Hello Allie95 and thanks for your post,

I am sorry to hear about your situation and I can understand it is only natural to have all these questions.

I would cancel the eyebrows until you have had this discussion with your doctor and chemo nurse. Everyone reacts to chemotherapy in different ways and there is always the risk of an infection which may end up delaying your treatment.

You may find your skin is quite sensitive with the treatment but you could try a patch of your body cream to see if you get any reaction before you apply it all over your body.

I would check with your oncologist about alcohol. They may be fine with you having a glass of wine over Christmas. Your liver will be working hard to process your chemotherapy drugs so it is not sensible to have more then a glass or two.

It is important to drink two to three litres of fluid a day as it really can help manage any symptoms. Taste changes can happen with treatment and you may find that you go off certain foods and drinks such as coffee and tea or even wine.

We have a page on our website about skin care and make-up. A lot of hospitals run beauty work shops called Look Good Feel Better. They have tips on applying make up whilst you go through treatment and then offer a bag of free make up and face creams so it is worth asking if it is available at your hospital.

We have some general information about Oxaliplatin and Capecitabine. It can help to have a read through the information so you know what to expect. The potential side effects are listed. Not everyone gets all of the side effects but you may find that you get one or two of them. You will be reviewed before each cycle of treatment and it is important that you let your team know whether you get any side effects. Sometimes the dose can be reduced or you can miss a cycle if your blood count has been affected or if you have any other side effects. The doctors can also prescribe medication to help reduce any side effects.

You have posted in 'ask the nurses' but if you post on another thread or start your own you may find that you get responses from others who are having a similar treatment.

You are very welcome to ring the nurses on our helpline to talk any of this through. The number to ring is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

All the best,

Catherine