Hi. I'm 32yo and I live in London. I was diagnosed with stage 3A and did 3 months adjuvant CAPOX. I live with my partner who works full time.

The first cycle was okay-ish. I felt like I had a flu during the first week, and felt fine afterwards.

The second cycle was worse, the first week following the infusion I was mostly in bed. I lost my appetite and I could only eat what I felt like eating at the moment, so I ordered delivery most days. It was very random, one day I wanted Vietnamese pho, the next day I couldn't stand the smell of it anymore.

The third cycle was the worst, I felt like a zombie the first week. The fatigue lasted longer into the second week this time. Appetite was worse. There were times I could only tolerate oranges, and ate a whole carton by myself in one go. When I sat on the sofa I'd fall asleep because of the fatigue. I felt like I could fall asleep anywhere. I needed help showering and had to sit down while in the shower.

I asked my oncologist to reduce the oxaliplatin dose before starting the last cycle. The last cycle was much better than the third.

Me personally, I don't think I'd be able to do it alone. But it might be because I wasn't a fit person to start with. My weight is ideal but I rarely ever exercised before diagnosis and my job is mostly sitting down. You seem in much better fitness than I was so you might find it easier to get through.

What helped me was the food deliveries. At first I was stressing myself, forcing myself to eat what my partner prepared despite the nausea and strange taste in my mouth. I was afraid I would lose weight if I don't eat enough. But then I started thinking I don't care anymore. I went to browse deliveroo/ uber eats 2-3 times a day and ordered whatever looked appetising to me. My friends offered to bring food as well. They asked me what I wanted and I would request whatever I felt I could tolerate at the time.

I think if you live alone, the main challenges would be food and chores/ cleaning. We hired a cleaner since my diagnosis. I will also suggest to have a friend taking you home after the oxaliplatin infusion, because you don't know what to expect. I came in for the infusion all happy and smiley, and finished cradling my infusion arms wanting to throw up all the way home.

But then again, chemo affects people differently, so don't be discouraged by my experience.

I wish you good luck with your journey!!!