re: Bilirubin out of whack

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musiclover
musiclover Member Posts: 242
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Mark's liver function is abnormal he has just been informed. That was a few hours after some good news that his tumors have shrunk. His doctor called immediatly after the results to tell him to stop the Xeloda until the levels are normalized. Anyone had trouble with bilirubin with Xeloda? His hands are feeling so much better without it but he's afraid the cancer will start to grow if he's not doing all three drugs as planned. Thanks!

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  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    #2
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    First of all, congratulations on the great news that the tumors have shrunk -- yea! I wasn't on Xeloda but when I was on FOLFOX, my liver function got affected. (Don't know if was bilirubin). My oncologist suspected it was the medication they gave me to improve white blood cell count, as opposed to the folfox itself -- but couldnt be sure. I proceeded cautiously -- in the end I only finished 11/12, but that was for a variety of factors. Wishing you both all the best.
  • lfondots63
    lfondots63 Member Posts: 818 Member
    #3
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    Hi,

    I know that the chemo could effect the liver and they make you stay off until better. There have been others with this that should post soon. Billirubin is the thing that makes some babies yellow (jaundice) so that is what they are afraid of. Do you have a naturopathic doctor you can call to maybe take something to help. I understand about feeling like you need to keep fighting. Did the doctor give you any ideas what might help? Good luck and HUGS. Keep us informed.

    Lisa
  • AuthorUnknown
    AuthorUnknown Member Posts: 1,537 Member
    #4
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    I am glad about the good news of shrinking tumors!

    My mother took Xeloda for 2 rounds 2 weeks each. After each round she had her liver functions checked and they were very much elevated that they had to stop both times. I asked the doctor if this means that the liver does not tolerate this drug and was told that Xeloda affects liver enzymes - this is one of the side affects. I was very alarmed by it. In my mind if the drug treats one problem and causes organ failure, it is not worth it. After the 2nd round my mother had developed severe pneumonia - per doctor - chemotherapy weakens the immune system and that caused pneumonia. I as my mother's conservator made the decision not to give her any more Xeloda or any other chemotherapy drug. She was on the verge of dying from pneumonia, so for me chemotherapy for my mother is not an option.

    Best wishes, Eleonora
  • spongebob
    spongebob Member Posts: 2,565 Member
    #5
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    Mornin, Music -

    One of the simplest and quickest ways to bring the bili levels down is exposure to sunlight. Just be cautious as 5FU can cause sun sensitivity. My recommendation is to get Mark out today - the 4th - for a good old fashioned cookout and have him take off his shirt and saok up some rays (with some SPF 30 on, of course).

    I mentioned to someone else that I had excellent relief from hand and foot syndrome when I used the "extra emollient night cream" made by Mary Kay cosmetics. I sent my extra jar to Debra and she reported excellent results, too. You might see if anyone in your neighborhood sells Mary Kay.

    Have a great 4th!
  • musiclover
    musiclover Member Posts: 242
    #6
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    spongebob said:

    Mornin, Music -

    One of the simplest and quickest ways to bring the bili levels down is exposure to sunlight. Just be cautious as 5FU can cause sun sensitivity. My recommendation is to get Mark out today - the 4th - for a good old fashioned cookout and have him take off his shirt and saok up some rays (with some SPF 30 on, of course).

    I mentioned to someone else that I had excellent relief from hand and foot syndrome when I used the "extra emollient night cream" made by Mary Kay cosmetics. I sent my extra jar to Debra and she reported excellent results, too. You might see if anyone in your neighborhood sells Mary Kay.

    Have a great 4th!

    Bob, thanks for the lotion suggestion. I just ordered some. Maybe it will rejuvinate my own sun drenched hands. Mark says his hands and feet were actually hurting from the Xeloda, not a good thing being a musician. Thanks again and have a happy 4th.

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