Hello everyone, I'm new here and 58 years old.
I am 8 weeks on from a right hemicolectomy for a tumour in my caecum. They took 34cm of bowel and 18 lymph nodes. My cancer was stage 2 and the tumour grade was T3N0M0. I hoped not to have chemo but there was EMVI so I have been recommended to have 6 months of capecitabine tablets (2 weeks on, 1 week off). It's nearly 4 weeks since I saw the oncologist but haven't seen anyone since, and having originally agreed to the chemo I now have big doubts. I am concerned not only about immediate side effects but also late ones which I feel weren't really explained well. Does anyone have any thoughts on whether going through adjuvant chemotherapy is actually worth it? There seems to be a very small benefit to it (I've been told 2-3%) and I'm just not sure.
I teach in year 3 and 4 (ages 7-8) so I'm very unsure about whether or not I will be able to work. Also has anyone got anything to say about 3 months v 6 months of treatment?
My bowel movements are usually pretty good considering what's gone on but I do still get random attacks of diarrhoea with no apparent cause. I'm still following a low fibre pretty plain diet but how long should I expect that to go on for?
I hope someone has got some advice!
Thank you
Well done for getting through it and I am wishing you a much smoother journey from here on.
Hi, I am in remission from stage 3 bowel cancer, I too had a right side hemicolectomy and had chemotherapy Oxaliplatin and Capecitabine treatment. It is definitely worth having the treatment. Trust your Oncologist and Cancer Team. I do hope you make the right decision for yourself.
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