S1Ep2 Chemo and CRC

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

Creators and Guests

Elsa Lankford
Host
Elsa Lankford
I'm the host of Care Partner's Compass: Navigating CRC, a patient advocate for colorectal cancer, and a care partner to my incredible wife Kristine. I am an artist, composer, educator, and podcaster. I'm a professor in the Electronic Media and Film Department at Towson University.
S1Ep2 Chemo and CRC
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