Cycle 1 of CAPOX and Herceptin

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Hi everyone...it's been rough the last 7 days following Cycle 1.I was fine first 2 days and as instructed took and finished the Dexamethasone.But started to feel nauseous so also as instructed started Metachlopramide.BAD idea... only found out later it increases gut motility so I now added Diarrhoea to the mix of nausea and now vomiting ( wonder why they prescribed it ?) and so it has been for the last few days. After lots of discussions with the 24hr chemo hotline and Upper GI CNS " has the stent moved maybe another Endoscopy" ?? Er....No won't be doing that I'd rather die.. honestly!

Finally today we're all agreed it was the Capcitebine the 3rd drug in my Chemo package and they'd naturally put me on the highest dose .I can't tolerate it so they've stopped it and will reduce the dose for Cycle 2 on 10th July.Im starting to improve using Ondansetron to deal with Nausea.

Honestly this last 6 weeks has shown me what is " Quality of life" for me and I now now for sure what it is...and is not.

Every minute every second I think " will Herceptin work for me?" Will it put my Cancer into remission, will I ever have a normal life again? What will death be like? I'm totally unafraid of dying but it's that fear of the unknown I guess....like what if it's dark I love the light, the stars, the feel of the breeze on my skin...

I'm giving my new 7 mth old puppy Scout to his new forever home on 11/8/25 he needs training and I've been so ill I just cannot give him the attention he needs.Its a shame but the home is with his groomer she's a qualified trainer and he will have the best life.I will keep my 4 year old Cocker " Jasper" till...whatever awaits me.

My apologies for feeling blue but I know you can all understand.x

Stella2020 3 days ago

Hi Pepperpot

I am sorry you are having such a tough time with your chemo. However it is not uncommon to have a bad time on the first cycle as they tend to start with the highest dose then gradually reduce the dose to a tolerable level.

With CAPOX, I have to stop taking the capcitebine after a few days too as made me going to the loo none stop for 48 hours. It was horrendous. A dose reduction certainly helps. Or they can change CAPOX to FOLFOX ? It is the same drugs but more tolerable and delivered in a different way. You could as your oncologist about it.

It must be so hard to give up your puppy Scout but it is reassuring to find him a lovely home. Can you visit him when you bring Jasper for his grooming?

It may take a few cycles to get the chemo regime settled but it will get there. We are all here with you. X

Pepperpot 3 days ago in reply to Stella2020

Oh Stella Thankyou SO much it's so useful to hear someone else has had the same issue...and I will certainly ask about Folfox.Its grim the D&V and nausea one can't escape.

Yes I will take Jasper to be groomed so will hear all about Scouts progress, I'm lucky, he will have a great life.I guess it's just letting go of a dream I'd had to live out my days with 2 spaniels...but life is about letting go when it is right and this IS right... for Scout.

L1964 2 days ago

Hello Pepperpot

I don’t have experience of your chemo but have experienced horrendous bowels from a different regime, it’s awful !

I’m sure you will find joy in seeing Scout thrive in his new home - puppies are a lot of work for anyone so definitely the right decision- not easy but you sound incredibly pragmatic and can pamper your faithful Jasper

Lots of love and I hope you find Cycle 2 a bit more tolerable

Lucy xx

Leelaloo 2 days ago

Hi Pepperpot, I am so sorry to hear that you are having an awful time. Like you said there is no escaping from V&D and nausea. I carry a sick bag around in my handbag after an embarrassing moment in a very upmarket pub. I am also so sorry to hear about your puppy, I have four dogs and they are my life. At least you still have Jasper and will know how Scout is getting on. Big hugs.

Lee 2 x

Pepperpot 2 days ago in reply to Leelaloo

Thankyou....yes I've got sick bags in my handbag too isn't life grand xx