Chemotherapy bowel cancer

Hi Lizbeth70.

Well done with your week of chemo, it’s a big milestone!

I understand something of how you feel as I’ve been there too. I found my memory was affected (and still is) but I did keep a record of how I felt each day along with what I was eating. I was given a booklet by the chemo nurses to fill in and it really did help as I could see a pattern developing and could work out which days I’d feel rubbish and which days I was likely to feel better, and this helped me not to panic when I felt rubbish. I tried not to set too many goals and just went with the flow, although I did find I felt much better if I was outside, so I used to try and lie outside each day for a while bundled up against the cold.

I had FOLFOX in 2 week cycles – Day 1 intravenously, then sent home with a 46 hours pump. I usually felt at my worst from day 3 to day 7 or 8 then I’d start to feel better. Unfortunately, the side effects tend to be cumulative so they might get worse as your chemo progresses, but do tell the nurses as they have many pills and potions to help. The tiredness and weariness really shocked me along with how weak I was, and I was very breathless too. Do mention the breathlessness to your team.

Regarding the cold, we put socks on door handles, I wore thin gloves inside the house sometimes and had a thicker pair next to the fridge with a note on the door as I kept forgetting about the cold. I had to have warm drinks for the first few days as even room temperature ones sent my jaw into spasm.

Perhaps you could post a little about your journey so far and the chemotherapy you’re having, then anyone having the same treatment can chip in.

Look after yourself.
Best Wishes,
Net77X

Thank you Net77 that is very useful information and I will speak to my chemo nurse on my next visit

I don't have a garden to sit in but I have popped outside a couple of times and had a little walk which I will do every day if I can

As for the gloves I've got to get some more 1 pair doesn't cut it and I will be better prepared for the next round of treatment

Lizbeth70 x

Well done for getting through your first week of Chemo. You have to be kind to yourself, if you get breathless (if possible) rest. The Chemo is debilitating but necessary. You're not useless,  your job is to look after your body and mind.

I had Chemo  for three months 11 years ago  and it got tougher. Saying this it was 11 years ago and things / Chemo will probably have improved. Also everyone is different. I was receiving radiotherapy at the same time. 

Hi Lizbeth70.  Don't know if you've seen this post (link below) on top tips for chemo, well worth a look at.  Hope it helps.

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/bowel-colon-rectum-cancer-forum/f/bowel-colon-rectum-cancer-forum/221768/chemo-care-top-tips--/1598153#1598153

Take Care,

Net77X

My mom had chemo 12 years ago but we sadly lost her she was stage 4 lung cancer, not once did she moan about or say it was making her poorly but she was a very poorly and now I understand 

I have 5 more rounds and I'm trying not to think about it and get through this day by day

Thank you you're very kind

taking things one day at a time helped me. Thinking ahead just panicked me. I wish you well.

Hi , well done on getting through the first chemo. 

My Mum is now on her fourth round and the first one was by far the worst so far. She had all the side effects you've had and had to delay her second round by a week because she couldn't shake the effects off. However, she spoke to her chemo nurse and the dosage was reduced for the second cycle and beyond and she's found it far more manageable. She does still get breathless easily but is able to go out a fair bit now. 

I'd definitely recommend speaking to your nurse as they may recommend tweaking the dosage and/or upping your medication. 

Hope that helps :)