Hi,
I’ve completed 3/8 cycles of capecitabine adjuvant treatment following surgery. It’s already feeling grim and a very long haul ahead, with sore feet and hands a real nuisance. I have plenty of creams for this.
Would appreciate any tips on how to really help my body get back on track during the week off - anything dietary or medicinal to help? One week doesn’t seem a long time to rebuild. After my first cycle I got an infection and had to delay restart by a week.
thanks!
Hi WalkerGirl5d8de9.
Thanks for getting in touch through our online community. I’m Helen and I’m one of the Macmillan cancer information nurse specialists on our support line.
I’m sorry to hear that you are feeling grim about the prospect of completing your course of capecitabine. It’s understandable you want to help your body get back on track between treatments.
Chemotherapy can affect you physically and emotionally. Most people have ups and downs during treatment. Some people find they can lead an almost normal life during chemotherapy. But others find everyday life more difficult.
After a cancer diagnosis, many people find that following a healthy, balanced diet and staying active helps give them back a sense of control.
If your immunity is very low, you might need to avoid certain foods. This can help reduce your risk of getting an infection.
Getting enough sleep, stopping smoking, following sensible drinking guidelines and avoiding recreational drugs will also help with your wellbeing.
As well as improving your physical health you may want to think about support for your mental health. There is no one type of support that is best for everyone, and different things work for different people at different times.
Many people find it helps to talk about it and share their thoughts, feelings and advice with other people. You can join our Online Community to connect with people who have been affected by cancer. We also have a dedicated emotional support forum on the Online Community.
I hope you found this information helpful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in contact with us if you need further information or support.
Best wishes
Helen K
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.
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