Chemo treatment

Hi I've been diagnosed with bowel cancer. I've got mri and ct scans next week before I find out the extent and treatment plan. I'm 48. I wish you all the best in your treatment, and I'm interested in the answers you receive. Take care D

Hi North West bowel lady  Do you know what chemotherapy you’ll be having then we an give you an idea of what to expect? 

Take care

Karen x

Hi Little Rock and welcome. The waiting for scans and results is pretty stressful and it will be reassuring to get a treatment plan in place.  It’s hard to predict whether you will need chemo at this stage - the MDT will discuss your results and the best way forward - often there is chemoradiotherapy for rectal tumours but other tumours can be operated on without this. 

Keep reading and posting and we’ll be happy to help and support you through this

Take care

Karen x

Hi! I had 6 months of FOLFOX 3 years ago and I have just finished 6 months of FOLFIRI. I have 3 children aged 10-16 and managed to work throughout chemo, although I reduced my hours to 20 hours a week. For the first few cycles I was tired for about 2-3 days afterwards but it got worse with every cycle and the last 3 cycles I spent 3 days mostly in bed and very tired for about 5-6 days. I didn't really feel ill  as the steroids prevent nausea (although I needed sleeping pills as the steroids kept me awake), just lacked energy. So yes, there are time between cycles when you should feel normal, although everyone is different. Hope that helps and good luck with the treatment!

Cecile

Hi Karen it is one iv dose of xelox every 21 days and 2 weeks of oral capecitabine

That is good to know, thank you 

Hope all goes well. A plan gives a different focus and you work towards one treatment at a time x

Hi North West bowel lady I’ve attached a link to a post that we did about chemo which you might like to take a look at? 

 Chemo care ! Top Tips:- 

The iv oxaliplatin is the one with the most side effects particularly the reaction to cold things so cover up your face and mouth when leaving the unit as a bit of a breeze can make your lips twitch. Gloves will be useful for getting things out of the fridge/freezer and drinks should be at least room temperature. 
I found the first few days after the iv to be the worst - my arm was very sore from the iv but I was given a picc line after the first couple of sessions which was much better. Take the sickness meds that they give you and if you don’t feel that they’re working then ask to try another. 
I found the capecitabine tablets to be much more tolerable but keep your hands and feet well moisturised with Aveeno with Shea butter or udder cream!

So back to your original question! The side effects can be accumulative and you might find yourself more fatigued as things go on. You’ll probably find that you feel fine on your week off so plan some nice treats. It’s worth keeping a diary as it reminds you of any side effects when you go back for your next session and also you’ll probably see a pattern emerging of good and not so good days so can plan things around this?

Everyone reacts differently to chemo but there are lots of pills and potions to combat any side effects and the chemo nurses are always there to help and advise. 
I managed to pretty much carry on life as normal throughout mine - it can be tough but doable.

Feel free to ask if there’s anything that you’re particularly worried about

Take care

Karen x

That is really good to know. Thank you x

I was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer, T3N1MO last July. Had surgery to remove tumour from the sigmoid, then 3 months of adjuvant chemo, CAPOX from September to Xmas 2022. I was fine hroughout, did suffer from neuropathy in hands and feet which is still lingering. Was able to work throughout except for a week during round 4 where I was completely exhausted. Had post treament CT/ blood tests in January 2023 and was discharged by Oncology to the CNS nurses for 5 year follow ups, first being bloods/ colonoscopy in July 2023. Just listen to your body, take the anti sickness meds even if you don't feel sick. Although the oncologist went over all the side effects, it is unlikely you will suffer from them all. Best of luck with your chemo, keep us all posted as ther is always some great advice on these forums.