Adjuvant capox chemo for 6 months

Hi Delph,

I’m so sorry that you’re feeling a bit lost just now. This is such a hard journey to be on, I do understand as my husband is going through the same. He had a rectal tumour removed at the beginning of July and, following the pathology results of his tumour, was told he would need 6 months adjuvant chemotherapy (8 cycles). He starts this on Tuesday, although it is not full Capox like yourself - he will be receiving Capecitabine tablets to be taken at home.

It’s very daunting but something that he says he must do in order to give himself the best possible chance of surviving this horrible disease.

I’m glad you’ve come onto the forum, there’s some really lovely people on here who will be able to support you. 

Take care,

Love 

Roses x

Hi Delph and a warm welcome to the board from me too. Let’s be honest - nobody likes chemo but it’s the belt and braces and the last step towards keeping you cancer free.

Capox can be tough and there can be a lot of side effects but that’s not to say that you’ll get all of them. I’ve attached a link to a post that we did a while ago with some top tips - it’s helps to be prepared and also to realise what might be normal? - I remember someone experiencing ‘first bite syndrome’ but had read about it so knew what to do.

 CHEMO TOP TIPS UPDATED 

It’s helpful to keep a diary about how you’re feeling and any side effects. You may find that a routine develops - the first couple of days after the infusion can be the worst so take it easy but the week off might be a good time to have a few treats?

Talk to the nurses as there are pills and potions for any side effects and, if say, you feel the antisickness tablets aren’t working then a different one can make all the difference.

Theres lots of experience and advice on here so please keep posting and we’ll be happy to help and support you through this

Take care

Karen x

Thank you for your reply and I hope your husband is ok. 
I just feel a bit knocked off my feet I think. I know it’s like a long term investment, but 6 months feels like such a long time x

Thank you it’s all very scary at the moment, so I appreciate the link to prepare myself x

Hi Delph 

There seems to not be a nice formula to know how chemo will effect us. Each of us has different history and geneology, and our bodies don't always cope with what we throw at it.

Many people seem to manage to stay doing lots everyday including working. However for some of us not. If you're one of the latter, try to find things you can still enjoy or learn something new.

I'd suggest a positive attitude, taking things at your own pace and talking openly with your oncology consultant + nursing team so they know your worries & issues and they can share their experience & expertise with you.

This forum is a great place to have a safe sounding board to, so you're not alone.

Hi 

I’m half way through 12 rounds of chemo. It does feel like a long time but unfortunately we have to go through it to get over this horrible disease. Take all the help and support you can get. Don’t be afraid to cry and tell people how you’re really feeling and think every round is one step closer to getting your life back. Enjoy the little things and don’t be too hard on yourself x

I have T3 colon cancer and awaiting chemo.