Xeloda

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Ihavebreastcancer
Ihavebreastcancer Member Posts: 10
edited January 2018 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

I had been a very difficult experience: diagnosis and biopsy, chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. More ahead: I just started Tamoxifen. I am stage IIB.Because I did not achieve pCR/pathological complete response after chemo I am going to start Xeloda soon. I am worried about side effects. Can you please share your experiences with the treatment

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  • Zillsnot4me
    Zillsnot4me Member Posts: 2,687
    edited November 2017

    there's an xeloda thread on the stage iv section. I just started the meds. 2 weeks on/1 week off. I had to eat a good breakfast and keep something in my belly. Some fatigue and gas. Day 10 my mouth, hands, feet are sore but not peeling. I've been advised to take a 10 day break and then restart 7 on/7 off. Don't finish the two week cycle.

    I'd recommend some good lotion, slippers, lots to drink, maybe some digestive remedies to keep on hand. I didn't experience any diaherra but bought some Imodium just in case. Ate of lot of antacids and gasx.

    I know the unknown and first round is always the scariest. The best thing is its not an IV. You can stop or decrease the dosage immediately and lessen the side effects pretty quickly. It really hasn't been that bad. I had the red devil for 6 rounds. No comparison.

    Good luck. You've had a lot thrown at you in a very short time. You really haven't had any time to recover and process. You've just been battling the beast.

    I know the thought of more chemo can send you screaming in the night. It's really doable. I am surprised I am getting a break. I just figured I'd have to endure like we do during iv chemo.


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  • Zillsnot4me
    Zillsnot4me Member Posts: 2,687
    edited November 2017

    All about xeloda

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  • Ihavebreastcancer
    Ihavebreastcancer Member Posts: 10
    edited November 2017

    thank you, Zillsnot4me, I really appreciate your answer. As you know this drug has a lot of side effects, I am worried about hand-foot syndrome and possibly GI issues. I am planning to work while taking this drug. Do you use the cream preventative on your hands and feet few times a day during treatment? Are you using 10%urea cream? Are you also still taking your letrozole while taking xeloda?

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  • Zillsnot4me
    Zillsnot4me Member Posts: 2,687
    edited November 2017

    I'm off all hormonals as its mutated. I'm wearing hard sold slippers this week because my feet are sore. But it's better only after two days of stopping the meds. Memory foam shoes may work too. I think the first round will be the most challenging until you know how your body reacts. I got to 11 days before symptoms so they switched me to 7 on/7 off.

    I found 20% urea cream on Amazon. There's also a 40. I don't find it very moisturizing. I use whatever is handy several times a day. I have stuff stashed everywhere - car, purse, upstairs, downstairs. And Chapstick. Everything gets dry.

    It also makes the sun stronger so watch out even in the car while driving.

    Just have lots of stuff to drink. I was thirsty, even took a glass to bed. Have some coconut water to try and see if it will quench my thirst.

    You probably already have digestive aids stashed everywhere too after chemo. I bought Imodium but so far haven't needed it. Used more tums and Gasx.

    Hopefully you will find it very doable and know what to expect after the first round. I was nervous too but it's not anything like AC.

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  • Ihavebreastcancer
    Ihavebreastcancer Member Posts: 10
    edited December 2017

    Thank you again Zillsnot4me,

    What about hair loss? I finished AC in August and finally my hair started growing a little, so I was looking forward to it. Are you noticing any pain or just numbness in your extremities? Are you going to continue xeloda 7on/7off even if you continue to tolerate it well? So now you are TN? Are you taking anything else besides xeloda?

    Thank you for your tip with the sun, I live in Houston and is pretty sunny right now. I had a major rash with taxol I think due to sun exposure, so I am avoiding it

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  • Ihavebreastcancer
    Ihavebreastcancer Member Posts: 10
    edited January 2018

    I am on my second cycle, out of planned 6 cycles of Xeloda, 2 weeks on and 1 week off. So far tolerating it. My biggest issue is tiredness, weakness also nausea. I am still working full time. Oranges and lemonade are helping with the nausea. My hands and feet are dry and hurting, but a lot of cream and moisturizing at least twice daily are helping also. My understanding is that the symptoms will continue to worsen with the treatment. Any advice? I will like to hear everybody’s experience with xeloda treatment. Some are taking it long term, others for 6-8 cycles if they did not achieve pcr after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

    I also wish everyone a very good and uneventful new year!



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