Gemzar/Oxaliplatin treatment
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Devastated:
The Hepatic Infusion Pump is surgically implanted into the abdomen and a catheter is inserted into a vein/artery (I always mix them up) that leads directly to the tumor. After 3 embolizations we finally got my pump to work. It is used when the cancer is still contained to a single tumor, as far as I can tell, because it feeds the FUDR chemo directly into the tumor with very little side effects. I am still receiving systemic chemo, although it is only Gemzar now, as it was discovered that my lymph nodes were also affected. That, and the fact that it took 4 months to get the pump and my body to cooperate.
It is not widely used, nor is it often a good option, especially if the cancer has spread.
My oncologist is Dr. Nancy Kemeny, the oncologist who perfected the Codman Pump, the one that is implanted in me. There are 1 or 2 other brands that are used in various clinics, but they aren’t common.
I hope this answered your questions? I do have a thread called “Liver Infusion Pump?” if you want to read more.
KrisHi,
If all the regimens you mentioned will provide the same tumor control that you are looking for ;the FUDR pump will be the least to cause systemic side effects to your husband because of its method of local delivery(intra-arterial) of the chemo agent FUDR (Floxuridine) to the liver only.
Gemzar/Xeloda(oral) and Gemzar/Oxaliplatin are systemic chemotherapy given intravenously;therefore the side effects will be more than the FUDR local infusion in theory; Gemzar/Xeloda may cause less side effects than Gemzar/Oxaliplatin because the lack of use of the platin group agents like oxaliplatin,cisplatin and carboplatin etc.
God bless.This link may be of help to you:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1353125/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6212114
Can someone explain this chemo treatment to me? FUDR pump? my husband just finished 4 cycles of folfox and ct scan scheduled. Folfox was VERY DIFFICULT for him. Not sure if oxi/gemi or something with xeloda will be next. Lymph nodes are her2 pos.
Thanks!Yes, Marion. We filled the pump yesterday and I feel great today! No side effects. Hoping that keeps up. The best part is no neuropathy or nausea!! This is great so far. I just hope the results are as good as with the oxaliplatin. I almost didn’t want to switch to the pump because the oxaliplatin is shrinking the tumor at such an amazing rate, but I figured it’s in me, why not use it?
KRIS, right now I feel like your cheerleader! Go KRIS GO!!! This is getting more and more exciting, keep it going! You remind me of the children’s book, The Little Engine That Could! I knew you could, I knew you could!
Okay, people need to hear about this cocktail!!! I’ve only had 1 chemo treatment since my July 25th CT scan and the tumor has shrunk even more! It’s now 4.0×2.4cm (July 25 it was 4.4×3.3cm). I can’t believe it. My surgeon is out of the country so we can’t discuss resection yet, but it’s promising!
I think more people need to hear about this cocktail. It’s not the most pleasant: burns with regular i.v. and even with the port a little sometimes, but OMG what results.
Today we are going to try the FUDR thru the pump tho. Even tho oxaliplatin is working so well, I drove into NYC by myself so really don’t want the side effects of the gem/ox. I have too long a drive home. Hopefully FUDR works as well as the gem/ox from the INSIDE of the tumor! Keeping my fingers crossed and the prayers going.Yea! KRIS! I bet you are gld that is over and you are on your way again. wishing for a “leakless” Chemo! Best of luck and of course let us know!
Kris….so great to hear from you. You are one major step ahead and now you need that little extra break for the possible, minor, leak to not interfere with the absorption of the chemotherapy.
My fingers are crossed and I am sending
all my best wishes your way
MarionThe embolization was mostly a success. There is still a slight “fluttery” leak but my onc thinks I should start using the pump with the FUDR. We are going to start Monday with a lesser amount of FUDR to see how my body handles the chemo and whether the leak is too much for me to handle. I’m a little nervous about it: I had really wanted the leaks to be gone. But I trust my onc knows what she’s doing. So we move on to the next phase of fighting!
Kris…all fingers are crossed for Thursday. Can’t wait to hear your report.
All my best wishes,
MarionHi Kris,
I will keep my fingers crossed for your embolization on Thursday and I so hope it goes well! Please let us know how you get on, and I’m loving your positive, fighting spirit here!
Best wishes,
Gavin
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