I’d like to begin by stating a fact. This particular therapy is one of the “mild” chemotherapy treatments.
Each person’s experience will be different. In my case, I responded well to the therapy. I experienced many side effects. Some of which included nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, mouth sores, sensitivity to hot and cold (both in my hands and feet), and severe diarrhea. Some of these symptoms may have been caused by radiation. I was having both administered at the same time.
I had the option of surgery before chemo/radiation, but I chose to have chemo/radiation before surgery. The thought was to shrink the tumor before removing it. I was very fortunate to have made the choice of chemo/radiation first because when the surgeon performed the surgery there was only scar tissue visible. He had to call my oncologist to confirm that he was in the right place!
I also experienced a pulmonary embolism shortly after my surgery. It was not determined whether it was caused by the chemo. I also have a myeloproliferative neoplasm, which may have caused the embolism.
It has been nine years since my diagnosis of colon cancer. I have some residual side effects, but I am grateful for each day.