Winter and Chemo, capox (xelox) or folfox. Precautions, Tips, Expectations.

Hi Chris think thats a good idea re the Flu Jab I'm doing the same And trying to stay away from pubic places, will get myself some antiseptic wipes.... 

Friends suggested a face mask but then a nurse told the masks last only 20mins apparently, as damp from the breath does not prevent any microbes getting through. Think this is bit much as really only needed if your in a public place closely together.... Scary :)

Hello Shona

Hope you feel better soon.  This is a tough journey isn't it? 

I am one cycle behind you.  Sounds exactly the same regime.  

Cycle 2 was very very tough.  Onc reduced dose of oxy.  Week 1 felt a bit rubbish as usual.  But have felt better in week 2 than I did last time.  Although am feeling tired.  My week 3 of no chemo started today.  Next oxy infusion a week today.  

I guess I expected cycle 4 to be the same.  Your note has made me realise it might not be. Gulp!

Keep us posted.  And hope so much you feel better as the cycle progresses.  

Hi, I read with interest the taking of Tumeric,i am  on my 1st CAPOX,  treatment, 6 days in  out of 15, (5 more months to go), can I take Advanced Tumeric in pill form I am also stage 3, had appendix removed during bowel op and have stoma, 1 out of 17 lymph nodes affected,

About the cold, I was told to wear hat, gloves and scarf around my face and nose if I go out in the cold, also to wear gloves, cover my mouth when going into the fridge , like you yes, pins and needles, diminishing now day 6

any advice greatly appreciated,  

Before they discovered I had bowel cancer, they said I had crohns, and they put me on a liquid diet for 6 weeks, FRESUBIN ENEGERY DRINKS,, which I have now gone back on to help with my energy,  vitamins and dehydration. they come in all flavours, the Cappuccino ones can also ben heated to give you a cup of coffee... and are available on prescription. I am hoping these will help sustain me through the next 7 months of treatment with my energy levels. 

Hi and welcome. Although this is an old post it is still relevant and has some really good advice and tips. With regard to taking the Tumeric I would check with your nurses/oncologist first as they need to know if you’re taking any medication even if it’s herbal.

You sound to have a good grasp on wrapping up against the cold. Another side effect which I’m not sure if it was touched on in the earlier posts is ‘first bite syndrome’ where you open your mouth to take a bite of something and get a shooting pain? It subsides quickly but it’s worth trying to remember to take a little first bite initially before continuing to eat a meal.

I had 8 fortnightly sessions of capox in the spring of 2017 and still feel like my feet are sunburnt so please mention any side effects you may start to experience to the nurses as they can get worse even after stopping.

Hope you find the chemo ok 

Take care

Karen x

Hi Kareno62 - interested to read your comment about feet - what a good description!  I finished chemo at the very end of 2016 and although almost all the side-effects have passed I still occasionally get sensitivity on the soles of my feet and underneath my toes that feels like a burning sensation.  Also your description of 'first bite' is great, I definitely had that and you are right, a small nibble to start is best.  For me, that stopped as soon as chemo stopped.

I am due to have my four year post-chemo chat with my oncologist next week.  I anticipate it being the usual, just a five minute check-up chat, and I'm very thankful it doesn't need to be more involved than that.  For those still going through chemo I can hand on heart say I only think about the experience I went through when I get these annual appointments through. Or the very rare occasions I get a prompt from an old MacMillan post :-)

Sending hugs and warm thoughts to those on the journey

Linds

Peripheral neuropathy ! I finished my 12 sessions of chemo exactly 4 years ago and the usual side effects gradually disappeared except for the occasional reminder in my toes.It occurs when I get into a hot bath or stand on a cold surface. My toes feel remote, like there's a blister under each toe making the skin feel not attached. It doesn't last long but I suppose the nerve endings there never recovered.

thanks Karen, I cream my hands and feet morning and night as advised, to prevent redness, soreness, I also, rinse my mouth with Cordisal mouth wash again prevention rather than cure for possible mouth ulcers caused by Capox, . I have not experienced the first bite syndrome, was just advised against the cold for tightening of the throat, and pins and needles ...nurses checked, and Tumeric is okay to take. 

 I gave my Stoma a bath today, and no he didn't down, ha ha ha,  iv'e stayed  with showers, but I love a bath so thought, give it a try (bag removed) and all was well.

thank to all who advise