Capox?

Sorry can't help with capox, just sending best wishes and a ((hug)) to you both.

Its pretty crap to be honest, you get an infusion on day of oxaliplatin one then take a tablet called capcitebine for two weeks and then have a week off, nausea, pins and needles, cold intolerance are all common as is fatigue, thrush, sore feet and vein pain. BUT i am certain the benefits outweigh all of the negatives...as far as tips go...use the chemo team for all concerns, mine were brilliant from arranging different sickness meds to diet and food tips, just be prepared for a fairly miserable 12 weeks 

Hi Rach, Happy Christamas!  I had the same as your mother, 3 months, 4 sessions. I can only say how it went for me.

Is your mother going to have a PICC line fitted? I did and I believe it is more comfortable than having a canula each time which can result in a painful arm. The Oxaliplatin triggers cold responses so when she has the infusion she needs to take a hat gloves and a scarf and a warm drink if she has far to travel. The cold can affect your throat and nose. It also affects your fingers especially when you touch cold surfaces. I used mittens to take anything from the fridge and always had drinks at room temperature at home.

I had the problems of tingling hands and dry skin, for which there are good creams. I had an ileostomy at the time and the chemo can cause an increased output but I controlled that with loperamide at times taking two half an hour bfore each meal. I lost my appetite and was more tired than usual and after the second round the oncolgist reduced the dose of both the capecitabine and the oxaliplatin.

Before the start of each session I had a blood test to make sure I was fit for it and at the start of the session was given anti sickness meds with some to take for the first couple of days as well. I never suffered from nausea.

If she has had chemo radiotherapy she probably had capecitabine then. The dose for this will be stronger  but at least she will be familiar with any side effects she had then.

None of this stuff is fun and different people seem to respond in different ways. I finished my course in Feb '20 and any side effects I had didn't hang about. I don''t know how old your mum is but I was 73 at the time.

I wish her well and hope that she copes ok and makes a full recovery.

With best wishes, John

Hi Rach510. You’ve had some great replies so far so I’ve attached a link to a post that we started about capox which you might to want to have a look at?

community.macmillan.org.uk/.../chemo-care-top-tips--

crankshaft merry Christmas! Thank you for your reply. As far as I'm aware a picc line hasn't been mentioned but will know for definite at her first appointment tomorrow. Because of Covid a few of the consultations have been done via phone.

My mother is 60 and only found out she had cancer because of the bowel screening test so we're thankful for that. 

Thank you for sharing your experiences, I know everyone is different but I feel a bit more clued up on it now. 

I'm glad to read you've had the all clear...well done! I'm praying my mam will end up being in your shoes too. Thank you so much for the information. 

I hope you have a happy healthy new year.

Take care,

Rach 

Kareno62 thank you I will pass the tips on to my mother. Very much appreciated 

You’re welcome. Hope it doesn’t make it look too scary? it’s unlikely that your mum will get every side effect on there but sometimes it helps to think ‘oh yes I’ve read that that can happen’ and know it’s nothing to worry about. Your mum will also be given a 24 hour chemo helpline which she can ring if she’s ever got any concerns x

Kareno62 I'd be lying if I said it wasn't scary, just not used to seeing my mam so unwell or off her feet so that will be hard for myself but my mother says it is what it is and takes it all in her stride. I know this will benefit my mother in the long run tho so I will need to put on my big girl pants and support my mother the best I can. Thank you x