I started chemotherapy today and am scared of it.

Hi Hotfoot. Sorry you're having to go through cancer treatment again. I had chemo/radiotherapy back end of last year and have to say the only effects I had from the tablets - are you on capecitabine - was nausea which was controlled by the anti sickness meds they ga me, I did have more issues with the radiotherapy towards the end of the period, sore skin near the area they were zapping.

They do have to warn you of all possible side effects I suppose which can be worryingly but do try not to. 

I honestly wasn't fretting too much on that part of the treatment but now I have a date for the surgery, that or more the recovery after is stressing me out like you I live alone. 

Best wishes for your treatment, hope all goes well for you x

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Hi Liz and a warm welcome to the board from me. Are you on capecitabine? I had this with radiotherapy before my op and found it to be quite doable. The trouble with chemo is that everyone reacts differently so there’s no guarantee as to what side effects you get - if any. Having said that there are lots of pills and creams available to combat any problems and just listen to your body - if you feel weary then have a little sleep. One thing that I did find with capecitabine is that it made my feet sore and the nurses recommended applying Aveeno with Shea Butter to hands and feet regularly - you can usually find it on offer at one of the supermarkets or Superdrug, boots etc. for £5. 

I really hope the fear and anxiety subsides for you - I pretended they were vitamin tablets and almost forgot that they were chemo after a while. Please keep posting and let us know how you’re getting on - we’re a friendly lot and happy to share advice and experience.

Take care

Karen x

Hi Karen, thanks for your warm words. Yes, I am on capecitabine. Took me 3 hours of looking at the boxes before I could take it but once I'd taken the first dose, I was okay. Today is my 2nd day and I've felt fine all day but yesterday, after only taking my 2nd dose, I was violently sick and also had dizziness (which didn't help as I was taking part in a quiz at the time). I wasn't expecting to have any sort of reaction quite so soon but I got over it, took my next lot of pills on time, went to bed and had a good sleep!! Thanks for the information on the creams cos the nurses have warned me that I might get sore hands and feet and to keep moisturising. I have Shea Butter but I haven't heard of Aveeno. I'll look out for some.

I'm so glad I found this site as I don't feel on my own any more.

Thanks again and take care.

Liz x

Hello Laura, Thank you so much for your kind reply. Yes, I'm on capecitabine and after only my 2nd dose I was very dizzy then violently sick. Since then I've been fine but I wasn't expecting to have any sort of side effects so early. I expect my body was just reacting to it. Anyway, no problems today, thankfully. I'm sorry you had problems with the radiotherapy, the biggest secret for that is to keep the skin moisturised but like you, I began to feel it towards the end. Did you go every day except weekends? It's very tiring - it's a long time since I had it but I remember it very clearly, there were days when I could hardly get out of bed and then a 3 hour round trip to the hospital. It's not long since you had all that treatment and now you have even more to think about. What surgery are you having and when is it? I can fully understand the worry of the op and then the recovery. Do you have family and friends around you? I have no family here at all but I am fortunate in that I have lots of really good friends.

Reading your post has made me forget about myself so thank you for that and I wish you every good wish for your surgery and recovery. I'll look forward to hearing more about how you're getting on.

Take care.

Liz x

Hi Liz

Glad to hear that the site is helping you. Just wanted to check that you’re taking your tablets with food even if it’s only a slice of toast or a couple of biscuits?

Karen x

Hi Liz, 

Welcome to the site. I am new to it also and so far it has been very helpful. Good to know we can have someone to turn to who is going or has been through similar events.

Sorry to hear that you couldn't get any help originally and were miss diagnosed. I went through a similar scenario. It was really scary. I have written about it in my profile if you have time to read it. 

I am on the same chemo as you for a stage 3 bowel cancer and had a bad reaction to the intravenous chemo for the first dose. I had the 2nd yesterday and today don't feel too bad. I was a bit scared like you to take the chemo pills initially but just had to take a deep breath and tell myself that they are going to benefit me in the long run. I have the pins and needles in my hands, feet not too bad. If you let the nurses and doctors knew how you felt they can adjust your dose or give you a different sickness pill, I had a new one and it really helped.

it helps to wrap up warm and have plenty of hot drinks. I am wearing scarf, mittens and fluffy socks indoors!

Take care of your self and hope you get on alright with your tablets, 

Louloubelle 

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