chemotherapy

Hi

Great to hear you are safely through surgery . A great step forward . 

My mum had a different regime for her infusion and capecitabine orally which I think is oral 5 fu which seems to be your infusion if I am right ( or maybe completely wrong) .

She has some stomach issues which she manage with over the counter buscopan. Appetite was reduced but we worked round that by adding build up drinks . The skin on her feet cracked a bit so a good moisturiser was also helpful . She had it for two years and got through both of them . It was a very effective treatment for her . I think the oral form might have more side effects so you might be better with the infusion .

All the very best and I am sure others will be along to give there experience soon . It can sometimes be a little slower at the weekend .

take care ,

Court 

Hi . Glad to hear that the tumour is now in the bin. I’m afraid I havent any experience of 5FU so I’m tagging Gemmary and in as I think they are both on it. Everyone reacts differently to chemo and it’s sometimes worth keeping in a diary to remind you of how you’ve felt each day and whether there’s a cycle to it - you may feel lousy on days 1-3 after the infusion for example but better for the next few days after and able to work. As a Court says it’s important to moisturise hands and feet and Aveeno with Shea Butter is readily available at supermarkets, Superdrug etc. - one of them usually has it on offer at £5. 

I’ve attached a link to a page about some of the side effects but remember you may get a few or none but it’s always good to be aware

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-in-general/treatment/cancer-drugs/drugs/fluorouracil

Hope it goes well for you

Take care

Karen x

Blackcountrydude  (sorry don't know how to tag)

Yes, I am the same, operation on 4 March and started  chemo on 1 May. On Wed I will be at 20/30 at last!

Fluorouracil (5FU) with folinic acid (leucovorin) which is a vitamin. It is a standard regime for bowel or rectal cancer, but you are the first I've found who is on it!

I work in a high school one day a week, and myself the rest, so I am able to work around the many hospital appointments, as I can not get the oncologist and chemo on the same day! Make sure you see if you can get cheap or exempt car parking at the hospital as you will be there a lot.

Initially I was fine, some side affects ( sore hands and feet, also tingling, diarrhea and constipation (but this was expected after the resection, so couldn't then say which was to blame!)) I was told tiredness would get worse as time went on and I am more tired now than at the beginning. And the loose bowels are more, but I won't take loperamide unless real diarrhea as it bounces into constipation which worries me more!

My symptoms increase by about 6 weeks, then they reduced the dose, which helped. Again another 6 weeks and a further reduction. I am now 8 weeks on this dose and it would not be effective to reduce it further. My mindset now is to take it in 3 week chunks, as I see the oncologist, with the option to quit. Strangely this apparent control of the situation seems to work, and I am more accepting of the situation again.

Workwise it will depend on what you do. You will get tired quickly if it is very physical, office should be ok, though don't be surprised if you become slightly forgetful, just write lots of notes!! I am slowing down now workwise as the chemo seems to bite, which is frustrating. Hence the bitesize chunks! A mind game. 

I cannot see your original post, but if you have any other questions please ask. I would have loved to ask someone when I started out!

Best wishes for your journey.

Oh I forgot to say keep a diary, both of symptoms and poo times. You will probably get asked to take your temperature morning and night, so record that as well. 

Hi Gemmary

To 'tag' a member just type the 'at' email symbol then without a space type the members name. You should see a list of members names appear as you type.

Having said this, it doesn't as yet work with all devices operating systems but you could give it a try

G n' J

Tried, didn't work.

Hi @Gemmary

Thank you very much for taking the time to respond my chemo is planned for every Thursday at the moment so Boxing Day sorted for me .I work in an office so hopefully I will be able to work at least the first 3 days of the week which leaves the other 4 days for recovery of any side effects. Yeh I got diagnosed on 4th July and operated on the 30th July I was lucky as had no symptoms it was pure chance that I was bad earlier in the year with a stomach infection and as a result one of the tests found I was slightly anemic so got sent for a colonoscopy and the rest is history as they say. Fingers crossed on the side effects but only time will tell I guess.

A big thank you to @court and @Kareno62 for there responses to my question/query I'm so glad I joined the online community to get real open and honest answers.

Thanks Mark

my chemo day is Wed, and I never planned anything for Thursday. At the beginning I went to school on the Friday and coped , now I go Monday and still just cope. Thursday is now usually rough, then easing up over the weekend. Needless to say Tuesday is the day I try and do lots of stuff, but also has been the oncologist day. However at this stage 2/3 through, the rough feeling can occur at any time, you just have to find a doable distraction, eg go for a walk. That also helps if you get stressed on chemo day.

One other option that was just put to me was to drift the day out, to say Friday so there was a bigger gap, rather than having a week off. You may find this is what happens to you at Christmas. 

Only time will tell then I guess just have to be as positive as always as I say my glass is always full

I really appreciate the time you have given me and the in-depth details of your own experience. Today I have my appointment with the surgeon for a follow up to the surgery. I really hope I can go back to work and cope with the chemo I think it will be good for my wellbeing.

Regards Mark

Hope your meeting went well.