Chemo Choices

Can I just ask why you didn't go down the 3 month tablet route?

Because it wasn't an option! It is a lowish dose over a long time, and hopefully has limited side effects. With care I managed to work throughout. 

Can't edit, but forgot to say mine was rectal, in case that makes a difference 

Wow - that's amazing! It is the likely reduced side effects that is making my wife lean towards IV. I suspect her consultant is going to push her towards starting on tablets with the option to switch to IV if the side effects are too much. I think they are worried she will not able to take 6 months of chemo. Congratulations on working through it. That sounds amazing!

It is a long time. I alternated hands each week. It actually took 34 weeks, stopped a few times and a planned holiday for one. By the time I got to about 17 I'd had enough, they did say I could stop, so I said 'just one more' ... and then there were none!!!

Can't wait until we get to the end of the tunnel.

Congratulations!

I have not long finished 3 months CAPOX treatment. I tolerated the capecitabine without too many issues. During the first round I had to take loperamide for a few days but that was it. The infusion on day 1 caused me a few reactions during the third and 4th rounds but oxaliplatin is part of but treatments. I personally would choose the tablets again. 

Hello,

I had Folfox in March 202, following LAR surgery with loop ileostomy in January 2021 for rectal cancer (T3n1m0).

I was prescribed 6 x 2 weekly cycles (3 months) by Picc line, however I only had 5 due to severe proctitis, and there were other delays due to low neutrophils, so it ended up being 5 cycles over 14 weeks. . My dose was reduced after the first infusion.

I did lose my appitite but didn’t feel particularly nauseous. I found I could eat if food was put in front of me and I didn’t have to think about what I wanted to eat, although most things tasted of cardboard. I didn’t suffer too much with the cold effect apart from the first mouthful in the morning of food or drink for the couple of days after the infusion

I was very concerned about neuropathy (as I do a lot of intricate work with my hands) but I did feel the cold more and used to wrap up well all the time, often with a hot water bottle. I still feel the cold more than I used to and even now wear sheepskin boot type slippers in the house even when the weather is warm. I found massaging my hands and feet regularly whilst rubbing cream in (about 12 times a day I think), helped tremendously and I haven’t had any long term issues with neuropathy.

There was a day or two per cycle where my mouth was a little more tender but nothing too bad and I used to sneeze a lot the evening after the infusion.

The worst part was the brain fog and increasing fatigue; climbing stairs became exhausting. However, I was lucky in that my husband looked after me and I didn’t have to do anything so could rest as much as I needed to and I used to nap most afternoons.

6 weeks after finishing the chemo I felt my energy levels were back.

I do believe your mindset can help, focus on the end result and take one day at a time. I kept a record and I found a pattern emerged, so could plan ‘nice’ things for the good days.

I'm sure together you'll make the right choice.

Wishing you all the best,

Net77x

That's great - many thanks. Some new things here and some excellent ideas. Many thanks for taking the time to respond to my post!

Best wishes for the future.

That's great. I will share this with my wife now. Congratulations on getting through it and thanks for sharing with us!