Oxaliplatin and preventing cold problems.

Hi David,

Thanks for getting in touch, and welcome to our online community.

My name is Carole and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line. 

I can see from your profile that you are a member of our online stomach cancer forum, and that you’ve been talking to others in the group. I’m so glad to read that you’re finding it helpful. Our online chemotherapy group can be a good source of support too.

Having chemotherapy, especially for the first time, can be an anxious time.

As you’ve mentioned, oxaliplatin can cause a spasm in the throat which can lead to difficulties with breathing or swallowing. This side effect may be worse in cold temperatures, which is why you have been advised not to eat or drink anything cold, or even tepid.

It’s difficult for us to say what will quench your thirst, or freshen your mouth/throat while having treatment, as everyone is different. Some people find that their taste is affected during chemotherapy, which means it can be trial and error, finding what suits.

We’d recommend that you ask your treatment team to confirm how long you need to avoid cold drinks and foods for.

If you do have any concerns whilst receiving chemotherapy you should always alert the nurse if you are still in the chemotherapy unit or contact the hospital if you are at home.  They should give you the relevant numbers to call and you should keep these numbers close by in case you need them.

I hope this is helpful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in touch here if you have further questions, or if you’d like to speak to a nurse, you are welcome to give us a call.

Sending best wishes,

Carole

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.  

Our ref: BG