Hi there,
My husband received Capox chemotherapy last year prior to surgery.
Following post operative scans, he's been advised to go through Capox again to 'mop up'any remaining cancer cells.
He's dreading it but hopes the side effects won't be worse. I've heard that side effects following surgery can differ.
Does anyone have any prior experiences they would be willing to share, please?
Hi KateTee,
Thanks for getting in touch. My name’s Donna, I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
I can see you have joined our Bowel cancer forum. I hope you have been finding the online community helpful so far. You may wish to post your question there also. This is where others would be able to share their prior experiences with you.
Adjuvant treatment for bowel cancer typically involves chemotherapy AFTER surgery. This is used to “mop up” any remaining cancer cells, to reduce the risk of the cancer recurring. CAPOX is often used in this situation.
Unfortunately, chemotherapy works by attacking fast-growing cancer cells, however some healthy cells are also fast growing and these can be damaged in the process. For that reason, no matter what side of surgery you have chemotherapy, some side effects may be experienced.
Side effects may vary in intensity from previously if there is a change to the regime. That may be an adjustment in drugs, dose or time frame. Your husband’s treatment team can advise him on this.
I really hope this information is helpful and please know you can give us a call to talk things through further if needed.
Take care and best wishes,
Donna
Macmillan Cancer Information Nurse
The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm or contact us by email or webchat.
Ref: DW/BL
