When I was told I would need to start FOLFOX chemotherapy as part of my treatment for stage 4 colorectal cancer, I didn’t quite know what to expect. I had heard about chemotherapy, of course—how it could make you feel sick and take a toll on your body—but nothing could have fully prepared me for the experience itself. FOLFOX is a combination of several chemotherapy drugs (5-FU, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin), and each infusion felt like I was entering another battle. The treatments were intense, and there were days when it seemed like my body was barely holding on.
The side effects started to creep in after my first few sessions. Nausea, fatigue, and neuropathy—especially that burning, tingling sensation in my hands and feet—became part of my daily life. Cold sensitivity was a new one too, something I hadn’t expected. Even a sip of cold water or touching a cold surface would send sharp, painful sensations through my body. Eating became difficult, and just walking outside on a cool day felt like a challenge. There were moments when I wondered how long I could keep going, but I knew I had to.
Despite the hardships, FOLFOX was doing its job. Each treatment brought me one step closer to remission, and that knowledge kept me pushing forward. The team at the infusion center was incredibly supportive, and I found comfort in their expertise and compassion. I also leaned heavily on my family, who helped me through the rough days, reminding me that every session was a step toward healing.
Looking back, FOLFOX was one of the hardest parts of my cancer treatment, but it was also one of the most necessary. Chemotherapy is never easy, but in my case, it was a lifeline. It taught me a lot about endurance and the power of hope. Every tough day eventually passed, and after months of fighting, the treatments came to an end. Now, as I reflect on that time, I’m grateful for what FOLFOX helped me achieve: the chance to live a life free of cancer, and the opportunity to use my story to inspire others facing similar battles.
