Starting CAPOX next week. Any tips please?

Thank you so much Sarah.  I did feel it was a little risky to take during treatment, or at least without sanction of the team.  I may try it after though so this is helpful.  Take Care.  Xx

I went into it with no expectations, and couldn’t afford to continue with it, but yes, it helped me, but I stress what it gave me was a sense of calm and help to sleep-nothing more than that. I do not believe personally it has any effect on cancer, but at the time I took it I was in a tremendous amount of pain with no “conventional” solution. This helped-that’s all I can say,

Sarah xx

I lost my hair although was told it was quite unusual.(not eyebrows or eyelashes)

Yes you can get a prescription for a wig or can use it towards a more expensive one by paying the difference

Best to use mild shampoo and not colour it whilst on treatment for the best outcome

Kath

Hi Bluesloth,  I had 6 cycles Capox, each cycle was over 3 weeks, 1st day infusion through canula (put in just below elbow) which worked well, then 2 weeks of tablets, then 1 'free' week. Once or twice I felt mild nausea countered with an anti-nausea pill. I did not have diarrhea but there is a pill for that too. Kitchen towels, kitchen roll, gloves etc make it easier to handle cold items. Avoid hot also. Small meals chewed very well. Peel fruit such as apples and pears for a while. Plenty of water over the day warm or at room temp. Warm loose socks and slippers. Frequent movement and walks. Rest in bed also frequently, which helps to counter waves of tiredness. Any concerns contact the support nurse. Report on any significant cold / neuropathy in feet and lower legs as this may indicate need for reduced drugs dosages. Ask if you are ok on DPD. I was found to have a DPD deficiency which required reduced drug dosages. In addition to bloods, periodic CT scans are important at least post treatment. I did not lose any hair!  Hopefully you will find Capox treatment to have milder side effects than your fears. Good luck.

Thank you Kath.  I hope your hair grew back.  I’m already on low dose oral chemo for a blood cancer which isn’t supposed to affect hair, and mine has thinned considerably so I’m not optimistic.  I’m glad you kept your eyebrows and lashes though.  Did you get a wig or manage with head coverings?  Thank you for your reply.  Best Wishes.  Xx  

Thank you for your reply Anbou and sharing your experience which seems fairly positive (if it can be!).  I haven’t had my DPD results yet but otherwise I’m scheduled for a similar regime.  It’s interesting you mention walking.  I usually walk my dog and had assumed I wouldn’t be able to as the weather is cold and I expected to be wiped out.  I hope you recovered/recover well.  I appreciate your time.  Best Wishes.  Xx

Yes it grew back curly at first then straighter.it grew back grey but as I used to dye it maybe that was its natural colour.

Yes I got a wig.I paid a few pounds extra to get one like my natural hair.I took a photo in with me from before so the ladies has an idea of what it had been like.

Hopefully you will be fine.I only mentioned it because I hadnt been warned it could happen so was rather shocked and upset when it fell out.If I had known it was a possibility then I would have been more prepared

All the best with your treatment

Kath

Yes, I’d rather know. That’s a good tip over the photo.  I’ll take a selfie when I’ve just washed my hair so it’s there if I need it.  Glad your hair grew back.  

Thank you for the good wishes.  Xx

As other people have stated - cold ! Fingers and toes for me . Like pins and needles sensation. Drinking cold things - especially at the start of the cycle but then reduced . I had the throat spasm once but a cup of tea sorted that out . 

other than that - general tiredness as the cycles went on and brain fog at the start of each cycle were the other side affects . Compared to other treatments I believe I was lucky with side affects and it never really stopped me from going about my day to day business . 

good luck with it . Here for any other Q’s x

Thank you Sub.  That is a really positive response!  It’s good to hear everyone’s experience.  I have to say the common denominator is cold.  I’m preparing for an Arctic mission currently!!  The throat spasm sounds really scary so I’ll remember the cup of tea.  Best Wishes to you.  Xx