Chemo

Im sure other people know more than me but there are various threads on this site giving tips about coping with chemo.I had the same chemo as you and have come out the other side in one piece.

All the best

Kath

Ah thank you Kath. I think the waiting is the worst bit, my mind is working overtime. 

Michelle 

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/bowel-colon-rectum-cancer-forum

Hi Rochelle19 Welcome to the forum ! I have linked in a thread above and think you will find it if some use . Lots of helpful hints on how to navigate chemotherapy from people who have direct experience!

Please feel free to ask anything you like ! Great to hear you are safely through surgery . How are you keeping ?

Take care ,

Court 

Hi Rochelle19. As you say, chemo affects everybody differently - there are a lot of side effects but there are also lots of pills and potions to deal with them. The chemo nurses will keep a close eye on you and the dosage can also be tweaked if you’re struggling with some aspects of it.

Its worth keeping a diary as it acts as a reminder of any side effects you’ve had plus you may find a bit of a routine develops and you can plan something nice for your good days? It can be tough but it’s doable and it’s the belt and braces on your treatment. I’ve attached a link to a post that was started on the board with chemo tips - hope it helps and please feel free to add any of your own

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/bowel-colon-rectum-cancer-forum/f/bowel-colon-rectum-cancer-forum/221768/chemo-care-top-tips--

Take care

Karen x

Hi Court, 

I'm doing OK thank you. I'm getting around well now and managing walks. Still the odd little pain here and there, but that's to be expected I suppose?

They took the tumor, 18 lymph nodes (3 cancerous) and there was a tiny bit on the peritoneal, which was only seen under a microscope afterwards. They took a good area away, so hopefully they've got it all.

I was referred to Basingstoke for possible HIPEC, but at this moment in time they didn't feel it would be beneficial, so I'm hoping that's positive?

Thanks so much for the linked thread, I'll take a look. Enjoy your evening.

Michelle 

Hi Karen, thank you for your reply. 

That's a really good idea, keeping a diary and something I wouldn't have thought of doing, so thank you for that. X

Cheers for the link too, I'll take a look.

Have a lovely weekend

Michelle xx

Hi Rochelle, no tips for me but I'm starting the same treatment tomorrow (Monday) and although hopeful it won't be too bad my mind is working overtime too! Good luck on Wednesday and hope it all goes smoothly xx

Hi Lizzieannie, I know exactly how you're feeling. It's literally on my mind all of the time.

• There a link on this thread from Karen  with tips on making things more tolerable with the chemo, so may be worth you having a look?

Hope tomorrow goes well for you too, let me know how you get on, if you can?

Got everything crossed for you xx

Michelle

Hi Rochelle, I've had a look at the link and that's helped a bit. Think I'll be better once I get there tomorrow and get going with it. I've been told it's a 6 hr appointment but as far as I know the actual chemo only takes 2 hrs so there must be a lot of chatting and prep first! I will let you know how it goes. Fingers crossed for both of us (and everyone else starting this week) xx

Wow, 6 hours!  I was told I'd be there about 2 hours,but maybe that is just for the actual infusion? I have my Pre assessment tomorrow morning, so I'll check when I'm there.

Wishing you all the luck in the world for tomorrow. Xxx