Xelox for stage 3

i started on Xeloda for stage 3 in mid April '17.  I am on the exact same routine as you, planned through mid October.  My oxaliplatin neuropathy effects are usually immediate right after the infusion, and are worst for the first 3-5 days. I had big-time trouble with nausea after day 3, which is now better controlled with the addition of IV Emend and IV Aloxi at the time of infusion, a couple of extra days of Decadron tablets, and Zofran before meals as needed.  My fatigue has been the worst on days 7-14.  I usually feel much better as soon as I stop taking the Xeloda, and can usually work my way back up to walking 2-3 miles per day before it's time to start all over again.

There's no way I could have worked during this treatment.  I'm usually a healthcare provider, so my oncologist does not want me being around so many different people due to infection risk, plus I'm way too wiped out by the chemo anyway to be able to do my normal work or make good decisions.  I also can't sit for long periods due to APR surgery, so even trying desk work was out of the question.

Sorry for your situation and what you are going through.  Unfortunately, I'm one that has suffered greately from the Oxy infusions.  My oncologist back in January 2009 wouldn't reduce my oxy and told me it was "just a nuisance."  Now I'm reduced to terrible neruopathy and take medicine every day to help it.  Be very careful.  Wish my doctor listened to me.  On my last appointment I'd mentioned that what she told me was untrue and she agreed that they were finding more people were being affected.  Yeah it took me 9 months to try to convince here.  Always listen to yourself and not your doctor.

Hugs!  Kim

I have the same treatment as yours.   How are you these days? I started this regimen on my 4th cycle because I had the first 3 rounds of Folfox (I asked my onco to shift me to Xeloda because I can't stand being admitted for 3 days at the hospital with the IV line on--the hospital atmosphere makes me weak).  This was worse than the Folfox because during my folfox treatment, the oxaly was on a much lesser dosage.  Funny when I saw the price for the oxaly, I asked the cashier, wait, why is this much more expensive than during my Folfox treatment? My onco's secretary replied that, yes because your dosage has increased/changed now that you're shifting to tabblets.  During my folfox, whenever I get discharged on the 3rd day, my appetite and strength are back the following day.  During this xeloda, I was on bed for the whole 3 days after my oxaly infusion.  And I had no appetite for 4 days now.  I have this metallic taste in my tongue, I don't really feel eating.  I've come to realize I need to fight this because what choice do I have? I've always believed in the power of the mind to control the body but its easier said than done actually.  I still try to eat but I can only manage a few.  I eat once in awhile and then also drink milk to help my body find strength.  I wish this was all over.

SandiaBuddy said:

Oxi

Plsletitrain:  It is just a guess, but it seems the symptoms you are experiencing are much more related to the oxilaplatin, especially if they have increased your dosage.  It is very common that dosages need to be adjusted, so it might be a good idea to meet with your oncologist to work with the dosage so that your side effects are more manageable.  If you read the postings on capecitabine and oxiliplatin, you will likely discover the bad guy is usually the oxiliplatin.  Also, the medical literature on oxi shows that dosages are adjusted in, I think, the majority of the cases.  Good luck dealing with all this.

... because right after I had the infusion (which is just a mere 3 hours), my hand was too numb, completely the opposite of during my folfox treatment.  And I'm recovered now, even if I still take the Xeloda.  So I think it really is the Oxi which weakened me.  And funny I even dared myself to work right after the infusion because its just 3 hours anyway.  After that, I couldn't even stand.  I just lied down the bed the entire 3 days.  Yeah I've read about some of you guys asking your onco to reduce the dosage.  So far, I've been back to normal so I think I'll just stick with the dosage and try to be stronger the next time.  I'll try to manage as long as I can.

Just for balance, yes I worked through full chemo, with minor effects, some fatigue especially in warm weather, and cold water on my hands felt electrified, but other than that I was able to truck on through physical labor...................................................Dave