Questions from newcomer to the forum

I am 74, and new to the forum, hence a bit wary. Last Autumn, soon after having got an 'abnormal' result in the national screening programme, I was diagnosed with early stage bowel cancer. This was a successfully removed in November but a 'mop up' course of chemotherapy (Oxaliplatin/Capecitibain) was recommended and this began in January.

 

I have been able to cope with the treatment in general reasonably well but find that the unexpected, like temperature spikes necessitating a visit to A & E, causes me great anxiety. Do any other forum users feel like this? Any tips or advice on coping?

 

 Second, I shall start  the 8th and last cycle on June 11th and  am therefore beginning to think about detail of the post chemo phase. I wondered if any forum users, with a similar experience to mine,  have any tips/advice to pass on. For example: how long do side effects like swollen feet and lack of feeling in extremities, continue post treatment and how long does it take to feel 'normal' again? Any tips/advice most welcome.

 

Third, the other side of the coin. On advice from a nurse, I have kept an electronic diary throughout my course of chemo which I have foundvery useful and will be very happy to use this to assist others if it might help

  • Hi there, welcome to the forum, but sorry you are here because you have cancer. I had colon cancer five and a half years ago and had a resection surgery. They were able to rejoin my colon so I don't have a bag. I did have chemo though and after 3 rounds of it, they had to stop it because I was so sick. My white blood cell count was dangerously low and I couldn't keep anything down. Basically I was on death's doorstep. Once the treatments were stopped, it only took a few weeks when I started to feel like I might live after all. It did take a long time though, before my blood levels were back up to a reasonable count. I am still anaemic though and on iron, likely for the rest of my life. You seem to be tolerating the treatments reasonably well, although you did say you attend at Emerge on ocasion.

    You're wise to keep a diary on your course of treatment, but also the journey though this cancer business. I didn't do that and wish now that I had. I do have copies of most of my medical reports though so that does help me to recall some things.

    Good luck getting through the remainder of your treatments and come on to the forum anytime you feel like writing about your experience. There are others on here who may be able to relate to your particular treatment, but in any case, this forum is a big help to all of us as we support one another through a very difficult time dealing with this terrible disease. Writing down our experiences helps us in getting it out there, but is also helpful to fellow forum buddies.

    Good luck and take care.

    Lorraine