Chemo side effects by Rosalind in Cardiff/Taffy

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I was diagnosed with small bowel obstruction July 2020. Underwent right laparoscopic hemicolectomy plus removal of 9 lymph glands. Small residual peritoneal disease/metastasis. Have been undergoing Chemo since then. With breaks. 3 month break before Christmas. Every 2 weeks now infusion plus pump 5-FU and folinic acid chemo. Injection 24 hrs after chemo to keep white cell count stable. I am finding this regime really hard. Only get about 4 days of feeling ok during the 2 weeks. Debilitating fatigue/weakness. Diarrhoea. Take the remedies offered, but am not coping well. Will tell team on Friday. I am 73 and was in good health before. Has anyone else had this? It is bringing me very low and I feel I am living in constant fear.

Kareno62 over 3 years ago

Hi Rosbear. Chemo has so many side effects and it can vary so much from one person to another. Please do talk to your team on Friday. It’s quite common to have a reduction in the dosage if you’re struggling and that can often make a big difference. Are you taking the maximum loperamide/immodium for the diarrhoea? It could be that you need to take something like diarolyte as well to replace lost electrolytes so you could ask if that would be ok?

Im glad you’ve found us on here and hope your team are able to improve things for you? The support team on here are always available for a chat too on 0808 808 00 00 if things feel to be getting on top of you

Take care

Karen x

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

Nelly1955 over 3 years ago

Hi Rosbear, sorry you are having a rough time. Sorry for late reply. I’m on copox had two cycles. I have found this one really hard.awful fatigue, I can manage the tingling in hands but I do get pressure in your chest. The nausea is bad and I’m on 3 anti sickness tablets. I didn’t think that would be aloud. I have got in touch with the emergency line, so when I have my next telephone conversation with my oncologist I’m hoping she might reduce it. Yes I understand about living in constant fear. When you are feeling unwell the mind seems to go to horrible places. I hope to get back to me. Take care sending hugs xx