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No chemo today!!!!!

kapper48
kapper48 CSN Member Posts: 85
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi its me again, I just left my onc office today. I told her that I did not want the 5fu in the pump anymore so she wants me to take a drug called xeloda. can anyone give me some ideas about how good it will work and are the side effects any worse? She also took me off the oxalipatin and the leucovorin she says the pill form of chemo will work just fine without the other 2 is this true. Starting to get a little confused again
Pat
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  • usakat
    usakat CSN Member Posts: 610 Member
    #2
    Keep your chin up, Pat!
    Hi Pat,

    I'm glad the Xeloda is an option for you. I was Stage III and did 6 months of XELOX - Xeloda, Leucovorin and Oxaliplatin on three week cycles. Day 1 was IV infusion of Leucovorin and Oxaliplatin, Days 2 - 15 were Xeloda 3000 mg - three in the AM-three in the PM. It worked great! After a hemicolectomy and 6 months chemo I was re-staged NED and have been for the past 19 months.

    Just like all the chemo drugs, staying in front of any side effects is key to your comfort. It seems the most typical side effect with Xeloda is the hand-foot syndrome, but it's easily managed. Hand-foot syndrome is characterized by redness, dry skin and peeling on the palms and soles of the feet. I would suggest a preemptive approach. Use a good moisturizer on both your hands and feet and avoid too much time soaking in hot water with harsh soaps. My tip is to lather up and cover up - use an emollient moisturizer and cover up with good fluffy socks, and if needed, cotton manicure gloves (might give your kids a nice giggle).

    The product my hubby suggested was Mary Kay's Emollient Night Cream - it feels great and smells nice. Check it out:
    http://www.marykay.com/skincare/moisturization/10425800/10425800/default.aspx

    Or try Ahava hand and foot creams - you can get them at Stein Mart or online at:
    http://www.ahavaus.com/site/body.html

    I had very mild nausea with Xeloda that was easily treated with Compazine.

    I think you'll do great on Xeloda and should recover from the last few months you've been on FOLFOX. You've been through a lot...be patient and give yourself time to heal. You'll make it, Pat! I'm hoping you and your family will be celebrating Fall with restored health and comfort.

    Katie
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