start chemo 9/11

rmap59
rmap59 Member Posts: 266
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I too am nervous about chemo on Tuesday. I have tried to talk myself down but the nerves creep in. I had a hard time with radiation/chemo the first time. I am going to be on xeloda pills and oxyplatinum infusions. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. God Bless All, Robin

Comments

  • hopefulone
    hopefulone Member Posts: 1,043 Member
    #2
    My husband is also on xeloda and has the oxal infusion along with avastin every 3 weeks. He has been doing really well on this regimen. He does use hand cream on hands and feet nitely and so far has worked to prevent the hand/foot syndrome that xeloda sometimes causes. He has had no nausea with treatments. Does keep ammodium on hand but only has to use it on occasion. He is sensitive to cold, can't touch or drink cold items for 4-5 days after infusion, but it's tolerable. Keep a light pair of gloves on hand for getting things out of fridge or touching metal for a few days after treatment. Drink a lot of liquids, (room temp) . Everyone is different, but I hope your regimen goes as well. I think you'll also tolerate it well. Keep positive thoughts that you will. Keep us posted and God Bless.

    Diane
  • jerseysue
    jerseysue Member Posts: 624 Member
    #3
    I just started taking the Xeloda pills and so far so good. Makes me tired but thats all. The last time I had Oxplatinum was back in 2005. I had a reaction so they took me off of it. That drugs seems to have some side effects. You have to stay away from cold drinks and touching things in the freezer. You can also get tingling in your hands and feet. Take care and good luck.
  • jsabol
    jsabol Member Posts: 1,145 Member
    #4
    I know what you mean... I was very nervous with my first chemo, and it stayed with me each week. I spoke with my onc and nurses, and tried a few things. I got a relaxation tape specifically for cancer treatment, and tried to follow the guided relaxation parts regularly. I took small doses of Ativan the night before and the day of (NOT if you're driving!) and I also just gave myself permission to be nervous if those things didn't take away the nerves. Somehow, just recognizing that it would come and then be better after the infusion made it easier. Talk with your treating people and hang in there. Best of luck, Judy
  • funnyguy
    funnyguy Member Posts: 89
    #5
    hopefulone said:

    My husband is also on xeloda and has the oxal infusion along with avastin every 3 weeks. He has been doing really well on this regimen. He does use hand cream on hands and feet nitely and so far has worked to prevent the hand/foot syndrome that xeloda sometimes causes. He has had no nausea with treatments. Does keep ammodium on hand but only has to use it on occasion. He is sensitive to cold, can't touch or drink cold items for 4-5 days after infusion, but it's tolerable. Keep a light pair of gloves on hand for getting things out of fridge or touching metal for a few days after treatment. Drink a lot of liquids, (room temp) . Everyone is different, but I hope your regimen goes as well. I think you'll also tolerate it well. Keep positive thoughts that you will. Keep us posted and God Bless.

    Diane

    I can't speak to the infusion, but, can tell you about Xeloda. I took Xeloda for 5 weeks with radiation prior to surgery. Now I am entering my final week of Xeloda post surgery. This will be my 7th round of Adjuvant Xeloda - 21 weeks.

    Side effects have been fatigue - my recommendation is to let a few things go and get some rest; slight short term memory loss; some headaches.

    As for nerves - well - i was doing fine until I went back to work full time - for most of the adjuvant treatment time. Things became a little overwhelming and I've been able to control it with small daily dose of Zoloft at night.

    Don't be too nervous - it is all for your health. Focus on getting better, spending more time with those you love and the positive part of life. Don't let your current condition impact your enjoyment of life.

    Best wishes
  • davidsonxx
    davidsonxx Member Posts: 134
    #6
    I also had a hard time with chemo (FOLFOX). But it sounds like you won't be having the radiation at the same time this round. That should make things a little easier. You also know what side effects you get so you can be more proactive in treating them as soon as they start. For a lot of the side effects the key is catching them early before they really set in.

    I would also suggest trying some type of relaxation technique. Also talk to your onc and the onc nurses about the problems you had last time. They may be able to help you with suggestions to keep things a little more manageable this time acound. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
  • funnyguy
    funnyguy Member Posts: 89
    #7
    funnyguy said:

    I can't speak to the infusion, but, can tell you about Xeloda. I took Xeloda for 5 weeks with radiation prior to surgery. Now I am entering my final week of Xeloda post surgery. This will be my 7th round of Adjuvant Xeloda - 21 weeks.

    Side effects have been fatigue - my recommendation is to let a few things go and get some rest; slight short term memory loss; some headaches.

    As for nerves - well - i was doing fine until I went back to work full time - for most of the adjuvant treatment time. Things became a little overwhelming and I've been able to control it with small daily dose of Zoloft at night.

    Don't be too nervous - it is all for your health. Focus on getting better, spending more time with those you love and the positive part of life. Don't let your current condition impact your enjoyment of life.

    Best wishes

    I forgot to mention -- avoid caffiene and enjoy healthy amounts of water each day. i even went as far as drinking a small bottle of gatorade during hot days and supplementing breakfast with carnation instant breakfast.
    I found that I was becoming mildly dehydrated quickly and this helped to contain the side effect and eliminate the headaches.

    cheers
  • IzzieCat
    IzzieCat Member Posts: 56
    #8
    Robin, I start my chemo tomorrow morning. I'll blaze the trail for you! I am very nervous too....Hang in there, maybe we can compare notes in a few days....

    Mary
  • claud1951
    claud1951 Member Posts: 424 Member
    #9
    Hey Robin,
    good to see you in dicsussion boards. (you may have been here before but can't remember).

    I like this place because of all the expereince people have had and how nice they are.

    I'll be thinking of you , tomorrow. Let us know how your expereience went.

    You'll take it like a trooper!

    God Bless
    Claudia
  • redlady23
    redlady23 Member Posts: 13
    #10
    Hi Robin I hope all goes well for you. I just began taking the xeloda pills this morning and am getting ready to take my second dose. I have been extremely nervous and was so happy to run across this site and read that others are having the same type of treatments. I was just diagnosed with stage 3b rectal cancer and had my first radiation session and as I said before began my xeloda today. I am only on the xeloda not the oxyplatin infusion with it. I will look back to see how things go for you. Shelley

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