Hello

Hi I’m new to the forum!

Im 48, married with 3 teenage sons.

I had a heart attack in Feb 2021 and had a stent fitted. During the procedure and investigations a problem occurred with my bowel which led to a diagnosis of bowel cancer.

Iin Aug 2021 I had a tumour and part of my colon removed (and a stoma fitted) - there were concerns there were some cancerous cells in the lymph nodes so as a precautionary measure it was recommended I have chemo therapy. 

Of all the things I’ve been through chemo scared me most! 

I had my first round of chemo (CAPOX) but within 24 hours had bad chest pains and ended up in an ambulance in A&E. They stopped the CAPOX and tried me on another chemo  therapy.

I’ve just finished my first dose of the new chemo therapy and although chest pains haven’t been as bad the nausea and other side effects have made be bed bound for a week. I have at least 3 more treatments booked in including one on the 20/12/2021 so Christmas will be a right off unless they can find some better drugs to help with the nausea in particular. 

This whole year has been pretty bad health wise but I’m very grateful I’ve been attended to so quickly by the NHS when a lot of reports on TV say cancer patients are suffering. 

Anyway thanks for reading any coping strategies for chemo side effects are always appreciated.