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