Hi, I’m currently week 2 of my 2nd cycle of CAPOX. Routine bowel cancer result showed stage 2, operation to remove rectum, 2 out of 20 lymph nodes were carrying. Temporary stoma and 4 cycles of CAPOX.
The side effects, particularly in week 2 are horrendous. It’s the nausea, I am surviving on a couple of spoonfuls of cornflakes in 24 hours, weak, feeling awful, diarrhoea in the stoma. Can only move between bed and sofa. Anti- emetics given ( tried 4 different ones) now on Levopromazine 1/4 tablet at night and . Loperamide to help with stoma output. week thus time wasn’t too bad, not good but at least able to get up and eat small amounts of food.
My dosage was reduced this cycle, I’m on 50%Capecitabineand 80% Oxalpilation.
I’ve spoken ( well spoken and tears) to my very supportive nurse. Her question is, are the side effects outweighing the benefits? I’m so confused that I really don’t know. I’ve lost 14 lbs from the beginning of 1st cycle. Currently, I’m barely existing.
Do I push on in the knowledge that chemo will get the so and so’s in the lymph nodes, or stop treatment? Has anyone been here? What are my alternative options if I stop chemo?
Thank you for reading this long post
Hi Beattie
I’m Anne, one of the Community Champions here on the Online Community, and although I've had different cancer diagnoses to you I know how daunting chemotherapy can be.
I hope you don't mind me suggesting that you also post this in the bowel cancer group, where I can see you've posted before, as you'll then connect directly with others who have the same type of cancer as you and can tell you what other treatment options there might be.
While you're waiting for replies, it would be great if you could put something about your diagnosis and treatment into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
Hi Beattie
No, I don't think you're grumpy just frustrated that you're having problems finding your way around the site.
You're right that the online community is large and it can take a while to understand where to go for the best support and how to find your way there.
To find your groups and previous activity, click on your username and on the page that opens you will then see, under your name, a list of topics which include 'groups' and 'activity'. Clicking on groups will bring up those you belong to and clicking on activity will bring up any posts you've started or replied to.
I hope this helps but if you need any further help please just ask.
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
