• From: Las Palmas, Spain
  • Registered: Sat, 03 Mar 2012
  • Posts: 140

Topic: How to know chemo has worked?

Dear friends

My sister with I-CC stage IV has received already two cycles of chemo. I wonder how can we know whether or not chemo has worked. Do we need a CAT? What is the standard method? Besides, what should be normal to expect at this stage. It seems to me that in general chemo produces limited results.

Thank you
Jose

Jose, brother of Carmen, 49 years old with ICC, stage IV.
  • Registered: Fri, 12 May 2006
  • Posts: 8,157

Re: How to know chemo has worked?

Jose....I understand your concern and hesitation, but you must know that people do respond favorably to chemotherapy.  Why not your sister also?  You have been a wonderful, supportive, brother to her all along therefore, continue to support her with her decision and think positive thoughts. 
Intermittent scans and blood tests results will provide a fairly clear picture of response to treatment.  Often time’s scans will be ordered following the 6th consecutive chemo dose although, at times and for various reasons, the physician may order scans after the 4th dose. 
Either way, I am expecting to hear good news soon.
Hugs,
Marion

THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
  • From: Las Palmas, Spain
  • Registered: Sat, 03 Mar 2012
  • Posts: 140

Re: How to know chemo has worked?

marions wrote:

Jose....I understand your concern and hesitation, but you must know that people do respond favorably to chemotherapy.  Why not your sister also?  You have been a wonderful, supportive, brother to her all along therefore, continue to support her with her decision and think positive thoughts. 
Intermittent scans and blood tests results will provide a fairly clear picture of response to treatment.  Often time’s scans will be ordered following the 6th consecutive chemo dose although, at times and for various reasons, the physician may order scans after the 4th dose. 
Either way, I am expecting to hear good news soon.
Hugs,
Marion

Thank you very much for your kind words Marion. I'll keep you updated.
Hughs
Jose

Jose, brother of Carmen, 49 years old with ICC, stage IV.