3 years back my wife was diagnosed with nose cancer (NPC). While its not the same as colon cancer, she had to do radio therapy and chemo (cisplatin) for 7 weeks.

She lost a lot of weight and was generally very week after 2 weeks of chemo. as I was her primary care giver, i had to make sure the house is always clean and avoid allowing too many people into her room to visit. She's got to be in a clean environment throughout the time of her treatment. Also note that her taste change as the chemo medication is platinum based so everything might start tasting metallish or fishy.

The hardest hit will be her emotional wellbeing. Make sure you and your family are there for her emotionally if you decide to do chemo.

A lot of people were suggesting alternative medication. I made my decision based on her recovery chance. As the onco for that. My wife's chances of recovery were high so we went for chemo.

Also make sure you do research yourself on care giving methods. Also do some research on the type of medication being administered. The hospital should also have support groups that will be useful as they can provide encouragement for your mom.

Well seems like you guys are doing a great job so far! keep up the good work then!

You mom will definitely be going through a tough time now. Remember, getting to grips with having cancer is also hard so she'll definitely be frustrated. Just be there for her when she complains about everything. A happy patient heals faster.

My wife did 7 weeks of chemo (1 session + 5 x radiotherapy weekly). She basically goes to the cancer day care center and gets 3 IV drips (1 bottle of saline before and after her bottle of cisplatin). The saline is to avoid dehydration. On her 6th chemo session, she developed an alergic reaction to Cisplatin. According to the doctor, it's normal and she took some additional meds and was fine.

She's doing well now. She's got quarterly checkups with her ENT and Onco.

Did you manage to ask your doctor for more info on the proposed treatment and medication type? Just be aware of the side effects of ANY method of medication. Read up before making your decision.

You should get a second opinion as well.

Hey! don't beat yourself up for it. We all make mistakes. I learnt this only when she was going through treatment. Take it as a chance to learn something.
In all of this, you'll learn to appreciate the finer things in life.

Well chemo isn't as bad as people portray it. As long as you know and understand the side effects and take precautions against them, she'll be ok. Also make sure to find out her recovery chance from at least two oncologists.

Don't be ashamed to ask questions. When i was meeting her ENT/Onco i remember asking everything that came to my mind. Ask away. They'll be happy to answer anything and calm your doubts.

Remember to always take any bit of advice with a pinch of salt and get second opinions.