silent reflux ?
Most of my reflux is silent - you have to be really careful - like Liz I tried to stop PPI but developed a horrible cough so had to start again - I think my silent reflux caused Barrett’s which then caused my OC without me knowing because I didn’t have reflux symptoms - silent is basically reflux but you don’t know you’ve got it - all the best
Thank you ,not heard of this before,so handy to know ..I wish you well
Hi there, I had a different chemo was offered central line but decided to have intravenous. It did muck my veins up and probably should have had central line.
I had 3 rounds before and 3 rounds after. The after is to clear up any loose cells that may break off into the blood stream. They do adjust treatments to you. I was only able to do 2 out of 3 weeks on each round. Some people don’t have or stop early post op.
Keep Positive
Remember 1 step at a time
Best Wishes
Debbie
Hi Dee. As I understand it, peri-operative FLOT is pretty much the standard treatment for esophageal cancer these days, so please don't be alarmed.
I'm not sure whether by 'central line' you mean a port in the chest? I have one of those (sorry, I'm not posting from the UK, so our terminology may be a bit different). I was rather squeamish about the idea at first, but it has really proved its worth - not only so that you can take the 5FU pump home overnight; it also helps you avoid a lot of discomfort and just makes things more convenient all round.
I was diagnosed with stage 3 adenocarcinoma of the GE junction at the end of February last year, so my experience is also quite recent. I had 4 cycles of FLOT starting in March, then my op in June, then another 4 cycles of FLOT, although the last two were without the oxaliplatin because my neuropathy was starting to get quite bad.
However, when my op was done, it was found that my cancer was HER2+, so I was started on Ogivri as well, simultaneous with my last two cycles of FLOT. I am now done with the FLOT, but am still having Ogivri and will probably continue to do so for quite a while. I go in for an infusion once every three weeks - another reason I'm glad I have a port. I'm certainly getting a lot of mileage out of mine!
The best advice I got was to keep a positive attitude and just take everything one step at a time. It's hard, I know, but try not to think too far ahead. Time will pass. Good luck and let us know how you get on.
I will do and thanks for your information. I’ve had my chemo preassessment now and understand the need for a port. You’re quite right it is a port and not a central line. I start my chemo on 3 rd of March and as you say trying to just take one day at a time .
I advise you to buy your own cover for where the line goes in. (I'm guessing its a PICC line on your arm) You can get some attractive ones that make you feel a bit better and also prevent you knocking it. The hospital will give you shower cover if you ask, and that really helps. It comes with its own holder which you wear like a shoulder bag.. Hope this is useful info and I wish you lots of luck.
Where would I get a cover ?
Hallo! I think I got mine on Amazon. I guess ebay do them too. There are men and women's and they come in different sizes. I saw a lovely lace one on someone in the summer. I will try to send you a link if you can't find one. Hope it goes really well for you. Hugs!!
Where would I get a cover ?
They usually put a tube bandage over it..and change it weekly ,after line flush or chemo day..you should get a prescription for a waterproof sleeve to cover it ..obviously hard when you have pump on overnight,but can shower in morning day off chemo,then following evening,when pumps off..could always take a bath if need be,and dangle it over the side..I found the pump to be a pain,but it’s only over 1 night..if you having FLOT chemo
I had a pump of F5 via a PIC line - every week - a ball the size of an orange which I carried around with me in my pocket and over the week it reduced until it was almost empty when I went back. So 24/7 . It was easy but did leak a couple of times which was irritating- and worrying but they sorted it quickly. I think I had this because I can’t swallow tablets...
I also had an infusion of something else ( can’t believe I can’t remember ) every three weeks which took an hour or so.
Best wishes for your treatment.
If you get the 7 day pump like me there is a brilliant bag thing to put on so you can shower/bath - I can let you know if you need to buy one
Swallowing difficulties 5 months post-op
Survival rate of esophageal cancer. 
Lanzoprazole and side effects
Post op sleeping position 
