Tips for chemo

Morning NickyP. I had this chemo regime after surgery. I started chemo end of Sept 22 and finished at Christmas. The oncologist will tell you every potential side effect but you would be very unlucky to experience them all. Infusion day was the worst part for me, suffered sore arm at infusion site, could not drink anything cold, pain behind the eyes if I got upset enough to cry, but these wore off the following day. I did get neuropathy in my hands and feet but ahnds are back to normal now and feet are a lot better. Make sure that you apply heat to your arm after infusion, this really helps with any discomfort and also make a list of any side effects you do get and tell your nurse/oncologist. I did experience feeling sick throughout but found eating took that away, also boiled sweets helped. Good luck and keep us posted xx

Hi NickyP. Yes we have just the thread for you!

 Chemo care ! Top Tips:- 

The thing to remember is that there are a lot of side effects but you’re unlikely to get every single one. Presumably you’re having oxaliplatin with capecitabine tablets? The side effect that most people seem to get is cold touch syndrome so have some gloves ready in the house for getting things out of the fridge and wrap yourself up well when outside.

The nurses will keep a close eye on you and if you’re struggling with sickness for example and the tablets aren’t working then trying another brand can make all the difference. It helps to keep a bit of diary as both a reminder of any side effects and also you may find a bit of a pattern and can plan something nice in the days when you know you’re going to be feeling ok.

Congratulations of having got the op out of the way and start ticking off these last few sessions 

Take care

Karen x

Hi Nicky p

Congratulations on the op!

I found the pins and needles in my hands and arms worse. It helped buying a heat pad for my arm, infusion days were worst. Gloves, I  wore woollen gloves  with vinyl gloves on top, Latex free if you have an allergy to it. It was a bit cumbersome but I battled through because even holding a knife and fork was painful and nothing was stopping me eating when I could! I tried plastic cutlery but of course it's not strong enough to use with some foods.Hope this helps.

Best wishes. 

Thank you Mel M ️

Thank you Karen ️

Thank you so much ️