Which chemo to choose

Former Member over 3 years ago

13 replies
128 subscribers
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Hi.im new here and would love some help/views if anyone in similar delema

I had a right hemi colectomy 5 weeks ago which went well and am still slowly introducing different foods.

I'm getting so anxious now as I'm about to have chemo and have been offered 2 options

1. 3 months of oxaliplatin and capecitabine

2. 6 months of capecitabine

In my appointment I just said..lets get it done quickly and chose option 1..shorter period.

But now, I've had time to read up and oxaliplatin has so many more side effects. Dr had mentioned that but one of the worst I've read is neuropathy which can affect quality of life in a big way. Numb hands feet trouble walking..tripping over..pain and once its there possibly that it never goes away.

I phoned my colorectal nurse who said they only do 3 months now which is better...but it seems like a big gamble.

I'm thinking of changing to the 6 months of capecitabine, (tablets)

My question has anyone had either of these treatments.

Anxiety levels have hit the roof and cant focus on anything else. I'm d scared of starting any chemo anyway

I have to make my mind up quite soon as well

Please help if you can

Thanks x

Former Member over 3 years ago in reply to Marianne26

HI Marianne

Thanks for your reply.

Thats encouraging that the tablets alone did the job. Did the plantar palmer go quickly?

When they did my first scan for the colon tumour they spotted a nodule on my lung which my oncologist said he is not worried about as 30% of the population have them. However, he will do a scan in January to check up on it.I presume to see if it's altered in size.

I was thinking if it decreases in size then it must be cancerous and tablets have shrunk it. If its same size I'm one of the 30% who just have them. This is for me...another worry but hearing about your nodules shrinking and then zapped it encourages me a bit not to worry too much.

I had surgery 10th oct 2022..stagec3 and in 3 lymph nodes so maybe that's why he suggested chemo.he says to kill anything they cant see.

I had call today re my chemo pre appointment and possibly discuss then about just tablets..but if its going to delay chemo With another drs appointment and signing new consent as I've agreed and signed for combination chemo...i think I might just take the chance on combined as I dont want to delay as they said if you get to 3 months after surgery without chemo its pointless having it...

Argggg...all these things

I'm so happy for you and clear scans ..what a relief.. Fantastic

Regards

Sugarplum

Daisyandcarol over 3 years ago in reply to Marianne26

I was offered 6 months of capox (after the specialist nurse said it would be 3 months)

I lasted 3 months of oxalyplatin as had awful side effects - weight loss, peripheral neuropathy, nausea, sleeping 18hrs a day.

Did another 3 months of capecitabine only.

Post treatment scan showed a small lung nodule.

Scan 6 months later showed no change. Fingers crossed

Mel M over 3 years ago

I also had adjuvant CAPOX treatment, 4 cycles over a 12 week period. I finished my final cycle on December 13 2022. I found it much better than I had anticipated. The Oxy infusion on day 1 of the cycle is tough, my arm felt odd, slight numb pain but tingly as well. Had infusion over 2 hours but others have a longer infusion period if the sensation of the infusion is too intense, Then 2 weeks of oral capecitabine tablets. Did get mild neuropathy but warm heat pads helped. Hardest cycle was the 4th one as effects are cumulative, felt very fatigued so just rested when my body told me. Apart from that, I managed to carry out daily tasks, worked throughout from home, my job allows remote working and fortunately I am just as effective remotely. The oncologist and nurses have to advise you of all the potential side effects but I was lucky, you could be too. I was dreading chemo but got through it with very little drama. Now have post chemo CT scan and then on 2 Feb, meeting with oncologist hopefully to be discharged for surveillance. I know some patients have a torrid time with CAPOX, but some do not. I was so proud of how I went through chemo and know how lucky I was. I am a very positive person and this has helped me. Please base your decision on what will be the best for you as you are the person going through treatment xx