Colon Cancer

Hi TrishS62. Yes I found my arm to be the same - it was painful when they removed the cannula tape and for a couple of days after. Unfortunately it was even worse after my 2nd infusion and I was close to tears as they removed the sticky bits. My arm felt like it had been thrashed with stinging nettles and I wore a pop sock up my arm as I could not stand clothes touching it. A warm heat pad helped a bit but not for long. I then had a picc line fitted and it was the best thing I did - chemo in, bloods out and no more painful veins.

Sorry if this has been a bit depressing but I had to wait a couple of weeks to have the picc line fitted so you may want to bear that in mind. Another option is to ask the nurses to put the chemo through over a longer period of time although mine weren’t keen to do this and said it would just prolong the discomfort 

Hope your 2nd session is better 

Take care

Karen x

Thank you so much for your reply Karen. My arm is still rather sore so it does make me anxious about how the 2nd infusion will be especially bearing in mind your comments.  I will phone my nurse tomorrow to discuss with her.  

Thanks again.  I hope you are doing well with your treatment.  Take care.

Trishxxx

Hi

I also had chemo infusions after my APR op and was due to have 4 x 3 week cycles of infusions for 2 hours followed by 2 weeks of tablets then a week of no meds. However, the infusion made me feel very susceptible to cold and I too had a sore arm the first time as the infusion had not gone into the vein correctly. The 2nd infusion was more succesful but worse side effects and so I asked to have more cycles of tablets instead. I only had 1 cancerous lymph node out of 37 taken so I was allowed to just have 6 more cycles of tablets. This was better albeit, gradually worse in terms of loss of taste and feeling a little nauseous.

Maybe you could check?

Best wishes

Richard (Eddie Stomart) 

HI Richard,  Thank you so much for your reply.  I didn't realise having more tablets instead of infusions would be a possible option. This is good to know. I am also feeling very susceptible to cold which is not pleasant.  I'm trying to cope with not touching everyday things around the house without wearing gloves or warming things up first. I also don't like having to drink very warm water to take the chemo tablets. I miss drinking cold water. Still I know none of this horrible experience is going to be easy! Have you finished all your chemo drugs now? How are you doing?  How did you deal with the nausea? 

Thank you.  Best wishes.

Trish

Hi Trish

The tablets were ok, just felt out of sorts but so much better than the infusions. I did notice that my emotions were also heightened so could be a bit sad, moody or conversely VERY happy!! Never actually sick but just not comfortable. My chemo finished 12 months ago now and it took a few weeks for the effects to leave my system so I'd allow up to 6 months to feel back to your normal self (sorry!)

I feel so well now though and have a quality life and a future to look forward to with a new girlfriend too who has adopted Eddie.

Keep strong and remember that every day will get better, you will have a positive future too.

Good luck

Richard x

Hi Richard, your message filled me with joy.  I'm so happy to hear that you are cancer free for over a year now and have a wonderful future to look forward to. Thank you so much for your positive comments.  

Best wishes

Trish 

Hi Trish

I believe in the power of positive thought and dont allow negativity in, there's no point! Just focus on the end result and believe that after the chemo, your amazing body will recover, will adapt, and will conquer. My thoughts are with you as i know how difficult it can seem at times but every day will be better!!!

Richard 

Hi Trisha

My husband is going through the Oxaliplatin and like you just after it his hand gets sore but lifts again within a couple of days. His dose of Oxaliplatin was increased on his 3rd cycle because he was tolerating it well and he is on 5 and 5 Capecitabine (5 in the morning and 5 at night). He's doing ok like Eddie says his mood can be a bit up and down and he get the neuropathy thing (pins and needles in his fingers and toes) he's otherwise been ok and not been violently sick or anything and his weight has more or less stayed the same can fluctuate a bit though being up and down at times when he visits for his oncology appointments pre-chemo cycle they take his weight and can be maybe up a pound or two or down but he eats well and loves his ice drinks which unfortunately needs to forfeit at the beginning of his cycles because of he can't tolerate the cold at the start. 

Vicky xx

Aww Well done Richard!  That's another piece of encouraging news!  It gives hope for the rest of us either supporting- as I am my husband- or anyone actually going through cancer. Wish you all the best going forward. 

Vicky xx

Hi Karen, my cancer nurse said I may well experience the same pain next time.  She mentioned the option of  extending the infusion time over 4 hours rather than 2 like you said.  I feel this is my only option for my second infusion.  I mentioned the PIIC line but I felt she was trying to put me off it telling me about the risks of blood clots and infections, needing a District Nurse to flush it every week and keeping it dry.  If the next infusion is very painful I will certainly be mentioning the PIIC line to my oncologist.   Thanks again for your help.

Take care.  Trish xxx