Thanks kath. I hope you are as well as possible. I have been told only hair thinning too, bit worried if that’s incorrect. I’ve had my hair cut and coloured before I start infusion as recommended by my oncologist. Feeling quite positive but apprehensive about next week.
I had 3 months (4 sessions) of Capox as a mop up. Are you having a PICC line fitted? I had one and it can save a pain in the arm that some people get with just a canula. Coming into the cold season, so wear a scarf and gloves, the cold can affect your throat and when you touch something cold you get a bit of a shock. Don't gulp down cold drinks, warm them first. Some side effects come from the infusion and wear off before the next session, such as biting on something and your jaw appears to cramp.
You should get anti nausea pills at the time of the infusion and steroids for a couple of days to help nausea also. You will probably feel tired so just rest when you are. I lost my appetite at the end of the second round, I was the only member of the family to lose weight at Christmas! I used to control the output to my ileostomy with loperamide when needed. After that round the oncologist reduced the doses and I was ok. The side effects sound daunting but they are do-able.
I didn't lose my hair, but as a fairly bald 73 old male at the time it wasn't going to worry me!
I hope that you get on ok with the Capox and that it works for you.
Hi John, thank you so much for your reply. I am also having 3 months Capox following removal of my tumour as they found cancer in one of my lymph nodes. I am not worried about nausea as I am hoping to lose weight being clinically obese. I have been very lucky and didn’t have an ileostomy despite being told by everyone but my surgeon that I definitely would. Your advice on drinking cold drinks and wrapping up will be very useful.
i hope all goes well for you and that this Christmas you’ll be able to eat a traditional dinner.
