CAPOX being discontinued due to low neutrophils

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Hello Everyone! Well November sees me and chemo parting company. I only had one round of CAPOX and after 3.5 weeks my neutrophils are still refusing to come back up, so consultant is calling it a day. Nothing wrong with my bone marrow as far as I know (or anything else) just had an extreme reaction. Consultant thinks they will eventually rise by themselves but will recheck in a few weeks to make sure. I'm actually feeling okay about the decision to stop it. It was always a 50:50 decision about whether I actually have chemo or not, in fact I posted about the dilemma at the time ( Stage 2 but with EMVI) but for now the risks outweigh any potential benefit. I'm glad I tried the chemo as I can now look back and think I've done everything I can to avoid the cancer coming back. After my op and the one round of chemo I guess I'm sitting at around a 20% risk of recurrence (maybe a wee bit less) and will be monitored for the next few years which is great. I've decided I'm going on the basis that I'm cancer free and hope to remain that way. Looking forward to picking up with my life again. It's been a tough 6 months, especially the chemo carry on, but It's been a positive thing connecting with some of you on this board. I wish you all the very best for the future but for now I'm taking a break. Hopefully permanent!

court over 3 years ago

You tried your very best and that’s all anyone can do ! The stats are firmly on your side !
Unfortunately some people do have a harsh reaction to chemo but you move forward knowing you gave yourself the best you could !
Now you can start planning the next few months of your life treatment free !

Take care ,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

lizzieannie over 3 years ago in reply to court

Thank you Court. I'm definitely seeing the ability to plan for the next few months as the silver lining.

court over 3 years ago in reply to lizzieannie

https://www.workingwithcancer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/After-the-treatment-finishes-then-what.pdf

A wee resource for you to tuck away if you should ever need it !

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

lizzieannie over 3 years ago in reply to court

That is a great resource Court and I can identify to some degree to everything he mentions there. I will take a good look at it though and keep it safe. I realise that this isn't the end for me and that I will have a lot to come to terms with, especially about trusting my body, regaining my confidence generally and making long term plans. I love the one step at a time approach to that and have already decided to break the future planning down to between now and the new year to start with. I think am going to join the 'life after cancer forum' so I have a place to check things out. Thanks once again.

Beth

Net77 over 3 years ago

Hi Lizzieannie,

Sorry you’ve had such a severe reaction to the chemotherapy, but you’ve given it your best shot and that’s all anyone can do. I found it quite daunting when I came to the end of my current treatment (although I’m waiting for a ileostomy reversal) and takes a while to adjust and come to terms with all that’s happened – but one step at a time is a great approach. Hopefully you’ll pop back on here occasionally, and let us know what you’re up to.

Wishing you all the best.

Take Care. Nett77xx

lizzieannie over 3 years ago in reply to Net77

Hi Net77, It was a bit of a shock to be honest, consultant etc thought I'd get through chemo without any real issues - just shows it's never a foregone conclusion. A few folk have said I can put it all behind me which, while I get the sentiments, is a bit of an optimistic view. But I am going to be looking forward rather than standing still which feels good - albeit one step at a time. Thanks for your support and I will definitely pop back now and again. Good luck with the reversal, hope that all goes as smoothly as it can.

Beth x