FOLFIRI VS FOLFOX

I put this on facebook, but felt like it should be here. Sometimes knowing the why behind things makes it better...well, not really. So many people have said FOLFIRI is easier than FOLFOX. This makes me wonder what is wrong with me. While I surely didn't sail through FOLFOX, this is just hitting so much harder this time. So, I did some digging and came up with this. I mean I really already knew, but I just hate feeling so darn bad!

FOLFIRI’s main “tough” drug is irinotecan.

Your body clears irinotecan using an enzyme called UGT1A1 enzyme.

If you’re an intermediate metabolizer (I AM) → you don’t clear it as efficiently

That means more active drug stays in your system longer

Result:

More fatigue

More GI symptoms (constipation or diarrhea)

More “overall toxic” feeling

Sometimes more pain or inflammation-type symptoms

So yes — being an intermediate metabolizer can absolutely make FOLFIRI feel harder than expected.

Avastin adds another layer

bevacizumab (Avastin) doesn’t feel like chemo, but it amplifies stress on your body:

Can cause:

Aches (back, side, abdominal)

Slower healing

Blood vessel effects → weird pains

Can make everything feel more “inflamed” or heavy

On a different note...the hair loss. UGH It wades of hair gross you out, stop scrolling now!

This photo was taken on a Sunday morning BEFORE I brushed my hair. It just came out when I got up and started my day.

I have to clean my hairbrush daily. This photo was taken the same day AFTER I brushed my hair.

It's hard and I try to tell myself that it is only hair, but I have always had long hair and a lot of it, so it has been hard. I really do try to brush it off as nothing. That being said, I would gladly be bald forever if it meant that I could beat cancer.

On a lighter note...I no longer have to shave my legs or pluck my eyebrows. AND those pesky mid life chin hairs that like to pop up occasionally are no longer present! Sorry about that last part, but IYKYK!