Starting Chemo Soon - Any Advice!

Hi BexOak ,

Which chemo regimen are you on? If on FOLFOX, just get some gloves to take with you as the cold affects your hands. I've just started my 3rd round of 12 cycles (so just done #25) and doing it differently this time, hoping to maximise the effects of chemo (fasting 24hrs pre and 48hrs post, but you have to be mindful of your weight, also totally cut down sugars and adopted a pescatarian diet). Nausea has never been too bad for me but I just get really tired so I have 4 days off work including infusion day, and try to rest/sleep a lot in that time whilst still going for short walks and yoga. I think generally drinking plenty of water is good, avoiding cold water if on FOLFOX (I like hot water with a bit of orange blossom water for flavour). Mouth ulcers can be painful and they will give you some mouthwash for it but I find a teaspoon of baking soda in warm water works well. I do take curcumin, low dose aspirin and vitamin D, which have been shown to help with fighting the disease to some extent (less clear for vitamin D). If you are unsure about anything just check with your medical team - I take a few additional off-label drugs but I've made sure my onco is OK with that.

Everyone respond to chemo slightly differently and you'll soon work out what's good for you but don't put up with any discomfort and don't hesitate to ask your medical team/hotline for support. The first chemo is overwhelming but I found it wasn't as bad as I was expecting.

Hope that helps, take care,

Cecile

Hi BexOak Apologies if you’ve already seen this thread but I’ll pop the link on just in case

 CHEMO TOP TIPS UPDATED 

I’m guessing you’re probably having Capox although a lot of the side effects are similar to those mentioned by Cecile as the ‘ox’ part is the oxaliplatin. 
Chemo can be a bit scary but sometimes the reputation is worse than the actual experience? Yes there are a lot of side effects but it can affect everyone differently so go in with an open mind but prepared. One of the most common side effects is your body’s reaction to anything cold or even below room temperature which is why you must wrap up like you’re going to the arctic before leaving the unit. The cold can cause your face to twitch and throat to feel funny so it could be worth having a warm drink with you for the journey home. Gloves are a must for getting anything out of the fridge or freezer. 

It’s handy to keep a diary of how you’re feeling as a reminder to mention any issues at your next session and also you may find a routine develops and you can arrange a couple of treats for your good days. Talk to your nurses - if 1 antisickness doesn’t seem to be working then ask for a different one - there are pills and potions for most of the side effects.

Hope it goes well and that gremlin gets a good blasting 

Take care

Karen x

Great, thanks Cecile. I'm on a low fibre diet at current  - which is the most boring and annoying diet when to wanting certain things, but needs must. 

Walks and yoga are a great option, my daughter loves yoga and so I do join her from time to time - I've more of an incentive now. 

Thanks again for the advice 

Thanks Karen. I'm definitely trying to stay open minded. I think you get told all the possible side effects (the throat issues and angina like pain play on my mind the most!) 

The diary is great idea, I'll definitely be doing that!

Thanks again for the advice x

Hi, BexOak , I just had 5FU /LA, so can help if you get this one. All the best!

Hi Becky, I started Folfox in December- so relatively new to it all. As everyone says if on Oxi they really do drum it into you but you’ll need to wrap up hands, feet, face- mine tingle and are like pins and needles but it’s much more in the first 24-48 hours then eases off- and it’s quite manageable when you know what it is. 

For the first one I would just not plan too much for the next day or two and see how you go but I’ve been quite fortunate and have not had much nausea etc, have plain foods around in case you do, definitely room temp or hot drinks only.

As I said though i am managing to do lots so I hope you aren’t too affected. They can always adjust meds etc if needed. 

good luck and let us know how you get on m, Kim x