I had a right hemicolectomy on 22 July 2025. I have been offered chemotherapy and been asked to choose between Capecitabine (24 weeks - 8 cycles) or Capecitabine + Oxaliplatin (12 weeks - 4 cycles). Are both equally effective? I am thinking of choosing the shorter treatment time with IV and tablets but if I experienced severe side effects with the Oxaliplatin would I be able to revert to just Capecitabine tablets and extend the 12 week treatment period?
Good afternoon pandalaa26c4,
Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to our online community.
My name’s Karla, I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
I hope you’re recovering well from your surgery. It’s natural to have questions about your upcoming chemotherapy. Particularly when you’ve been given a choice.
Here on the support line, we’re separate from the NHS and don’t have access to your medical records.
Only your consultant or nurse specialist (if you have one) can say if both these chemotherapy regimens are equally effective. This is because we don’t have enough information about your cancer diagnosis. Generally, if you’re given a choice, it means they are.
It’s an understandable question about extending the course of capecitabine if oxaliplatin is stopped. I’m struggling to find any guidance about this. Again, the best person to ask is your consultant or nurse specialist.
You don’t need to wait until your next appointment. You can call your consultant via their secretary or your nurse specialist to ask.
I hope this helps to point you in the right direction.
Sometimes it can be good to talk through what’s happening with us. On our helpline we offer a variety of support where you, or your friend, can talk through what’s going on.
Take care and best wishes,
Karla (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)
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 or use webchat.
Ref: KS/LJ
