newly diagnosed w/ rectal cancer @ 37 y.o, advice needed xeloda v 5FU

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  • lp1964
    lp1964 Member Posts: 1,239 Member
    #22
    Bee bee said:

    Along with all your helpful

    Along with all your helpful input, I was also able to contact my dad's oncologist who is sort of a family friend and he said that if it were him, he would take the Xeloda Pills. He gave me some other interesting insights that I won't elaborate on unless people want to know. I also found that my surgeon wouldn't be able to put in the port until this Fri. which would delay treatment that I was ready to start a week ago! 

    So, I made my decision and just started treatment yesterday. $100 copay for Xeloda. Although it seems high compared to others, I can't imagine how much i would have to pay for infusion and port because I have PPO where i'm responsible for 20% Of the bill.

    i already have a stomach ache and headache today. I'm crossing my fingers hoping it doesn't get too bad but I know I'm still very early in treatment. 

    Thanks for all your well wishes. 

     

    Dear Bee

    Always Make sure you take the Xeloda with plenty of food. Eat some, take the pills and eat some more. Then wash it down with liquid. Avoid acidic food and drinks like raw tomato, sour craut, pickled things, orange juice. I did started having mild stomach pain during the second half of my treatment and I kept snacking all day like rice cakes and stuff and that kept it quiet.

    Also, take your pills 2 hours before radiation, because that's how long it takes to get to ideal blood level for Xeloda and that's important, because this medication makes the cancer cells more sensitive to radiation.

    Hope this helps,

    Laz

  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    #23
    Decision

    I am writing after you have made your decision (Xeloda vs 5FU) and I am sure it is the right one for you. I did both (at different times!). They both have their advantages and disadvantages and reactions are very individual. I preferred the Xeloda because it meant a pill instead of a 2-3 day hook-up (in my case, a hospital stay). I had some problems with my feet (wore those 'fit flops' - the ones with sparkles!) but they went away after a few months (the problems, not the shoes ha ha).

    I ended up with a permanent colostomy. That was about 10 years ago. Not something you wish on anyone, but really not that bad -- for me. I was 44. Can still swim, hike, "be intimate", wear almost everything I did before (except a bikini -- but at 44..well). 

    I went into instant menopause. The vaginal shrinkage/dryness can be very real. I read about various solutions -- pelvic toners, etc (excuse me being so blunt here) but in fact the best advice I got -- and effective -- was to have frequent intercourse with my partner. Painful at first, but effective over time.

    I wish you well with all the other decisions you will be making -- 

    Tara

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