Welcome to the second episode of Care Partner's Compass: Navigating CRC.
In today's episode, we'll look at my wife Kristine's first line chemo (FOLFOXIRI) for colorectal cancer as I trace some of the earlier steps of her stage 4 colorectal cancer journey and what it is like for a stage 4 care partner. Chemo is important in stage 4, as it gives the best chance to get to a procedure with curative intent. Second (and third, fourth, etc.) opinions are also incredibly important.
Full transcription can be found on the website.
Host, producer/editor, and composer: Elsa Lankford
Helpful links related to this episode:
- colontown.org - While it took me a few months to find Colontown, I have found it very helpful as a place to learn and share science and medical-based information on CRC. It is also helpful to be able to chat with others who have similar experiences - for patients and care partners.
- https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/ - Fight CRC is a very helpful organization with many resources for CRC patients, care partners, and patient advocates
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer.html - American Cancer Society
- (01:38) - Typical chemo day
- (03:32) - Bloodwork check-in
- (04:14) - Dancing during chemo
- (04:52) - Icing for Oxaliplatin
- (08:19) - Removing the chemo (5FU)
- (10:54) - Chemo as a way to hopefully get to surgery
- (12:15) - Trying to understand if chemo is working
- (14:55) - Importance of having surgeons on board/second opinions
- (16:26) - Chemo side effects
