Hey thanks so much. My husband is 31 and going through this now. We are documenting his process because it is so helpful when we find people with real experience sharing their stories and experiences. It is so comforting and informative. Virtual empathy. Thanks again.
Jessica thalls. Ma'am plz share your husband's experience also. My sister diagnosed with rectal cancer stage two n she is having her radiation and oral chemo treatment now...
Wow, Jelena. You’re such a great storyteller. Your delivery kind of reminds me a bit of Irma Bombeck or Andy Rooney. I mean, I know actually going through a long, drawn out medical journey isn’t fun, per se, but if we ever find ourselves traveling a similar path, we’ll have these golden videos to give us some comfort. Hoping all is well. Thank you for sharing in your own inimitable style. 👍
10:21 PS: Nice that you were given a little break on those ski passes. That’s the way our society should function. People who are going through difficult times like this should be given a little deference and/or special treatment. We all need the Universe to cut us a little slack when the going gets a bit tough. ❄️⛄️⛷️👍
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. I was diagnosed stage 3 colorectal cancer a few weeks ago, and I begin FOLFOX tomorrow, set up for 8 cycles, followed by 5 or so weeks of radiation. I too had a port installed about 10 days ago.I appreciate seeing your videos, and hearing about your experiences, and hope you are doing well.
@@merchseller You can do it! Did you have surgery yet? I was stage 1 so went in for surgery to remove it but the pathology report came back positive for spread so now I am stage 3 going for chemo and radiation like you. I am scared...
Thank you so much for this. I was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer in January 23 and am about to start FolFox Chemo on Friday, so really good to understand what lies ahead! Thanks!
Ty so much for ALL of your posts! We have the same treatment I started with xeloda and now I am on folfox after my lar. I didn't need an ileostomy, but I am still suffering from severe Lars. Diagnosis was July 28, surgery was January 17 and I am on my second infusion. You are an inspiration and I am so grateful for you.
Best wishes to you as you make your way through treatment. Hopefully your LARS eventually improves, I can imagine the chemo doesn't help the symptoms much.
Hi, all, I would like to offer a word of advice to all fellow patients watching Jelena’s vlog. If you are experiencing severe side effects from the treatment that affect your daily functioning to the point that it could no longer be tolerated. Please speak to you oncologist and ask them to reduce the dosage of the drug that causing it, If that doesn’t work, they can look into substituting it with alternative drug that might not have the same side effects. Please DO NOT quit the treatment in the middle. That applies especially to those undergoing neoadjuvant (before surgery) chemotherapy like myself. Completing entire 8-12 cycles ( this may vary depending on you treatment plan) will increase your chances of avoiding the surgery completely, or at least making the surgeon’s job easier in removing the tumor and surrounding lymph nodes. Also, completing the treatment is vital and crucial because it increases your chance to be cancer free for the rest of your life! P.S. I just started the cycle No.3 out of 8 of FolFox and my oncologist decided to reduce the dosage of 5-FU by 20% and oxaliplatin by 10%. I have had severe diarrhea from the first drug and neuropathy (numbness and pins and needles sensation in toes and fingers on hands and feet) from the second drug. Diarrhea appears to have resolved for now, I’ll report on the neuropathy later
Thank you so much for your videos I have just been diagnosed colon cancer. I’ve had Crohn’s for many many years and it has turned cancerous now and I’m gonna have to go through a lot of this. Thank you so much.😊😊😊😊😊
Once again, thank you. Treatment 2 of 9 scheduled for Monday. My fatigue lingered into this week, but I’m a bit older than you. 74, that’s more than a “bit,” huh?
You videos are extremely helpful. Thank you. Just diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer and very anxious about starting Folfox next week. I’m so happy you could continue working out during treatment. Would you be able to share about foods you ate during treatment? Did you ever experience “first bite” syndrome?
So sorry about your diagnosis. Honestly, I didn’t really change much of what I ate during treatment. I tested out a bunch of different protein powders after I had surgery because my appetite was pretty low, but that was only temporary. I definitely did experience the “first bite” thing for the first bite of food after I came home from infusions.
@@jennamartin871 always warm food for a few days because of the cold sensitivity, but just whatever I could eat. The only thing I avoided was popcorn but that was because of my ileostomy.
It actually only happened at the first meal, so I just dealt with it since it was only 1 time every 2 weeks. Just expect that it will happen and don’t take too large of a bite at that first meal.
I hope I fair as well as you did on the eight rounds of chemo. I still worry about certain side-effects like neuropathy or other long lasting or permanent side-effects. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I hope you do too! Make sure to keep your oncologist informed as you begin feeling these side effects so they can help keep them under control as much as possible.
hey jelena, you were saying that it hurt to raise your arms above your chest level after your port placement surgery. did it continue to hurt in your chest area for a while or did the pain subside quickly, allowing full arm movements above your head?
