Anyone taking Xeloda Orally

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PJV
PJV Member Posts: 8
edited June 2014 in Young With Breast Cancer
Anyone taking Xeloda Orally

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  • PJV
    PJV Member Posts: 8
    edited March 2008

    I am 34 with Stage IV BC. Originally diagnosed with Stage IIIC then 3 years later had Mets to the liver. I was in remission for 9 months and has now returned back to my liver. I am about to start taking xeloda orally tomorrow. I have done a lot of research and have noticed that hand and foot problems are most common. Any advice while taking this.   

  • morgansmom
    morgansmom Member Posts: 134
    edited March 2008

    I am interested in watching this thread for responses.  I have bone mets & hormone therapy seems to have quit working...I think I will be starting xeloda later this week.  I would love to hear from others who are taking it and how they are doing!

  • jerseymaria
    jerseymaria Member Posts: 770
    edited March 2008

    me too, i'll be starting it soon also.

  • AnnNYC
    AnnNYC Member Posts: 4,484
    edited March 2008

    Hi ladies,

    You might want to check out a conversation called "Fellow Xelodians please read" on the Recurrence and Metastatic Disease topic.

  • lisa39
    lisa39 Member Posts: 255
    edited March 2008

    There's also a Tykerb/Xeloda thread in the HER 2 neu positive postings.... It might have some good info for you.

    Lisa  

  • suecco
    suecco Member Posts: 317
    edited April 2008

    Hi ladies

    Im on cycle 3 of xeloda and so far no side affects, but hints and tips Ive had are:

    cream! cream! cream! hands and feet several times daily start this before you start treatment, hand cream that is lanolin based was recommended by my chemo nurse, so I use it on my feet aswell! cotton sox and gloves for bed with lots of cream, I havent done the gloves one but do cream up and sleep in sox!

    If hand foot syndrome becomes a problem the dose of xeloda can be reduced and still be as effective so be vigilant!!

    Side effects are cumulative, I was told after cycle 3 is when problems might start

    Upset stomach is another SE but not one Ive had, I believe activia yoghurts can be helpful and again be vigilant, I was told not to carry on with taking the tablets if diarrhea was severe and ring oncs asap

    Theres probably loads more but I cant think of any more at the moment!! The threads mentioned above are full of tips and experiences so do check them out!

    I wish you all luck with xeloda and hope it does a great job for us all

    one comment i had was that this is known as the kindness chemo,  I like that and thought you would too!!!

    Take care ladies

    Sue xx

    Just remembered, the tablets are taken 12 hours apart with food and a LARGE glass of water, a small amount of food is enough, a few cookies, a sandwich, piece of fruit etc I take mine around 9am and pm and have stuck to this religiously, this is the trick to not getting an upset stomach apparently!!

  • Raysgirl
    Raysgirl Member Posts: 33
    edited April 2008

    I just started Xeloda a couple of days ago.  The doc suggested possible side effects to be: the "sunburn" of the hands and feet, heartburn and/or intestinal issues.  I am to contact him asap when/if these occur.  He gives the meds until the side effects occur, stop for a week and then start up again.  Is anyone doing it differently.  I'll keep everyone posted. 

  • suecco
    suecco Member Posts: 317
    edited April 2008

    Hey Raysgirl

    that sounds pretty much right, good luck to you hope it works well for you and you avoid any SE

    sue xx

  • PJV
    PJV Member Posts: 8
    edited April 2008

    Just started my 2nd cycle. Besides my hands and feet falling asleep at night side effects have been very tolerable. Thanks again for all your advice. I will have a PET scan after my 3rd cycle to see how my cancer's responding....this waiting drives me nuts. You would think after fighting this disease for 4 years I would have more patients:)

  • PJV
    PJV Member Posts: 8
    edited April 2008

    So a little worried. I just started my 2nd cycle of Xeloda and today had my blood work done. My CEA marker went up still a low number but more than doubled. I will talk to my doctor in the am and see what's going on. Not sure if it's something to worry about or if my doctor will want to wait another cycle than do my blood work to see where it is then. I am just getting very frustrated with this emotional roller coaster and for the first time I am feeling very overwhelmed. Thanks again for all your support. It's just been so tough on my family my dad and my sisters. I wish I could convince then not to worry but my dad more than anyone is beyond stressed.

  • PJV
    PJV Member Posts: 8
    edited April 2008

    So a little worried. I just started my 2nd cycle of Xeloda and today had my blood work done. My CEA marker went up still a low number but more than doubled. I will talk to my doctor in the am and see what's going on. Not sure if it's something to worry about or if my doctor will want to wait another cycle than do my blood work to see where it is then. I am just getting very frustrated with this emotional roller coaster and for the first time I am feeling very overwhelmed. Thanks again for all your support. It's just been so tough on my family my dad and my sisters. I wish I could convince then not to worry but my dad more than anyone is beyond stressed.

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