First chemo cycle and struggling

Dani346 6 hours ago

3 replies
132 subscribers
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I’m 36 & have locally advance rectal cancer. Treatment plan is radiotherapy (done ) 4 cycles of capox and then surgery.

I started my chemo last Monday. During first 2 days, I noticed slight tightness in my jaw and pins and needles in my hands and feet. Eyes burning if they watered. Would get unsteady/dizzy when walking but generally was ok, I could cope with help.

After a few days, the jaw tightness and dizziness got worse. Would have episodes of heart palpitations, hot flush, feeling dizzy and chest tightness. Have now stopped all medication until I can have a review today (Monday).

Is this normal? I knew I would feel lousy, sickness etc and I knew I would need lots of help but honestly it feels like I’m going to pass out several times a day in waves. I have 3 young children and am on my own. Because of the side effects it doesn’t feel safe to be with them on my own & I wouldn’t dare drive so I just don’t see how I can do this for 3 months.

I really want to continue with the treatment as I want the best prognosis but I feel really defeated right now ️️ just wondering if this is expected and will pass or if I need to push for a review.

CerysM 2 hours ago

Hi Dani346 ,

I did feel dizzy, but they said it was not related to the chemo.

You may have already called the 24hr helpline, if not I suggest calling them first or contacting your chemo nurse. They might switch you to a different regime.

I found I felt a lot better if I did some meditation or relaxation as some of those kinds of feelings went away when I was more relaxed.

I hope that helps.

Cerysm

Dani346 1 hour ago in reply to CerysM

Thanks CerysM

I had been in contact with my nurse & doctor and they advised stopping the Capecitabine initially although as I was feeling better they advised restarting today as they think it was caused by the oxaliplatin.

Having only taken one 1800mg dose this morning I was doing ok, went to the supermarket and everything seemed ok again. But I’ve just had another episode during the school run. I can’t see how this is manageable, all I’ve done is walk slowly around the playground at school to pick up my children, it’s less than 1km moving between the car and different playgrounds but I had to sit down twice and still ended up short of breath, heart rate of 145 with jaw and chest tightness.

I just don’t know what to do, is this expected and I’m trying to do too much? ️

AlyV 24 minutes ago

Hi,

Sorry to hear you’re struggling.

i have a 2hr infusion of Oxyplatin once every three weeks along with Capercetabine tablets.

After the infusion I have similar symptoms but these lessen considerably after 5 days. The pins and needles become less, the cramps go, my tolerance to cold is much better. The fatigue is my biggest issue and struggling to sleep.

I find the best thing to do is as little as possible for that week. Obviously that’s very difficult when you’re looking after a family, but the more I try to do, the worse it is.

Speak to your nurse, they may be able to adapt your treatment.

Good luck, I hope it best easier for you!!