Starting Chemo with DPD Deficiency

Thank you for all the responses. I’m 3 cycles in on 50% reduced dose. Not as bad as I feared, but then I feared all sorts of horrors. Main symptoms are tingling feet and hands, high sensitivity to cold foods and drinks and I cannot touch anything cold.  I feel very fatigued and have a foggy head feeling, but keeping hydrated and sticking to three meals a day with plenty of snacks keeps that feeling at bay.  

I’m fine with this

Hello Brightonrocks, 

Your case seems similar to mine (in 2023) when I was on Capox (Oxaliplatine infusuion and then 2 weeks of Capecitabine tablets). I was also on a much reduced dosage  (less than 50% overall) because of a DPD deficiency and could only complete 6 cycles because of a acute neuropathy showing as intense cold feet and lower legs, and tingling fingers. It is likely that this neuropathy will clear after a year or two. Drink plenty of water at room temperature, eat small plain meals slowly and remember to chew and chew well. I found it helped to peel fruit such as apples and pears. Wear loose socks shoes amd slippers. Rest in bed when fatigue sets in but also make sure you move about as much as possible, up and down stairs, gentle exercises/stretch and walks outside in fresh air as much as possible. Might also help to seek advice on the best choices for small meals and snacks.I found it best to avoid fruit juices but to have modest amounts of fresh fruit, chewed well!!  Seek advice on diet etc from the specialist nurse/doc and from the help contact number you should have. I hope this helps. Do let me know how you progress after the next 2 or 3 cycles. All the best.  From ANBOU. (p.s. there are other postings about neuropathy in the Macmillan library).