Hi all! Had my surgery for Stage 3 colon cancer a few weeks ago, margins clear (phew!). Now starting adjuvant FOLFOX chemo next week. Nervous wreck about side effects, especially the neuropathy (Oxaliplatin cold sensitivity/tingling) and nausea. Any tips that really helped you get through FOLFOX? Thanks so much!
Didn’t have FOLFOX but chemo is chemo. Agree on anti-nausea meds religiously. Also, Biotene mouthwash for potential mouth sores - keep your mouth really clean.
Good tip on Biotene, thanks James! Adding it to my shopping list.
Congrats on clear margins, Mary! That’s huge news. FOLFOX has its challenges, but you can manage it.
- Neuropathy/Cold: Tell your team immediately about tingling/numbness. They might adjust the Oxaliplatin. Avoid cold drinks/food (room temp is best), wear gloves for fridge/freezer, scarves for cold air. It’s weird but manageable for most. Icing hands/feet during infusion (cryotherapy) is something to ask about - mixed evidence, but some centers allow it.
- Nausea: Take anti-nausea meds on schedule. Zofran, Compazine, etc. Stay ahead of it! Ginger chews, peppermint tea helped me too. Small, frequent, bland meals often better than big ones.
Thanks Jennifer, this is super helpful! Definitely asking about icing. Does the cold sensitivity last the whole two weeks between cycles, or fade?
Exactly right on the cold sensitivity fading. And 100% agree on reporting tingling early. Mine became persistent (still have it mildly 2+ years later) because I maybe downplayed it initially. Don’t be a hero, Mary! Tell them. Also, stay super hydrated - helps flush chemo and manage side effects.
For me (on CapeOX, which has Oxaliplatin too), it was worst for the first 3-5 days after infusion, then gradually faded before the next cycle. Annoying, but not constant. Tingling neuropathy can be cumulative though, so report it early!
FOLFOX is doable. Fatigue was significant for me, cumulative. Listen to your body, rest when needed. And yes to scheduled anti-nausea meds. I also found Lorazepam (Ativan) helpful for anticipatory nausea before infusions.
