Views on chemo after bowel cancer been removed by surgery

I would definitely have it. I had the same as you 10 years ago grade 3 tumor small bowel cancer had a resection and adjuvant chemo and am still here. 

Did you have the tablet form and also did you have any side effects thanks

I agree.I had whole large bowel etc removed plus 60 lymph nodes (all clear).decided to throw everything possible at it .then if it did return I had tried my best.so I went for the mop up chemo.In my case Capox.

But at the end of the day,its your decision depending on your personal views and circumstances.you have to be happy with your choices.

Why not click on peoples names and read the various bios to see how they got on .All the best for whatever you decide

Kath

Hi @Toby. I had capecitabine with oxaliplatin which is a bit different but I’m going to tag Phantomguzzler who was in a similar situation a few weeks ago 

That's the one they said I will  have were you OK on it or did you  have  any side effects  x

Sorry mine would  be Capecitabine (Xeloda)

• I had adjuvant chemo. As I recall it was Oxaliplatin intravenous once every 3 weeks then tablets for 3 weeks capecitabine. One good thing I never lost my hair. I had throat spasms found it sometimes difficult to swallow. I found drinking warm drinks helped. I was never sick, a bit tired. It’s a belt and braces approach. I never took the last one as I wanted the be at the birth of my granddaughter so I only had 5 sessions. As I said that was 10 years ago and I’m glad I took the chemo. 

Hi again. It’s hard to comment really as the oxaliplatin is the ‘nasty’ one that has a lot of side effects. I had capecitabine on its own alongside radiotherapy before my op but it’s a low dosage that’s used to enhance the effects of the radiotherapy. 
I think the thing I noticed most about the capecitabine was that it made my feet feel gritty - like I was walking on sand - but this stopped after the course ended. I had problems with my feet when having it after my op but that may have been the oxaliplatin?

To be honest most of the side effects are manageable with rest, antisickness tablets, creams, loperamide etc. and the nurses monitor how you are feeling. I think sometimes the reputation of chemo is worse than the actual treatment. You could give it a try and stop if you feel that you’re struggling? Has your consultant given you any figures as to how much it would benefit you?

Personally I threw everything I was offered at the cancer then I could have no regrets and wonder ‘if only…….

Its a tough decision and 6 months is a long time but it would be the final belt and braces on your treatment

Take care

Karen x

Hi Toby , snap. I was offered and took, 30 weeks 5FU /FA  but that doesn't seem very common now, despite it only being 2019!! Like most I decided to try it. After about half way and the effects were starting to bite, I said 'just one more'. And then there were none! Perhaps try the chemo on the basis you will have tried, and if you end up giving up, at least you threw everything at it. Some is better than none. All the best

Weee I’m in exactly the same boat as you, had surgery July 14th to remove the tumour, 43 lymph nodes were removed and 15 of them were cancerous so I opted for the mop up chemo they offered just in case there were any spread, it will be CAPOX I start once this bloody wound of mine has healed. I am super terrified though of the possible side effects, defo these throat spasms x