Hello Lisa,

Back in October I had a sub-total colectomy, 1 lymph node stage 3 followed by Xelox. I’m 32

One thing to always remember is that we are all different and with that we deal with pain, heal and experience this in our own way. The only thing I think you’re expecting to much of is yourself. So give yourself a break, you’ve had a lot to deal with! Have you spoken with your Colorectal nurse about the pain? Never be afraid to go back to them with your concerns, that’s what they are there for.

My join still twinges at times, but it does get better with time.

C

Hi C,

Thank you for your reply I really appreciate what you said.

I’m sorry you have been through so much already and only 32. Did you get many side effects from the chemo, my next big dread. I’m hopeless with pain and yes I have gone back to my Colorectal nurse, yesterday I was told to try ibuprofen to help ease any inflammation and today I’ve been told to check this with my GP first.

It all gets really confusing.

Thanks

Lisa 

Hello Lisa and thank you for your post.

I am sorry to hear about the pain you are experiencing after the your bowel cancer surgery you had. It's reassuring to know that you have been checked out and that the CT scan, if there was a problem , would have picked this up.

I do think that what ClaFontiane has said is really helpful and useful, how we feel pain is an individual experience and not something you probably ever had to experience before. This might be why you are worried.

I see in a later post that you have been advised to take ibuprofen, this is a good painkiller particularly if there is some swelling. It would also be a good idea to go and see your GP who can advise you more about your pain.

i hope this has been of some help. You would be welcome to to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

We are currently trying to get an impression of how satisfied Cancer Chat members are with the answers the nurses are posting to their questions.  We would be very grateful if you would take a few minutes to fill in the feedback survey here 

Take care,

Caroline

Hello 

I gone through the same thing - stay positive the pain will go away just give yourself a bit of time  :) 

if you have any questions about the Xelox drop me a message I`m always happy to answer any questions :) 

Mal

Hi Lisa,

It's certainly been a challenging period of my life, but I've tried to be optimistic throughout and so far this has helped. Obviously, there have been bad and dark days, but I'm very fortunate to have an extremely supportive group of family and friends. It sounds like your family are by your side and believe me, there will be times when you will really need them. So never be afraid to ask for help and if others offer, take them up on it. Being scared is very normal at this point, there is a lot of uncertainty and you're about to start the next phase of treatment which is a different challenge entirely.

Not to sound like a broken record, but one's experience of chemo is again, down to the individual. However, for me, the chemo got tougher as each course went by as it accumulates and caught up with at times. Neuropathy is the one to look out for on Xelox, it's what got to me the most. So make sure you have gloves, hat and thick socks to hand as the cold is not your friend. Hopefully, we'll be getting the warmer weather soon so it may not be too bad, but better to be prepared. It can get worse as the chemo goes on so keep a diary of the side effects to discuss with your oncologist. I had to have my infusion dose lowered as the neuropathy was a concern at one point. 

Other side effects I got, sickness (take the anti sickness), fatigue (that really wipes you out), funny taste in mouth (this lingers on...), Chemo brain (it is a thing). 

When receiving the IV, ask for a heat pack to be placed on your arm before the pain can set in (again, you may not get it. this is just what I did) and alternate arms for each round as it gives your hand and arm a chance to recover. Take each day as it comes on chemo, some days are tougher than others. Especially after the steroids ware off. Some days you may feel like absolute *** and just want to sleep. Do it if you need to. Then others you may want to get out and take a walk to clear your head. Do that too, it helped me. 

But most of all, take care of yourself. Do what's right for you. 

I'm happy to answer any other questions if you like

Very best wishes,

C