Hi,
I posted some weeks ago about being completely poleaxed by Xelox, many thanks for the support you gave me.
My bowel cancer is inoperable because the tumours have metastasised onto my liver. One of the suggestions following my original post was that I might ask about having a second opinion on whether surgery was an option. I spoke to one of the specialist nurses about this. She said that the colorectal team would certainly have offered further consultation about surgery if it had been at all possible but that as two lobes of my liver are effected I wouldn’t have enough healthy liver left after surgery. Although she was willing to support me through a request for a second opinion her honest opinion was that it would be to no avail. I’ve put thoughts of surgery away and I’m trying to enjoy what’s left of my life.
My oncology team recommended that I stop the Xelox after six cycles rather than the eight that had been planned because my survival would not be improved by having the final two but my quality of life would worsen because I could have permanent neurological damage.
My last chemo cycle began on 29 January and I took my last dose of capecitabine on 12 February. Since then my health has slowly improved. It has seemed dreadfully slow and I did begin to think I should just learn put up with how I felt.
I had my second Covid vaccination (Astra Zeneca) two weeks ago and I felt considerably worse for a good week afterwards, almost but not quite, back to square one.
I’ve picked up again since, the oncologist I spoke to on a six week review phone consultation 4 days ago seemed happy with how I am. My energy levels, although still pathetic, are much better. I could take up competitive sleeping if it were a sport. I have some pins and needles left, but my feet and some of my fingers are very numb. I’ve lost a few cups of tea because of the numbness in the index and middle fingers and in my thumbs (I won’t be taking up intricate embroidery). I’ve also had a couple of minor falls because I couldn’t feel my feet. I’m in a bit less pain and discomfort in my upper abdomen.
One question: Over the last few days I seem to have started to develop a rash on my sides and back. It’s like clusters of small abrasions, as if I’ve gone through brambles. Is this a side effect as my body rids itself of the chemo? As it’s Easter weekend I can’t contact the specialist nurse team for a few days and it doesn’t seem serious enough to contact 111.
Most important I’m still here to see my first grandchild and my children. My grandson is now nine months old - 2020 wasn’t all bad - and the family have moved from London to live only five minutes away.
Wishing everyone a happy Easter holiday,
Sweetsweep
I’m lost for words and just heartbroken for you
Take care of yourself lovely and wishing you a lovely Easter with the family 
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