Wondering if anyone else has been diagnosed with small bowel cancer having had no symptoms until total blockage. Also, how are you managing with the Capox. They are hoping I can do 8 cycles.
Hi Maudie99 and a warm welcome to the board. I had rectal cancer and had capox back in 2017. Everyone reacts differently to chemo so it’s hard to predict how you’ll cope. My main problem was the pain in my arm after the oxaliplatin infusion so I had a picc line fitted which was brilliant. I’ve attached a link to a post that we started about chemo and it’s side effects which you might like to have a read of?
I was told to drink lots on the way to the hospital to increase the blood flow and make it easier to insert the canula.they also wrapped my arm in a warm pad before the infusion to help.
Hope it works better next time for you It does often take a couple of goes to find a vein as they use quite small ones.cant remember why they dont use a larger one but there was a good reason,I remember asking but now cant remember the answer.
Hi Maudie99, I was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the small bowel (jejunum) February 2022. Histology well differentiated T2N0M0 with negative margins after emergency surgery for bowel blockage. I was considered stage 1 now trying to decide on chemo or not. PET/CT one month out was clear. Have you started the Capox?? Trying to make the best decision, but boy is it hard. Doctors don't have an opinion, but offered the chemo as a preventative measure and because I'm 40. -Brandy
Hi Belltolls211, I have had 2 rounds of Capox so far and the nauseous feeling I find is the worst although not being able to touch or eat or drink anything cold has been a trial but I think I have worked that out now. Cotton gloves indoors and a balaclava, mask and scarf when going outside. Obviously nice thick socks on all the time. Although everything tastes a little odd, I find strong flavours like Bovril and ginger work well. I am hoping to do 8 rounds although I will have a scan after 4. I had 8 positive lymph nodes following the surgery so decided to throw the kitchen sink at it. I hope whatever your decision that it is the right one for you and I wish you all the best for your complete recovery.
