Oral chemo - xeloda

I took Xeloda twice daily during the radiation portion of my treatment. I recall that the dose was high enough that the pharmacy refused to fill the prescription and my oncologist had to prescribe "refills" in order for me to get the dose he wanted me to take.

The main side effect I experienced that was specific to the Xeloda was an incredible rash and swelling of my feet. I was unable to walk by the end of the treatment (25 days). The rash and swelling quickly dissipated after completing the treatment.

I don't recall any specifically psychological side effects. Keep in mind that I had just finished 8 rounds of chemo prior to radiation and Xeloda so my brain was already reeling. It was a tough journey.

After I had finished chemo and radiation/Xeloda, my imaging showed that my main tumor had responded exceptionally well. My oncologist was on fence about recommending the surgery to remove what was left. I opted to do the surgery and was glad that I did since pathology showed that the cancer cells were still viable in the center of the tumor.

Hi,

I had to go through this like 2 years ago. It started with a combination of Oxaliplatin and Capecitabin. It should only be 4 cycles but since i couldn't tolerate the oxaliplatin, we switched to 6 month Capecitabin only.

I remember nausea to be the dominating side effect. And after the final dose it took about 1 year until my stomach and colon was able to accept regular food.

Psychological side effect was depression due to lack of sleep. This took also about one year until it was back to normal. What helped me a lot was St. John's wort. I still take it every now and then.

All the best

i had no issues with xeloda. Took 7 big pills a day 3 in the morning 4 at night. Just the tips of my fingers became smooth(no fingerprints). No nausea or anything like that. Oxaliplatin on the other hand was tough.

My wife is going on year 5 with stage 4 ILC and just started taking xeloda after finding her cancer mutated. It started out with minimal side effects but now horrible cramping and diarrhea. Horrible fatigue and she hasn't left the bed for 3 days. I know it attacks the lining of the bowels and the toxicity builds. Shes on about 3000 mg and just got off for a week 2 days ago but the side effects haven't let up yet. Imodium isn't really helping much and shes losing weight from about 130 to 120. Its time to find the balance on the dosage quickly. The oncologist is pressing to find the boundary but finding it is a horrible process coming from my perspective as the caretaking husband. We just turned 60 and still working. Its great to see your managing it and maybe a brighter future is in store.

Her cancer spread to her ureter and probably to her small intestine but the jury is still out on that.

I was diagnosed with low-grade adenocarcinoma of the rectum and underwent high anterior rectum resection with protective ileostomy on 5 October 2023, at Heidelberg University Hospital in Heidelberg Germany.

The pathological test done after surgery showed showed cancerous cells in 2 lymph nodes out of 43 nodes tested.

I started taking Capecitabine (Xeloda) on 21 November 2023 and will do two cycles which will end on 26 December 2023.

I d not want to wait until I do the 6 treatment cycles then do my reverse ileostomy surgery. I would like to do my reverse ileostomy surgery early January 2024. Because it is not easy living with a stoma.

My question is the following: can I do my reverse surgery after the second treatment cycle and then continue treatment with Capecitabine? Or, it i NOT POSSIBLE to continue treatment after the reverse ileostomy has been performed?

Thank you for any input and I wish all a speedy recovery and good health.

My wife's Xeloda arrived today and we started it this morning. 1000mg. And then another 1000mg tonight. It's too early to tell how she will do with the side effect, but we will see what happens. We are praying this drug lives up to its expectations. The primary issue at this point is her appetite; I have a hard time getting over 700 calories a day into her system, and keeping her hydrated is an equally high hurdle. I would love to hear more success stories on this drug because our hopes are high. Best wishes and success to all of you. I have a pretty good idea of what you're all going through. KUDOs to all of you devoted caregivers out there.