Starting Chemo

Hi HYM and a warm welcome to the board. Do you know which chemo drugs you’ll be having then people might be able to share their experience?

Fluorouracil (5FU)
 Oxaliplatin
Irinotecan

I’m on two of those with the pump for two days per cycle . I was on capox but I wasn’t able to tolerate it so I was switched to Folfox. I’m much better on that one.  They have lots of ways to help you manage the side effects.  

Honestly the actual experience is not as bad as the thought is. 

wishing you well. 
cerysm

Thank you so much. I am so worried about the side effects and doing or eating the wrong things to make it worse

Hi HYM 

I had oxaliplatin with capecitabine tablets so not the same combination but I’ve attached a link to a post that we did about chemo side effects

 CHEMO TOP TIPS UPDATED 

As Cerys says sometimes the reputation of chemo is worse than the actual experience. There are a lot of side effects but you’re unlikely to get all of them and the chemo nurses will have pills and potions to help with them all. Approach it with an open mind and see how you go? 

They tell you to eat what you like. In terms of doing, keep well moisturised and try to do some exercise as it really helps offset the side effects, walking is great.  Reflexology and acupuncture also help to apparently but check with your team first to be safe. I haven’t tried those myself but I can confirm exercise helps!