Folfox chemo regimen side effects.

Hi! When I first got cancer I was put on folfox and had an allergic reaction to the ox my 2nd round and had to stop. But I did get the cold sensitivity and neuropathy in my hands and feet. The second round I couldn’t walk for hours. Needed 2 people to get me to the car and walk me to my door and couch. Thank goodness my son is strong! I had a breathing issue and almost went into anaphylactic shock in the office. After an additional 10 rounds of just 5FU I went 8 months and then it recurred in my vaginal area and nodes. I now am on folfiri and get mouth sores and massive diarrhea but its a better trade I think. Will be on it for life as maintenance.

I just finished my FOLFOX treatment (8 of 8). So far side effects have been annoying, but manageable. Have had cold sensitivity and tingling in hands and feet. I recommend acupuncture and physical therapy to help mitigate the effects. I also insisted on hydration when I went in to get the 5 FU pump disconnected. Nurses were initially encouraging me to do the disconnect, but I really didn’t want to do it. Extra hydration always helps and they flushed my port.

I am now looking at 5+ weeks of chemo radiation. I consulted with a pelvic floor physical therapist (who knew there was such a thing!) and will be continuing with acupuncture and general physical therapy.

I also recommend a general therapist, because as you know, dealing with this is A LOT!

I just did my first round of chemo and it was rough. Today is day 5 and I can actually get up and do some stuff. The stomach pains were horrible. Then constipation a day 5 the runs. Still can only eat soup in small portions. I can’t even imagine going thru 5 more. Does it get worse or better after each treatment.

Interesting, I had a similar reaction (and also have a strong son and friend to get me in the house). My speech would become slurred and my hands looked like I had palsy for 4-5 hours. I did a bit of research and did find a case or two of people who had low potassium going into the treatment and had the same reaction. I ended up loading up on potassium pre-treatment. The reaction didn't go away but it improved a little.

It was very scary. They thought it was in my mind but I couldn’t breath and so they gave my a shot of epinephrine and it cleared within seconds. Just too hypersensitive to everything I guess.