Once it’s healed, if it’s not accessed you can shower like normal. I was told the tape they put over the needle when you’re attached for chemo is waterproof and it’s fine to shower, I just needed to keep the pump dry.
Yes I did. The day before, during and the day after. It was water fasting, help me lot from dealing with chemo side effects. no side effects at all but keep in mind try to stay dehydrate all the time, because, you need to flush out those poisonous chemo drug asap also keep your kidneys function properly. No cold water at all, even try to avoid ac. room water. Normal or very light warm water keep you away from nausea, vomiting etc.
I was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer on 6/4/20 and undergoing chemotherapy for 6 months / 12 sessions. Then after that, chemo + radiation 5 days for 5 1/2 weeks . Then surgery. Why is your cancer treatment shorter than mine?
I'm not sure. Oncologists differ in opinion on how many rounds of FOLFOX are necessary so some patients do 12, some do 8, and others something in between. Everything else sounds the same, just in a slightly different order.
Your treatment schedule is the same as mine was. Though I stopped FOLFOX after 8 cycles because the tumor had shrunk significantly and because of neuropathy issues. So you should feel comfortable that your treatment plan is common for other patients.
![일상 속 기분 좋음 [Proto disco meme]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/DwmEIaZ7XGQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Hey thanks so much. My husband is 31 and going through this now. We are documenting his process because it is so helpful when we find people with real experience sharing their stories and experiences. It is so comforting and informative. Virtual empathy. Thanks again.
You are so welcome! Sending you both strength as you go through this 💙
Jessica thalls. Ma'am plz share your husband's experience also. My sister diagnosed with rectal cancer stage two n she is having her radiation and oral chemo treatment now...
Wow, Jelena. You’re such a great storyteller. Your delivery kind of reminds me a bit of Irma Bombeck or Andy Rooney. I mean, I know actually going through a long, drawn out medical journey isn’t fun, per se, but if we ever find ourselves traveling a similar path, we’ll have these golden videos to give us some comfort.
Hoping all is well. Thank you for sharing in your own inimitable style. 👍
10:21 PS: Nice that you were given a little break on those ski passes. That’s the way our society should function. People who are going through difficult times like this should be given a little deference and/or special treatment. We all need the Universe to cut us a little slack when the going gets a bit tough.
❄️⛄️⛷️👍
Thank you so much for your kind words ☺️ I've never really thought of myself as a storyteller, but I'll take that compliment. Thanks for watching! 💙
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. I was diagnosed stage 3 colorectal cancer a few weeks ago, and I begin FOLFOX tomorrow, set up for 8 cycles, followed by 5 or so weeks of radiation. I too had a port installed about 10 days ago.I appreciate seeing your videos, and hearing about your experiences, and hope you are doing well.
Best wishes to you as you start treatment. I'm doing pretty well and am still cancer-free 💙
Thank you for your posts, im had my reversal surgery in February and I have 2 chemotherapy to go, watching your posts answers alot of my questions
I couldn't stop watching your videos, thank you very much for sharing your story :)
Hamed Almabrok thank you so much! So glad to hear my videos are binge-worthy 😃
Thank you for the video. I am stage 3 rectal cancer too with Folfox coming up in 3 weeks.
I'm stage 3 also, finished 2 rounds about to have my 3rd if counts are fine. Then radiation after that.
@@merchseller You can do it! Did you have surgery yet? I was stage 1 so went in for surgery to remove it but the pathology report came back positive for spread so now I am stage 3 going for chemo and radiation like you. I am scared...
Thank you so much for this. I was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer in January 23 and am about to start FolFox Chemo on Friday, so really good to understand what lies ahead! Thanks!
You’re welcome. Best wishes to you as you start treatment 💙
Ty so much for ALL of your posts! We have the same treatment I started with xeloda and now I am on folfox after my lar. I didn't need an ileostomy, but I am still suffering from severe Lars. Diagnosis was July 28, surgery was January 17 and I am on my second infusion. You are an inspiration and I am so grateful for you.
Best wishes to you as you make your way through treatment. Hopefully your LARS eventually improves, I can imagine the chemo doesn't help the symptoms much.
Hi, all,
I would like to offer a word of advice to all fellow patients watching Jelena’s vlog. If you are experiencing severe side effects from the treatment that affect your daily functioning to the point that it could no longer be tolerated. Please speak to you oncologist and ask them to reduce the dosage of the drug that causing it, If that doesn’t work, they can look into substituting it with alternative drug that might not have the same side effects. Please DO NOT quit the treatment in the middle. That applies especially to those undergoing neoadjuvant (before surgery) chemotherapy like myself. Completing entire 8-12 cycles ( this may vary depending on you treatment plan) will increase your chances of avoiding the surgery completely, or at least making the surgeon’s job easier in removing the tumor and surrounding lymph nodes. Also, completing the treatment is vital and crucial because it increases your chance to be cancer free for the rest of your life!
