Chemotherapy/Treatment/Side-effects: Can Seasoned Fellow Blues Give Advice To Newbies

[Mr Ed (The Stables)]

Hi Fellow Blues

I have just had my first course of Chemo a drug called "Follfox" which is a combination of three separate drugs. My treatment plan is a course of Chemo every two weeks for 6 months.

I have cancer of the large colon and of the Esophagus.

I've recovered from the op to remove half of my colon and procedures on my Esophagus to remove all the visible microscopic cancer cells leaving low grade dysplacia cells.

So as I said Chemo started yesterday. My side effects today are quite mild in fact milder than I thought they would be. Tingling fingers, feeling cold and a bit of a manky taste in my mouth. These symptoms I know will get worse as I progress. The specialist nurses have all said eating pineapple will be good for mouth ulcers if I get them during this process.

Many thanks if those blues that have been through this mill or a similar mill could share their experiences for those fellow blues like me at the start of the process.

Hopefully I'll be able to be well enough to watch the blues in some matches on the TV this season but if I'm too ill then it is what it is.

I couldn't find a specific thread on this subject, but if there is I apologise and ask the mods to delete or move to the right place.

 

[SWP's back]

I’ve got no advice for you buddy but I wanted to reply and wish you well. Fight the fucker.

ps although my sister managed a double mastectomy six years ago and then a full round of chemo for months and she’s fighting fit and better than ever now.

 

[blue b4 the moon]

My wife had two separate courses of chemo over 3/4 years before finally having a stem cell transplant for non-hogkins lymphoma.

What we found that after a session she felt like she was on whizz and went mad with housework etc. Then slowed down more & more after 2/3 days until her next treatment. Never really had any bad side effects. She was on rituximab and something else, can't for the life of me remember what the other one was called.

It'll be a long process bud, best wishes.

 

[Double R]

First of all, sorry to hear about you diagnosis and all the best and a speedy recovery.
I had testicular cancer 10 years ago last month. 3 month chemo, 3 days a week.
From what I remember, the side effects became less severe as the weeks went by, and more managable, but felt more sick over time. The toughest part for me by far, was the amount of fluids you had to drink and urinate out while hooked up to chemo, I just cant drink that much and dont like water. Other than that it was quite a breeze.
With the sore throat I just avoided hot drinks like tea and coffee, it burned like hell. And I stuck with easy to make and eat bachelors pasta, and let it cool down enough to eat. I stuck to food that I would never eat again. Even now the smell of cottage pie turns my stomack.
Also when your hair starts to fall out in the shower, its time to get rid of it. I didnt, and ended up looking like Bobby Charlton, before I finaly gave up the ghost and got rid.
Think the most important thing is to try and relax and take it easy, and try to do the things you enjoy.

All the best blue.

 

[Two Gun Bob]

Best wishes Mr Ed.

 

[Banshee]

My good friend, who's a nurse is currently caring for her ex as he's also got Esophageal cancer that was already very advanced when they found it. He's going through the wringer, he's having treatments almost daily with some of the procedures making him very sick, lost an awful lot of weight and is extremely weak etc.

I have no advice blue, only my best wishes and hopes for successful treatment and a speedy recovery.

 

[kevin horlocks wand]

Hi Fellow Blues

I have just had my first course of Chemo a drug called "Follfox" which is a combination of three separate drugs. My treatment plan is a course of Chemo every two weeks for 6 months.

I have cancer of the large colon and of the Esophagus.

I've recovered from the op to remove half of my colon and procedures on my Esophagus to remove all the visible microscopic cancer cells leaving low grade dysplacia cells.

So as I said Chemo started yesterday. My side effects today are quite mild in fact milder than I thought they would be. Tingling fingers, feeling cold and a bit of a manky taste in my mouth. These symptoms I know will get worse as I progress. The specialist nurses have all said eating pineapple will be good for mouth ulcers if I get them during this process.

Many thanks if those blues that have been through this mill or a similar mill could share their experiences for those fellow blues like me at the start of the process.

Hopefully I'll be able to be well enough to watch the blues in some matches on the TV this season but if I'm too ill then it is what it is.

I couldn't find a specific thread on this subject, but if there is I apologise and ask the mods to delete or move to the right place.

I had a year of it.

it isnt as bad as you think.

hair loss wasn’t a problem for me being bald!!

subject to Covid , going for a walk is a good idea Each day , try and have some routine to each day .

drink lots and lots of water , your liver and kidneys need plenty of help processing the chemo.

my taste and smell went all over the show and still I have some effects but I like spicy food and reverted to bland foods . Old style English salads , new potatoes , ham etc.

tiredness is normal , if you feel tired have a nap in the afternoon. I added it to my routine After lunch .

if you are going on anti sickness drugs , watch for problems the other way with constipation . I had issues . So I had senakot and a dulcaease before bed.

I felt like I was going up a hill slowly up until half way and then half way through I felt I was coming down the hill and it got easier and went quicker and I established a routine.

netflix is a must as well.

also if you do feel a little low on some days (which you will) don’t be afraid to be selfish and you don’t need to see friends and go over the same issues all the time.

encourage your friends and family to talk about their day so you don’t feel like you are talking about cancer all day all the time. It’s good to chat shit sometimes. You be the one who is in charge of it.

get some counselling if you can, best thing I did. when friends and family ask you how you are feeling , there is only one answer which is I’m fine .

however speaking to a stranger you can tell him or her how you really are feeling And any concerns.

and of course stay strong and positive . Good luck.

 

[RayCTID]

I really hope you fight this. Just keep positive the best way you can

 

[Nebuchadnezzar]

I wish you the absolute best in your fight against this. Be as kind to yourself as you can.

 

[Magicpole]

Sorry to hear your news, hope it works and returns you to health. Good luck.