Chemotherapy

Hi, I've have a resection on my right side, I ve just been told I've had 8 out of 17 affected, was a bit shell shocked wasn't expecting that, I am also waiting to see oncologist‍♀️

Hi, I had a LARS , a temporary ileostomy and 1 out of 24 lymph nodes involved. I started chemo 6 and a half weeks after surgery.

There are quite a few strange side effects depending on your bodies response. First round I found nausea and vomiting but not everyone gets that. Take all the antiemetics they offer you.

Second round tiredness and fuzzy brain !! Slight soreness in my mouth treatable with Difflam mw and bongela for lips. Get a mild toothpaste not strong mint !

Third round very sore feet and hands treatable with lots of moisturisers, I used E45 with primrose oil, Balneum, Udderley smooth and Eumovate in rotation. Soft slippers help and trainers when you go out. 

Note you may lose your finger prints so make sure you know your passcodes on your phone and tablet.

Get lots of easy access snacks so you can eat a little and often when you feel like it..

They say you shouldn't touch the tablets and definitely don't let your carers touch them, try to take them straight from the packet.

Can't tell you about the fourth round cos that's next week !!

Ask your chemo nurse or here if you need help 

 Good luck x

It seems there are different side effects after each cycle. I guess one has to be strong throughout the course. Good luck in your treatment. 

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/bowel-colon-rectum-cancer-forum/f/bowel-colon-rectum-cancer-forum/221768/chemo-care-top-tips--
Hi ,

Just adding this thread on preparing for chemo from some of our members that you might like to read . It gives some helpful hints !

Take care ,

Court 

Hi Bertz and Sappy. Unfortunately chemo affects everybody differently so it’s hard to predict which side effects you may or may not get. It also depends on which chemo you’re recommended so you could post again once you know? 
Chemo usually starts within about 10 weeks of surgery and is usually over 3-6 months. There are a few different types and they can be given by IV and tablet often over a 3 week period of 2 weeks treatment then a week break. There are quite a few side effects but there’s also a lot of pills and potions to deal with them so if 1 antisickness med doesn’t work then tell the nurses and they can try you on another. You will also be started on the maximum dosage for your weight and height but this can be lowered if the side effects are unmanageable.

It can be helpful to keep a diary as it reminds you of any side effects before each session and you may also find that a bit of a routine develops - you might feel tired for the first few days but feel more yourself on your week off so you can plan around this. 
Here’s a link to a thread that was started with some chemo top tips which may help?

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/bowel-colon-rectum-cancer-forum/f/bowel-colon-rectum-cancer-forum/221768/chemo-care-top-tips--

A guy on the bowel cancer uk board always says that we should view chemo as our friend - that’s maybe a bit of a push but it’s something that puts the belt and braces on the treatment and I was told by a friend to accept everything I was offered to prevent a reoccurrence.

Please let us know how your meetings go?

Take care

Karen x

Thank you Karen, I read your profile, you've been through the mill and back, you are an amazing fighter and survivor, an INSPIRATION! 

SAPPY X 

Thank you Sappy - that’s such a lovely comment. Yes I had a few hiccups along the way (!) but I’ll be 5 years clear in November as will the 2 ladies who I became firm friends with on the other board who were going through the same thing at the same time. It’s tough but doable and we’ll always be here to support you

Karen x

Many thanks 'all. I'll go through the links you've posted and will take on board the tips you've given. 

 thank you x

Hi I just wanted to say that I am having chemo for bowel cancer hopefully prior to surgery. As mine has spread to none surgical aorta glands near abdomen. I have now had 3 2 week cycles. I had IRI and 5FU. First 2 cycles made me really sick for 4 days so each time I went to A&E. 3rd round today and after dropping 5FU no sickness yet. I have had my hair drop out. So I have the GI Jane and Ripley look. It is really liberating and I am glad that I dont need to think about my hair. lol who would think wigs can be so much fun. I have had diarhora for a few days too but it was controllable. Whatever the side effect the nurses and doctors have things that can help. You can get through it. That' is what I keep telling myself anyway.