Oxaliplatin/Xeloda (XELOX) Experiences

2»

Comments

  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    #22
    SandiaBuddy said:

    Xelox

    If I were in your shoes I would review the many posts on this board about the combination, or its functional equivalent of 5FU and capecitabine.  A few thoughts from my experience, be sure they do the oxi infusion in your non-dominant arm.  Mine felt like it had been rolled in broken glass, and I was glad to have my right arm functioning better.  Beware of the cold.  I went to the grocery store and picked up a frozen dinner for an easy meal--it was like being bit by a snake.  Luckily it landed in the cart, so it was not so embaressing.  The doctors never warned me about this, but there were plenty of postings that did.  Use a heavy cream on your hands and feet (Eucerin for me) starting now.  Have anti-nausea meds ready to go.  I got so I could not walk in a grocery store without waves of nausea.  The meds help.  Plan for some time off and some support if it is available.  Everyone reacts differently.  Work with your doctor to try a lesser initiial dose of oxi and the same with the capi.  I negotiated down to an 80% dose of oxi and it was so bad I quit after one injection.  I ended up on about a half dose of capi--that was all I could handle.  Some days are better than others.  Do not plan social engagements without an ability to cancel.  Sometimes you are fine in the morning and bad in the afternoon.  It  is hard to predict.  The capi seems fine at first, but it sneaks up on you over time.  Review medical articles about the potential side effects and keep your eyes open for them.  I was one of several on this board who had heart problems from the drug.  I never aniticpated it and the doctors did not warn me about it.  Beyond that, I would recommend as much and as regular exercise as you can tolerate.  Some people cruise right through chemo without problems, others are knocked on their rears.  Be ready for either.  Best of luck to you.

    Agreed

    Great answer. The only thing I’d suggest (but it’s probably too late) is to get a port put it instead of getting an infusion in your arm. 

Discussion Boards