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How to stay positive

Katie100
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Hi all

I had my second round of chemo last Monday, I’m on the capox regime so oxilaplatin through a Portland in my chest and tablets for 14 days. I’m 34 and had my bowel cancer successfully re,over so my chemo is preventative.

the second cycle was much harder on my body than the first, and emotionally I am struggling with how to stay positive knowing I’m going to put myself through this another 6 times. The pain in my hands and feet were unbearable at times.

how do other people stay positive when starting another cycle knowing it’s going to make them feel so poorly?

thanks

katie x

  • Hello Katie,

    As I notice this is your first time here with us I wanted to stop by and welcome you to the forum.

    I'm glad to hear that your bowel cancer was successfully treated but I'm sorry that you're feeling so poorly from the second cycle of chemotherapy you went through.

    It is only natural that now you are concerned about what's to come when you start the next cycle so I hope someone here who had the same experience will come along shortly to share their story and give you advice on how to stay positive when you feel that your treatment will make you feel poorly, as talking with those who can understand does seem to help.

    In the meantime feel free to join the discussions already going on here, everyone is very friendly and I'm sure they'll be happy to chat with you.

    Stay strong, Katie,

    All the best,

    Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi Katie I kept a chemo diary, noting every day how I felt physically and mentally. It showed how my side effects were and a pattern emerged. This allowed me to plan and also prepare for the bad days. This got me through knowing the pain in my joints would start light build up to one really really bad day and then reduce over the next few days. Apart from painkillers I found a heat pad worked. I also avoided certain foods just before the pain and during, such as spicy and coffee. If it's unbearable speak to your oncologist as they can reduce the chemo dosage by a small % but try other things first. Final tip drink plenty of water during your treatment and afterwards especially for the first week. I had a glass at my side and just kept sipping all day. Good luck River

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