Switching to Xeloda

I just started Xeloda today.4 in the morning and 4 in the evening. Haven't got nauseated really just that icky feeling. I made sure to take my meds and that was controlled. kinda fatigued also but not bad. Again it's just my first day so I'll keep you posted and we'll go through it together.

I have been on Xeloda since last summer.  It is much easier on the body than the pump.  I was having problems with the 5FU (mouth sores, and other issues).

The worst problem with Xeloda was heartburn and that improved over time.  I avoid foods that upset my stomach, just remember to take the medicine after a meal and not too  close to bedtime. I have problems with heartburn if I lay down or even sitting in a recliner within an hour of taking the evening does.    I still get tired from the Xeloda, but not as much as with 5FU.  Also remember to use good lotion because it will cause dry skin and nails - especially on your feet and hands. 

You can message me if you have any questions. 

Good luck! 

Joan

IcyMoonstone said:

Thanks.  That is what I

Thanks.  That is what I needed to know.  I work full time so trying to juggle the fatigue when the amount is unknown is tough.  I schedule my work load around the days that I feel the worst.  I am optimistic about this switch.  The pump was tough on moral for 5 days and I want that time back.  I don't want 1/3 of my life to be miserable and I am hoping the new meds will make quality of life better. 

THanks for the suggestions.  I will get some.  my nails are already chipping from the 5FU so I hope they don't get worse.  They are pretty miserable as they are right now.  Maybe I will just switch to fake nails... I hate to do that though. 

Be careful with fake nails. The glue used to stick them have chemicals in them. I would personally (which means you do what you want) stay clear of any chemicals, even tiny amounts, while on chemo. 

TRU

tried the zeloda pills...had terrible hand feet reaction with just first try/ was hopefull it would keep me from the pump, but no luck.just on 3000mg/day, so now back to the pump 5fu and avastin; but I am 70 so maybe my reaction was due to age....also my eyelashes falling out? from the avastin ??? any one have eye problems?

I am in the middle of my second round of Xeloda, first two weeks I took 4 500mg tabs in the AM and then again in the PM, my feet had alot of neuropathy, felt like I was walking with sand in my shoes, had nausea, and hand sensitivity to cold.  I was tired alot the first ten days.  On the third week I take a break for one week and then I go for the Oxaliplatin infusion and start my two weeks of Xeloda.  However this time around my Doc said to lower the Xeloda to eleviate the feet, it worked but still very tired and nauseous, I take COMPAZINE for nausea but it makes me tired(hard to work) but it is somewhat effective. I have heards symptoms are culmative and so it worries me that if I feel this way now what will the next 20 weeks bring. I learning to take each day as it comes and be thankful for the good days. Anyway I hope all you wonderful people continue to heal and thank you for your support and advice.  Brian

I've been on Xeloda since Jan 2014. After very many years on Irinotecan and Erbitux it was almost like not being on chemo for me. I had some issues with diarrhea, but like I've done with most treatments I've been on, I take 1 Imodium when I took the Xeloda and it kept things in check. I started with 2250 mg/2 x daily for 7 days, then 7 days off. After about 9 months(?) my hands and feet were really burning up so they lowered the dose to 2000mg. I still get some pain (at times) from the hand cracks so I'll use Bag Balm which helps sooth them. My feet stopped burning and I'm on a regular schedule with a podiatrist who keeps my toenails under control.

After about 1 year they threw Avastin into the mix due to some questionable abdominal activity and that seems to have taken care of that. This entire Xeloda cycle seems to have kept my two remaining lung tumors stable.