I thought some of you might be interested to know how my Mum (aged 72) is coping with her post-op chemo, so am sharing this diary in the hope that it may inspire or help someone. Mum has been prescribed 8x 3 week cycles of Oxaliplatin (infusion) and Capecitabine (tabs). This diary relates to her experiences during weeks 1& 2.
We were very apprehensive when going for the first treatment - typical fear of the unknown. It's not been a picnic but neither has it been as bad as we'd imagined.
I have made counter-measure suggestions in caps but please keep in mind.. there are many different types of treatment and reactions can be radically different
Day 0 : The first of eight infusions. Was given gazillions of tablets to take over the next 14 days: Capecitabine, anti-nausea, anti-diarrhea etc .
USE A SECTIONED PILLBOX FOR GOOD CONTROL OF HOME MEDICATION
As warned, Mum gasped quite alarmingly for breath as we left the hospital (due to change in temperature) this passed within a few seconds.
TAKE A SCARF TO HOLD OVER MOUTH WHEN EXITING HOSPITAL
The arm in which treatment was administered is uncomfortable and tender. It is tingling and cold but ¿bearable¿ she says
USE A HEAT PAD AND/OR WEAR AN OLD LEG WARMER ON THE AFFECTED AREA.
Day 1 Right arm still cold and tender Left hand fingers beginning to tingle and feel cold.
Throat feels restricted: pills are difficult to swallow and voice sounds like she has laryngitis WARM DRINKS HELP TO SOOTHE.
Occasionally eyelids swoll/drooped and clouded vision clearing after a few seconds.
Slight nausea & headache. TAKING PARACETAMOL
Day 2 Tingling and cold sensations in right arm have reduced in size; symptoms have become intermittent in left hand & fingers.
Moderate pains in chest after lunch, subsided after a few minutes (pobably indigestion) Still getting headaches
Day 3 Right arm remains sensitive & tingley, left hand sensations apparent but intermittent
Jaw is stiff with tingling sensations on beginning to eat. Vision continues to cloud and clear.
Still suffering headaches and feeling generally out of sorts. Minor nausea and occasional hot flushing
Day 4 Restless night and slight bloating.
Right arm sensations reduced in size and less tingley. Left hand sensations remaining intermittent.
Fingers are sensitive to cold (ie getting milk out of fridge) USING GLOVES FOR HANDLING COLD ITEMS
Went for a gentle 3 mile circular walk and really enjoyed it
Day 5 Bloated and extremely uncomfortable: hospital advised Senna (taken just after 09h00)
Miserable day ¿ the worst so far, due mostly to the constipation.
Day 6 Medication worked, feeling so much brighter.
Right arm symptoms reduced to just hand & wrist ~ left hand symptoms intermittent.
Mum did some ironing & hovering, had an afternoon rest
Day 7 One week post-infusion #1.
Right arm and left hand symptoms unchanged from yesterday.
Still bright, but tiring easily. Skin tone possibly darkening
Day 8 Tingling sensations in right arm have reduced to just hand and wrist. Left hand symptoms weaker and remaining intermittent.
Slight headache & nausea this morning
Day 9 Slight nausea during the night but woke up feeling good ¿ best day yet
Days 10-11 Apart from very mild occasional nausea feeling pretty good.
Day 12 Went out for a ¿reward¿ lunch al fresco. Lovely day, felt very well.
Day 13 Did not have afternoon nap yesterday, overnight sleep was not so good as a result. MAKE SURE TO GET ENOUGH REST
Generally feeling very well: tingling sensations now minimal
Day 14: Two weeks post-infusion #1 Feeling good - the final day of medication for cycle one. After this, a complete week off to give the blood time to recover.
