Chemo

Hi Rochelle19.   I’ve just finished my 2nd cycle of Capox this morning and so looking forward to a week off.  My tip is to take a hot water bottle and sit with it on your arm during the Oxy Infusion.  The heat pads are good but the hot water bottle lasts much longer.  My first session was 4 hrs and second one was 7!!   There are anti sickness drips and lots of others to be given before and after the Oxy, which takes up a lot of your time.   I was really, really anxious before my 1st session, but wasn’t as bad as I had expected.  There is a lot of tiredness afterwards and having a period during each cycle didn’t help....     good luck with it and let us know how it goes.    

Hi Carog, thanks for your reply and advice. I'm glad you're feeling better.

Good luck for your reversal and please let us know how you get on.

Michelle xx

Aww thanks for that Beth, I'm glad it wasn't too bad for you. I've been thinking about you today. At least that's your first one over. X

I've just been for my Pre assessment today and my first treatment has been put back till Monday as my bloods aren't back. I'm a bit disappointed as I had built myself up for Wednesday, but it can't be helped. 

The nurse went through all the side effects and risks etc and what would happen on Monday, just wish the first one was over.

Enjoy strictly and take it easy. Keep me updated on how you're getting on please.

Michelle xx

Thank you for your reply and advice. I'll make a note to take a hot water bottle with me.

Is reassuring to hear it wasn't as bad as you were expecting. I think the waiting and not knowing is the worst bit. I am so anxious about it.

I'll let you know how I get on, on Monday. Take care

Michelle xx

Oh no, that sounds awful, I'm so sorry you've had such a horrible time.

Wishing you loads of luck with your radiotherapy and future treatment.

Michelle x

I can understand your disappointment! What a pest. My arm feels like I fell into a bed of nettles so will mention that next time. Have a scratchy throat and had a pain in my jaw with the first bite of food,  but I saw on here to take a tiny bite of food and small chew  for first bite snd it’s fine after that. Took capecitabine about half an hour ago so with that. Decided to go for Jaimie Oliver and Silent Witness (that should put me to sleep ). Take care and I’ll keep you updated. Just enjoy your extra few days if you can.xx

Hi Beth, just wondering how you're getting on? Hope you managed to sleep well and things are ok?

Michelle xx

Hi SFUC I am so sorry to hear about what's been happening to you. Cancer sucks, full stop. Also important to hear different people's experiences of chemo. I know this is Rochelle19's post but I appreciate hearing it too. I ended up calling the 24 hr helpline this morning because I had a face like a Belecia beacon and a headache. Also have lots of tingles in my fingers and had first bite syndrome too so I'm not thinking it's going to be a walk in the park but hopefully I'll manage to adapt and get on with it like you and others have. We'll see. Hope you hear about the next phase of your treatment plan soon and that it goes well. Warm wishes and good luck.

Hi lizzieannie   Thanks for your kind message.  I wasn't trying to be a doom and gloom merchant but I also don't think anyone should be fooled into thinking chemo is (a) easy and (b) always successful - the statistics speak for themselves.  Make sure you note any side effects - it's all too easy to forget stuff when chemo brain takes over.  I'm  waiting to hear from Royal Marsden but right now my head's all over the place.  Good luck with your treatment.

Rochelle19 - thanks for the kind wishes which are very much appreciated and reciprocated.