P.S. I just started the cycle No.3 out of 8 of FolFox and my oncologist decided to reduce the dosage of 5-FU by 20% and oxaliplatin by 10%. I have had severe diarrhea from the first drug and neuropathy (numbness and pins and needles sensation in toes and fingers on hands and feet) from the second drug. Diarrhea appears to have resolved for now, I’ll report on the neuropathy later
Thank you so much for your videos I have just been diagnosed colon cancer. I’ve had Crohn’s for many many years and it has turned cancerous now and I’m gonna have to go through a lot of this. Thank you so much.😊😊😊😊😊
@@cathysmith6956 How are you doing now? I will be starting what you went through 10 months ago.
Once again, thank you. Treatment 2 of 9 scheduled for Monday. My fatigue lingered into this week, but I’m a bit older than you. 74, that’s more than a “bit,” huh?
You’re welcome 💙 Is the fatigue what’s been the worst side effect so far for you? Just a few years older 😉
Yes. Fatigue that seems to be as mental as it is physical. But I do have a strong belief in God, which has helped tremendously.
A very good video. As you know, I will be using my port for chemo. This month. So now I know what to expect !
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. 🙏
Thank you for sharing your experience, it is very reassuring
You’re welcome 💙
Thank you so much for your informative videos. Waves of healing and
love coming to you and your family!
Aw, thank you for your kind words. 💙
You videos are extremely helpful. Thank you. Just diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer and very anxious about starting Folfox next week.
I’m so happy you could continue working out during treatment. Would you be able to share about foods you ate during treatment? Did you ever experience “first bite” syndrome?
So sorry about your diagnosis. Honestly, I didn’t really change much of what I ate during treatment. I tested out a bunch of different protein powders after I had surgery because my appetite was pretty low, but that was only temporary. I definitely did experience the “first bite” thing for the first bite of food after I came home from infusions.
Thank you for replying. So what can be done to help with this first bite situation? Is it every meal for the first 3-5 days ?
How about foods after infusions?
@@jennamartin871 always warm food for a few days because of the cold sensitivity, but just whatever I could eat. The only thing I avoided was popcorn but that was because of my ileostomy.
It actually only happened at the first meal, so I just dealt with it since it was only 1 time every 2 weeks. Just expect that it will happen and don’t take too large of a bite at that first meal.
I hope I fair as well as you did on the eight rounds of chemo. I still worry about certain side-effects like neuropathy or other long lasting or permanent side-effects. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I hope you do too! Make sure to keep your oncologist informed as you begin feeling these side effects so they can help keep them under control as much as possible.
hey jelena, you were saying that it hurt to raise your arms above your chest level after your port placement surgery. did it continue to hurt in your chest area for a while or did the pain subside quickly, allowing full arm movements above your head?
I never managed to gain a full range of motion on my left side while I had the port.
God bless you.
I have to go for treatment is it scary
Stay strong❤️
Thank you 💙
How easy is it to shower with the port. Do you just cover it with a waterproof dressing?
Once it’s healed, if it’s not accessed you can shower like normal. I was told the tape they put over the needle when you’re attached for chemo is waterproof and it’s fine to shower, I just needed to keep the pump dry.
Anyone tried fasting for chemo?
Yes I did. The day before, during and the day after. It was water fasting, help me lot from dealing with chemo side effects. no side effects at all but keep in mind try to stay dehydrate all the time, because, you need to flush out those poisonous chemo drug asap also keep your kidneys function properly. No cold water at all, even try to avoid ac. room water. Normal or very light warm water keep you away from nausea, vomiting etc.
Did u totally change ur diet? I mean plant based food, no meat, no dairy, etc...
No, I didn’t change my diet. I had already been a vegetarian for over 10 years and started eating more organic food 5 years before my diagnosis.
Looks like you came home with a Dish remote also! 😂😂😂😂😂
Hahaha!
Started Folfox today! I'll meet you on the other side! 😉 Of treatment and another survival story! 😃
Hope round one is uneventful! 💙
So far, so good! I knew exactly what to expect because of your videos! Thank you so much!!!
This makes me so happy to hear! 💙 You’re welcome.
I was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer on 6/4/20 and undergoing chemotherapy for 6 months / 12 sessions. Then after that, chemo + radiation 5 days for 5 1/2 weeks . Then surgery. Why is your cancer treatment shorter than mine?
I'm not sure. Oncologists differ in opinion on how many rounds of FOLFOX are necessary so some patients do 12, some do 8, and others something in between. Everything else sounds the same, just in a slightly different order.
Your treatment schedule is the same as mine was. Though I stopped FOLFOX after 8 cycles because the tumor had shrunk significantly and because of neuropathy issues. So you should feel comfortable that your treatment plan is common for other patients.
All the best in your journey and hope you doing great?
so im oping u are totally cancer-free now
Yes, I am currently cancer-free