What to expect after treatment ends

Hi  and a warm welcome to the board from me. It sounds like you fully appreciate why it’s ‘affectionately’ called poxy oxy although we know it’s a necessary belt and braces on our treatment plan. 
Is there any particular side effect that you’re struggling with? Unfortunately chemo affects everyone differently so it’s hard to predict how long it will take to recover from the side effects. Are your nurses aware that you’re having such a hard time with it? Sometimes just a small reduction in the doseage can make a big difference or they may even consider dropping the oxy and carrying on with just the capecitabine (although obviously I don’t know your history so don’t quote me on that!) Keep your hands and feet well moisturised with Aveeno with shea butter or udder cream and tell the nurses if you start to get any redness or numbness - I kept quiet about my feet and they got worse after my chemo stopped and I still suffer now 4 years on. If you have a stoma then have a chat to your nurse about a support belt for when you go back to work.

If you’re on the books then you could look at a phased return and your employers have to take your recent treatment into consideration. If you’re self employed then that makes things a bit more difficult but you could give the nurses on here a ring and they would be able to give you some financial advice? The number is 0808 808 00 00.

Ive attached a link below to a booklet on coping with the side effects of treatment like fatigue etc. 

https://bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/Publications/Living_well_Bowel_Cancer_UK.pdf

Please post again if there’s any specific that you’re struggling with and don’t be afraid to talk to your chemo nurses - there’s a lot of different pills and potions out there and sometimes it’s just a question of finning the one to suit you

Take care

Karen x

Best advice given to me was try and keep active. Even if it just a 5 minute walk in the fresh air. But don't over do it. It took me a good few weeks or even months to start to feel anything near normal. It's not a race take it easy you'll get there. Good luck stay strong