Pills vs. Pump

[TXLiz]

My onc said pills had in his experience worse side effects.

I had a pump and I disliked it intensely, but if the side effects of pills would be worse I'd choose the pump.

I got used to the pump. Feeling worse with pills would be bad, the ill feeling from the pump was bad enough.

Good luck to you whichever you choose.

[kellywin]

Pills. I took them during 5.5 weeks of radiation and after surgery with Oxi. I had zero problems/zero side effects with the pills. I also chose not to have a port, took the Oxi straight into the vein. It wasn't a picnic, but I didn't have to have the surgery to put the port in or out. I was only planning on 6 Xelox cycles, so in the vein was doable. If you had to do more than 6, I'd say do the port for sure. But the vein was doable.

[LeonW]

Hi All,
I was on pills for half a year; 8 three-week cycles with a short extra holiday between 3 and 4. Thus have no experience with the pump. But considering what is being said in this topic, I'm glad I did the pills (Capox)

What I really liked about the pills is that I was in control, each cycle. Day-1 (infusion day) was the conscious start of another round, each time. Found them important, long (08:30-17:30) day. Mostly boring, uneventful days, felt in good hands / plenty of attention. With weird neurological effects on the way back home once the day was over. Then feeling sick for three days (first day the worst (pretty bad), thereafter being much better each day.

I didn't mind taking the pills during the 2 weeks after infusion - convinced myself that they were my friends in the fight with the intruder. Living the 3rd week felt great each time. Referred to it as my holiday week, with time for some going out (careful shopping), celebrating another round under the belt (dinner+sip of wine in a nice, friendly, nearby Italian place), consciously gaining strength in preparation for the next cycle. Mentally celebrating each 3-week step.

I *think* that because of this all, I had less reason to feel a patient throughout the chemo months.

Again, I have no pump experience and may well be rationalizing. But being aware of the day-to-day effects was a big help. also knowing that the pills were my friends/allies, made it bearable. I've no regrets.

My 2-p.
Best wishes, Leon

[horizon]

Living the 3rd week felt great each time. Referred to it as my holiday week, with time for some going out (careful shopping), celebrating another round under the belt (dinner+sip of wine in a nice, friendly, nearby Italian place), consciously gaining strength in preparation for the next cycle. Mentally celebrating each 3-week step.

I *think* that because of this all, I had less reason to feel a patient throughout the chemo months.

Oh God yes. I lived for that third week. It was a huge help for me. No pill, no infusion, and I did my best to pretend I was "normal" during that time.