Build up of side effects

Hi, you're not alone in being scared and anxious. This is all absolutely horrendous. I was diagnosed at stage 4 earlier this year after having barely any symptoms at age 38. You can get through the side effects, you're already much stronger than you ever imagined. Have you reported all your side effects to your specialist nurse and team looking after you? There might be adjustments they can make. Any local groups you can lean on? I'm pushing myself out of my comfort zone and planning volunteering days if I have some good days between treatments. Gives you something to focus on? 

Neil

HiPolyKettle 

When my mum’s treatment became more challenging they reduced the dose to a more tolerable level and a lot of the side effects reduced .

They can also give chemo breaks and let your body recover . That helped draw strength too .

Our helpline staff would be more than happy to get one of the nurses to chat it through with you .

0808 808 0000

Take care ,

Court 

Thank you 

Hi there

I have stage 4 bowel cancer with lung and liver mets and have been on two weekly treatment for two years now.

What chemo are you having ? I am on immunotherapy, Panitumumab and 5FU Do discuss the side effects with the cancer nurses and also your consultant, they can reduce the dose and ask about a break in treatment which does help.

I can have a six week break and I have my PICC line out for that time too definitely helps me feel more normal !

Also ask what happens if the side effects become totally unbearable, my consultant just said there may be other treatment options available. I didn't ask anymore about that as currently I just keep going !

Do ask for help though and hopefully your side effects can be managed a little better

Caroline 

Hi Caroline,

I’m on 5FU, Avastin and Irinotecan.

Thanks for your response, it’s useful to know what others are doing.

Janet