I have just started my first cycle of CAPOX for stage 4 bowel cancer with liver metastasis. I am 5 days with the only side effect so far being Neuropathy. Can you tell me at what point further side effects can appear and if these are cumulative throughout treatment. Also is the neuropathy likely to stop as I believe this may be related to Oxaliplatin.
Thanks
Dear Little Dave,
Thank you for getting in touch. My name is Emma, I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line. Welcome to the online community.
One of the side effects of Oxaliplatin can be peripheral neuropathy. It is important that any symptoms of neuropathy are assessed and monitored by your treatment team before each cycle of chemotherapy. This can help to assess how your nerves are being affected and support managing your symptoms.
There isn’t a treatment to reverse neuropathy, however there are ways to help manage it. Sometimes this may include a dose reduction of the chemotherapy to prevent further damage to the nerves. Most people find that their symptoms will gradually improve once chemotherapy finishes and the nerves recover. This can take several months. Unfortunately, for some it can be permanent.
Side effects can be accumulative through CAPOX chemotherapy, and you may find that you do feel more fatigued. It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience of chemotherapy can vary, including the type and severity of side effects. There can be side effects which are more common than others, but it does not necessarily mean that you will get any or all of these. If you do experience any new or worsening symptom, please do contact your chemotherapy unit or treatment team so that they can review any changes you notice during treatment.
We do have a bowel cancer group, which you may find helpful for peer support.
I hope this has been helpful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if there is anything else we can do to support you.
Best wishes,
Emma
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 00 00 (7days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us.
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