Xeloda Regimen

deneenb

Good Morning,

Can someone tell me how the xeloda regimen works? My Dad started it a few weeks ago. He just finished 14 days on it and we are already scheduled to see the Dr. today. How long do you typically take it before scans are done to see if it is working? Why would the Dr. want to see him already? How have you done on it if you have used it?

Thank You & Best Wishes,
Deneen

KathiM

One of my 'patient partners' is in week 3 of Xeloda/radiation for rectal cancer. Her onc was checking progress...(you know, for we rectal semi-colons, we can be checked much easier...hehehehe)...to use her words, the onc turned into the energizer bunny....smile as wide as it could be....3cm tumor, reduced ALREADY by 2/3!!!!!
I am sending the same outcome for dad!

Hugs, Kathi

taraHK

Hi Deneen,

I'm not on xeloda -- I'm on FOLFOX + Avastin. But, I see my doctor every 2 weeks so I don't think you need to be concerned about that. In terms of scans, there is a lot of variation. For me, I'm having 12 cycles (chemo every 2 weeks). I had a scan after 6 cycles (half-way). I know some people don't have a scan till all the chemo is finished. Hope this is helpful. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor lots of questions!! Best wishes,
Tara

Betsydoglover

Hi Deneen -

Xeloda is typically taken twice a day for 14 days, then 7 days off.

In my case I had it in combination with oxaliplatin and Avastin. I always saw my oncologist 10-14 days after starting each chemo cycle - the primary purpose of that checkup is to see how side effects are going, check blood counts and chemistry to make sure all is ok there etc. The oncologist should be monitoring you Dad closely during therapy, so it doesn't mean anything other than the fact that the doctor is doing his/her job.

I think the time before first scan probably depends a lot on the exact situation as well as the oncologist. In my case I had my first scans after starting chemo right at the end of my second 3 week cycle. But, as I said, this probably varies a whole lot.

Take care,
Betsy

hopefulone

Hi. My husband is on the xeloda regimen (14 days and one week rest period) also with avastin, and oxal. He goes every week for blood tests, sees the doctor before his every 3rd week iv for oxal and avastin and is having his first scan in 2 weeks , which will be after his second full cycle. It's good that the onc is monitoring your dad closely. Don't be alarmed. It means that they will be on top of the situation . God Bless and good luck to your dad. Keep the faith.

oneagleswings

hi Deneen:
My Husband did awesome on Xeloda(and Oxaliplatin).was seen by the Onc once a month..
Bev