Xeloda

Hi -

I had 6 cycles of Xeloda and tolerated it very well - some diarrhea, but controlled - almost no hand/foot syndrome. What drug was your husband on along with Oxaliplatin? It is normally given along with 5FU or Xeloda (which metabolizes into 5FU.)?

Xeloda worked well for me, in combination with oxaliplatin and Avastin (we'll never know which drug actually "worked" and my oncologist says they are synergistic (work better together than alone).

I am not sure what stage your husband is, but the insurance issue sounds like a big ISSUE. Oxaliplatin is standard for Stage 3 & 4 colorectal cancer. If you are getting trouble about this, you might want to try talking to bigger fish in the insurance company, the employer who provides the insurance (if applicable) or your state insurance comissioner - there is nothing exotic about oxaliplatin for colorectal cancer.

Take care and I wish you both a Happy Thanksgiving,
Betsy

I was on Xeloda 1st for six weeks with radiation then post surgery for 15 weeks. I had no side effects with the lower dosage 2000mg per day with the radiation but very bad hand and foot syndrome with heavy medication 5000mg per day. There was no other chemo in my treatment. The syndrome caused a few nails to come off my feet, they cracked and did bleed as the skin layers disappeared on both my hands and feet. The nerves become hyper-sensitive so that walking even with pads in your shoes is extremely painful. I had to wear cloth gloves 24/7 to help keep my hands lubricated; to contain the minor bleeding; and offer some padding to touch anything. I had to work during the treatment to keep my health insurance and much of my job involves computer so I let my nails grow out on my hands and used the nail area with the gloves to make the pain tolerable. I developed and still have a sensitivity to cold even over 18 months past chemo. I did develope some nerve damage to two fingers on one hand and my feet are still sensitive with an occasional surge of extreme pain in my foot. However, I've noticed the pain lasts only about 10 seconds now instead of 30-45 seconds. It curls your toes and controls your attention along with never knowing when or why it will occur. Cost was about $20-22 dollars a pill and I had to take 10 pills a day. Another side effect is a loss of muscle mass. It doesn't take long for the effects of the medication along with the inability to walk or lift anything for that to happen-so you get weaker for a long time. Vitamin B6 will help your hands if you start taking it prior to taking the Xeloda and continue through treatment but it won't help if he's already on Xeloda. I think from what I've read and people I've met that everyone will get hand and foot syndrome. Those that don't are likely on lower dosages due to the additional types of chemo in their treatment. As I said my chemo was only Xeloda. I know it doesn't sound good and it isn't BUT I am NED over 18 months and I hope to be NED in my two year tests coming Feb 08. So in my case thus far it has appeared to have worked. I did avoid the port which can have its own problems. I was Stage III grade 3 with no mets (thus far). Xeloda exacts a price and it is NOT easy to get through and he may want to quit. All I can say to that is I understand having been there for sure. But once he is taking Xeloda fight your way through it. What Xeloda does to us is bad but it kills cancer. If it hadn't maybe my family Thanksgiving and Christmas would have been one person short this year. Best Wishes!