Wow.
I'd heard that chemotherapy could be tough but nothing prepared me for how much it would impact daily life.
Diagnosed with Stage 3 rectal cancer just before Christmas. First step was an operation for a stoma. That went well, recovery was quick and easy.
Next step 6 weeks of radiotherapy combined with capecitabine chemo. On the whole went well, the odd bad day where I was overly tired but life continued as normal.
Now on 3rd cycle of capox chemo and things couldn't be worse. Constant fatigue, dizzy and light headed whenever I stand up. Blurred vision, complete loss of appetite. Numbness in hands, constant pain in calf muscles, difficulties in swallowing and shortness of breath after even light exertion. It all came to a head when I had a severe reaction whilst undergoing the treatment at hospital. Not being able to speak or move hands on top of severe nausea, dizziness and increased blurred vision is scary to say the least.
Not sure where I go from here. I'm effectively housebound now and as I live alone I have practically no quality of life.
Hi Catdad. Please discuss this with your oncologist. It’s quite common to have a dosage reduction (you tend to be started on the maximum for your height and weight) and it can make a big difference. Do you have a picc line? That may help with the numbness in your hands x
Hey. I am on Capox also.
Am currently on mop up chemo but when I was on Capox before surgery I had a bad one on the 2nd cycle and they reduced my does and that made the world of difference.
Speak to your co-rectal nurses and Oncologist right away to see if your dose can be reduced .
The support line are also great but are closed today *29-wed* for maintenance
But contact the hospital right away and esquire about your dose.
The Capox infusion is rough. Here if you need to chat
Hang in there
Eddie
Support line reopens tomorrow
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