Chemotherapy (CAPOX) drinks

Hi Fist I had a lovely down to earth oncologist who pretty much told me to do what I enjoyed so I had glasses of wine and the odd can of beer. Ice is best avoided and possibly cold drinks straight after your infusion - we went for a carvery after one of my sessions and I had a soda and lime ( no ice) and it was like drinking broken glass! 

Yes chemo lowers your immunity but I still went to work in an office and did the weekly shop in the supermarket. My oncologist said she might have been concerned if I worked around a lot of children for example where there was potentially a lot of germs about but I enjoyed going to work as it was a distraction and made my life feel a bit more ‘normal’. Anyone with a cold avoided me and there were hand gels on the office desks (this was pre covid)

Hope this helps - I personally think if a little drink helps get you through this, then cheers!

Take care

Karen x

Hi lovely,

One or two alcoholic drinks are fine but if you’re unsure ask your oncologist or cancer nurse.

my medical team we’re happy for me to have a beer or glass of wine a few times a week not to get drunk just to have with a meal.

i was on Folfox infusion, then went on to have Capeceitban tablets alongside radiotherapy if that helps.

everything in moderation you gotta keep living your best life as best you can ️

Hi

I didn't have the infusions, just the Capecitabine Tablets - back in 2020, during Covid, (I was 71 yrs then.) As it was during lockdown, I didn't go out much, but as the situation eased, I met with family & friends outside cafes & bars.

As to alcohol, I never ever discussed this with my Oncologist - & just carried on with my normal life, which meant no adjustments to my eating, nor my alcohol consumption. I never found that my wine had any adverse effects during that time; & certainly didn't notice any problematical interaction with the tablets.

I suppose my philosophy in life was at that time - 'I'm going through shit, but I'm not going to stop doing the things I enjoy.' Perhaps some might say that's a bit reckless - However, I believe that we should all enjoy what we feel is right for us, & be guided by our own needs, especially when faced with dire situations in life.

I am still here, & so far cancer free, I will be 75 yrs.next month.

Wishing you the best

Marianne

Thanks for your replies!,  which are reassuring... I will drink a glass of beer tonight when My brother arrives to stay with me for a week.  I haven't seen him for 5 years,  as he lives abroad,  so it will be nice to go out with him while he's here,  and feel relaxed about the occasional drink.  As the chemo makes ALL drinks taste horrible - especially water and tea,  but I've been told that I must drink at least 2 litres a day,  I think I could use a small pale ale as a quarter of that target.

I see alcohol as stealing your liver for a time. While it metabolises alcohol it is doing nothing else. So my plan is no drinkies days of chemo and  a few after, But then in moderation. If you lose 5 hours a week of your liver while it deals with booze, not such a biggie. 5 hours a day might be a problem.

Doctors have mixed ideas though many stick to the moderation mantra.

My oncologist said she would dictate what I did or didn’t do but to be sensible. I’ve given up choir as that’s not a great germ free environment. As for alcohol I don’t really fancy it at the moment. Life has to go on so I think it’s what you feel comfortable with.