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Chemotherapy day 81 - Last Day for Capecitabine Tablets

Today the ration of tablets is six capecitabine tablets along with three antinausea, antacid, two B6, antihistamine and anti-loose poo.

After three days of real challenge from the effects of the capecitabine tablets a period of calm along my digestive tract during the morning. Overnight it was hourly trips to the bathroom with flatulence and urination the discomfort that continued until 7.30 am 

Following my call to the Chemotherapy Helpline yesterday and my conversation with Nurse Hallam there was a call from Nurse Lillian asking about the symptoms today. The throat continues to cause an issue with my voice very challenged, limited talking, no phone conversations. Questions included:

How was my tongue - continue to use the Difflam and if no improvement by tomorrow speak to GP and get a prescription for GelClair. This is for the treatment of Oral Lesions and is not available over the counter. 

Am I eating and drinking OK - Yes - her instruction was not to eat or drink anything that is hot or cold.

Have I had any more issues with soft motions, diarrhea - not since yesterday

If I continue to have chemotherapy related issues she encouraged me to phone the Helpline.

Today's side-effects are:

peripheral neuropathy, tingling fingers and feet

tender lips

Tongue with oral lesions

some flatulence

Sore throat, loss of voice

Also dropped a full cup of coffee, so possibly some muscular weakness.

And the urination challenge!

Hopefully after the tablets stop these effects of the capecitabine will fade. It is reported to be a short life medication. 

The Chemotherapy treatment that started with an infusion of oxaliplatin on 4th November 2021 has run on an "optimal" course for 81 days. There have been six infusions, each of 165 mg of the active drug. each has been followed by nine days of Capecitabine tablets to complete the individual cycles. Three tablets each morning around 8.30 am after food. A second daily dose after an evening meal at around 8.30 pm. Each does has delivered 1500 mg of the active ingredient. Over the 54 days there has been 324 tablets with 162 mg of drug or 162 grammes.

There have been two types of anti-nausea tablets, 72 steroids, the antidiarrhea, the antihistamine, the B6, the antacid and the Difflam. After missing one of the on the infusion day anti-nausea pills on the second cycle on suffered for it there have been no more misses. All the tablets have been taken and there are a few anti-nausea and antacid pills left from the prescribed medication.

With the blood results the only indicator of progress I can be satisfied that I have played my part in the treatment as well as I could have.

I had calls from Graham H and Rob G that I answered briefly due to loss of voice.

The final capecitabine dose taken at 9 pm. Done for now, just the side-effects to manage.

Throat rough today, and the tongue is sore. 

BSC - 4/5

Blood Pressure 

Pulse 57

Temp. 36.8

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