Didn’t know they had declotting agents for ports! Good to know. Thanks Joseph.

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So glad the infection scare turned out okay, Elizabeth! Definitely important to be vigilant. Hope your current treatment is going well.

Oh yeah, the blood return issues! Had that happen a few times too. And agree – port removal felt like closing a major chapter.

Yes! Numbing cream was a must for me too. Made access days so much less stressful. Glad yours was mostly trouble-free, Robert.

Therapy, therapy, therapy. Specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques helped me challenge the automatic negative thoughts (“this ache = cancer”) and replace them with more realistic ones (“this ache could be muscle strain, overexertion, sleeping weird… cancer is just one possibility, and not the most likely one right now”).

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!

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.