Upcoming treatment.

Hi Catdad

I had five weeks of chemo radiotherapy in 2019 before my bowel op. Before the treatment I had a CT scan to mark dots on my body that were lined up with laser beams at every session to make sure I was in the right position.  Before each session I was told to drink a specific amount of water to keep the bladder the right size and the bowel in the right place.  The actual procedure is quick and painless,

The chemo pills were capecitabine, a fairly low dose that helps the radiotherapy work.  I had very little or no side effects from the treatment. I had an ileostomy for a year after my op with more capecitabine and you may find that it causes a runny output so you want to ask the staff for some loperamide (immodium) just in case,  The staff will monitor you and will be there for you if you have any problems.

Most people reckon that the chemo radiotherapy is 'doable' and it would be unusual for it to wipe you out I think.

Please ask any questions, there are loads of people here who have been through it.  My treatment shrunk the tumour to the point that they almost didn't operate so it can be very effective.I hope it works as well for you.

Best of luck with it, John

Thanks, that has certainly put my mind at rest a bit. I am usually quite active but recently feel lethargic and fatigued pretty much all the time and was concerned the treatment was only going to amplify this. 

Hi Catdad

Like John, I had five weeks of chemo radiotherapy in 2019 before surgery. I have a colostomy. I sailed through it (the words of one of the radiographers who treated me). Life went on pretty much as normal. You usually get anti sickness and loperamide tablets given at your first appointment. You have a review weekly and bloods taken to monitor your progress. I also had 6 months of chemotherapy afterwards to ensure the best chance of the cancer not returning. The chemo I had was Capecitabine the same as John. Any questions you have just ask on here. Someone will always be able to help.

Take care and good luck with your treatment.

Kim

Hi Catdad,

I'm half way through chemo and radiotherapy.  Feeling fine, was given anti sickness and loperamide but haven't needed them yet.  Only side effect is tiredness so lots of early nights. Got half term with 2 little ones next week and planning trips and days out and rest in between!  

You'll be fine! X