I Have Been Diagnosed
I Have Been Diagnosed With Stage III
Colon Cancer
I Have Been Diagnosed With Advanced
Colorectal Cancer
I Have Been Diagnosed With Stage III Colon Cancer
Being diagnosed with stage III colon cancer can be overwhelming. It is normal to
feel anxiety and fear as you work through understanding your diagnosis and condition.
But it is important to know that you are not in this alone. There are many resources
available to you as you begin your fight against stage III colon cancer. At ELOXATIN.com,
you can:
I Have Been Diagnosed With Advanced Colorectal Cancer
A diagnosis of Stage IV, also known as advanced colorectal cancer, means the cancer
has metastasized, or spread, to distant organs like the liver or lungs. Your treatment
options include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation.
Metastases
In advanced colorectal cancer, the cancer has spread or metastasized to other organs.
The most common site of metastases for colorectal cancer is the liver (in roughly
50% of cases). Because one of the liver’s main functions is to filter blood, cancer
cells from other parts of the body may become lodged in the liver and become tumors.
Another less common site of colorectal cancer metastases is the lungs (in about
25% of cases).
Treatment for metastases may be surgery or chemotherapy. One type of surgical treatment
for people with liver metastases is called
liver resection.
A good understanding of your condition and all of your options is the first step
in managing advanced colorectal cancer. At ELOXATIN.com you can learn:
How is ELOXATIN
(oxaliplatin injection) Given
ELOXATIN (oxaliplatin injection) is given with two other drugs: 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and
leucovorin.
Important Safety Information
Anaphylactic-like reactions to ELOXATIN have been reported and may occur within
minutes of ELOXATIN administration. Epinephrine, corticosteroids, and antihistamines
have been employed to alleviate symptoms.
- Do not take ELOXATIN if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in ELOXATIN or
other medicines that contain platinum. Tell your doctor right away if you feel like
your throat is closing up, have shortness of breath, a flushed face, a rash, itching/hives,
swelling of lips or tongue, sudden cough, dizziness, sweating or chest pain.
- ELOXATIN can cause nerve problems. Tell your doctor right away if you become sensitive
to cold temperatures and cold objects; have trouble breathing, swallowing or saying
words; experience jaw tightness, odd feelings in your tongue, or chest pressure;
pain; tingling or burning in your hands, feet or around your mouth or throat.
- Tell your doctor if you develop a dry cough or have trouble breathing; these may
be signs of serious lung disease.
- ELOXATIN can cause liver problems (hepatotoxicity); your doctor will do blood tests
to watch for this.
- Because of the potential risk of fetal harm, pregnant women should not receive ELOXATIN.
Women of childbearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant while receiving ELOXATIN.
- ELOXATIN can cause a decrease in white blood cells, which can lead to infections.
Tell your doctor right away if develop any of the following signs of infection:
fever, chills, or shivering; cough that brings up mucus, burning or pain on urination,
pain on swallowing; sore throat; or redness or swelling at injection site.
- Other common side effects of ELOXATIN include a decrease in white blood cells, red
blood cells, and platelets, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and tiredness.
- Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription and
non-prescription medications, vitamins and herbal supplements.
Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go
away. These are not all the possible side effects of ELOXATIN. For more information,
ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Please
click here for full prescribing information including boxed WARNING.