Xeloda (Capecitabine) OR Paclitaxel (Taxol) ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Hi,

If both drugs are equally effective, I would make the decision based on side effects. Both drugs cause fatigue, compromise the immune system and can cause low platelet levels, but the other side effects are quite different. Taxol causes total hair loss & can cause neuropathy which can be permananent. I had IDC diagnosed last January. Among other chemo's I had Taxol and lost all of my hair on my body and had mild neuopathy. Once I developed neuropathy, my oncologist kept my dose at 85% so it never got bad and has resolved completely. My hair has grown back.

Had a double mastectomy and had residual cancer so I have opted to take Xeloda. I started it today. As I have ulcers am a bit concerned that this drug causes indigestion. It can also cause diarrhea, but am not worried about that at this stage as I spend my life manageing constipation. The hand and foot rash don't sound like much fun, but not everyone gets it.

If your friend can afford to see a naturopath that specialises in oncology, I would recommend seeing one, as they have a host of tricks to ease the side effects.

I hope this helpful. Good to your friend on her journey

Kind Regards,

Dharmamum

PS I responded to this post under the assumption that both treatments have equally potential serious side effects (kidney or liver damage etc.), and that is why your friend's oncologist has given her the choice. But not all oncologists are equal so It might be worth her checking with her oncologist that this is the case.