Chemotherapy

Hello Lauren,

I understand why you are feeling so anxious, and that is only natural.

I have had chemotherapy treatment in two different forms, the first time by tablets, and the second via infusions.

While I did not have them simultaneously, I have had different reactions from each.

While I am happy to share details of these with you, I would recommend that you share any concerns you have with both family and close friends, if you are comfortable doing so, or alternatively with one of the cancer support team at the hospital where you are due to have your treatment.

This will unfortunately be a challenging time for you, and I wish that I could say that it won't, but I think it's important to be honest.

Having said that, one thing I have found is that everyone undergoing chemotherapy treatment, in any form, has their own experience, and some have more side effects than others.

For me, I have found comfort and support from those close to me, both family and friends, and the cancer support team at my hospital.

Please don't let things bottle up, and discuss your feelings with whoever you are most comfortable doing so with, as I have found that to be very helpful.

I am really sorry that you are having to undergo this further treatment, but please try to stay positive, and remember that while it may be challenging at times, it is to help you get better.

All my very best wishes 

Peter 

Hi Lauren, I’m Tony one of the Community Champions, whilst I have never has tablets I have had ‘drip’ as you put it, I found it Okay the first session will be long I suspect as they not only give you the chemo drug but other things to settle the process and also give you steroids to boost the effect, the following is an audio link to the information booklet on understanding Chemotherapy, I hope this will help, you can also post on the ask a Nurse Online or call the helpline on the number below, also I recommend that any possible doughts you have you always chat to your Cancer Team at the hospital as they can answer all your questions and worries

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/stories-and-media/audiobooks/understanding-chemotherapy

I wish you well and hope all goes well, there will be hiccups along the way but trust it hopefully will help, Take care Tony

Thank you so for your information 

Thank you so much for sharing and for your kind words. The tablets I will be on are xelox (capox)Did you use these?If not if you don’t mind sharing with me, did you have any major side effects off the tablets?

Hello Lauren,

I was on Capecetabine tablets for five continuous weeks, alongside radiotherapy.

The main side effects for me were that my hands and feet because very sensitive, especially my fingers and toes. Towards the end of my treatment I was taken off the Capecitabine, because my feet became too sore to walk comfortably on. My fingers also because extremely sensitive to the cold, and left me with tingling sensations in my fingers after touching anything cold, or if I was cold.

I am now coming to the end of a three month treatment plan, consisting of a combination of two cancer drugs, both taken intravenously, over a period of three days, followed by eleven days for the drugs to take effect. The first is called OXALIPLATIN, and that is given at my local hospital cancer centre over a period of approximately three and a half hours, followed by an injection of the second drug, which is called FLUOROURACIL. I am then connected to a small bottle containing FLUOROURACIL that has a vacuum pump, which I have to wear continuessly for the next forty six hours.

I am currently just over half way through my fifth treatment cycle, with the last one scheduled to commence next Friday.

If you ever want to ask any other questions, please feel free, noting that I am not qualified to give any specific medical or technical advice, relating to treatments, but having had first hand experience of chemotherapy, I may be able to offer support.

I wish you all the very best for your treatment, and please remember, the cancer support teams are able to provide detailed information and technical support information, specific to your cancer diagnosis.

Kind regards 

Peter 

Hi there. I've had chemo andcradiotherapy. But I've now been told the lung cancer has grown and is incurable. They are planning to put me on a treatment combining chemo and immunotherapy; but because I also have heart failure this carries some significant risk. Has anyone out there had this combined therapy? I was fortunate when I had chemo before- no side effects. 

Hi Pwylxd395cc 

As this is a general chemotherapy group, you might get more replies about your treatment in the lung cancer group where others may be undergoing or been through the same treatment proposed for you. This is the link to the group where you can join and ask your question

Lung Cancer Forum

Sarah xx

Thank you so much for your honesty and advice. Fingers crossed for Friday and hopefully that will be the end of your treatment .Sending lots of love.

I am having  OXALIPLATIN, is that a tablet or injected? I'm due my first treatment on the 11th September so I have all ,my assessments, consultations with chemo nurse  etc booked in for the next few weeks so unsure. I know im having a two week cycle of an injection/infusion in hospital followed by 9 days of tablets then 4 days rest and then repeat for at least 3 months.

Im scared for my 3 children more than myself to be honest, they are only 12,9 and 7  

Hi Pwylxd395cc,

Please accept my apologies for not replying to you sooner.

I have not had immunotherapy, so I am not able to offer any advice, but I see that SarahH21 has given you some excellent advice on one of the other forums, which I hope you will find provides others experience of the treatment that you are going to have.

Sending my very best wishes to you.

Peter 

Thank you for your kindness Lauren, and please know that I will be thinking of you when you start your treatment, and sending all my best wishes to you and your family.

If you haven't already, please reach out to your cancer support nurses, as they will be able to offer advice and support with how you are feeling, especially your worrying about how your children are going to be feeling while you have your treatment.

Please feel free to message anytime, if things begin to get on top of you, and you just want to share with anyone who may have experienced similar feelings.

These forums are a very good source of support, and I am sure others will offer support also.

Kind regards 

Peter