My husband has rectal cancer. First round of chemo had to be stopped and he was hospitalised with severe bowel infection/inflammation. Chemo was initial infusion followed by tablets. Next week starting chemo by infusion only. One in unit then bottle fixed to PICC line for 2 days. Hoping avoiding digestive system will prevent adverse reaction. Anyone else experienced similar?
Hi Magwitch
It's Megan here from Macmillan's Online Community team. I just wanted to let you know that I have moved your post from the Carer's only forum to the Bowel (colon and rectal) cancer forum to help you connect with others who have had similar treatment to your husband.
Alongside accessing peer-to-peer support in the forum, the Macmillan Support Line teams are there to support you. You can speak to the Nurses and Cancer Support Advisors on the Macmillan Support Line every day from 8am to 8pm. To get in touch, you can call 0808 808 00 00, send an email or start a live webchat during the opening hours.
There’s also the option to post your questions in our Ask an Expert section of the Community from Monday to Friday. This is where you can post questions to our Nurses, and Support Advisers, and they’ll aim to respond as soon as they can. Usually within 2-3 working days.
I'm sure it won't be long before other members come by to share their experiences with you. If you have any questions or need help with using the site, please don’t hesitate to email Community@macmillan.org.uk or send a private message to the Moderator account.
Best wishes,
Megan
Macmillan's Online Community team
Hi Magwitch
I am sorry to hear that your husband has had a diagnosis of rectal cancer.
I had chemotherapy for endometrial cancer in 2022 and I know that it can be a tough treatment to go through. I can understand that it may have been scary for him to develop an infection and have to go into hospital.
I remember during my own chemo being told that sometimes they do need to change regimes and offer medication for side effects so that the chemo does its job in the safest way.
I hope that your husbands chemo goes well next week and that the infusion will help prevent further issues.
If it would help to talk things through do please give the Support Line a call.
Jane
