xeloda

A5Maxey
A5Maxey Member Posts: 5
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Has anyone been treated with the drug Xeloda for breast cancer? This is my 4th diagnosis with breast cancer. 1993 (right)lumpectomy followed by partial mascetomy, chemo, radiation; then 1996 (left) lumpectomy and radiation; 2003 bc on (left) mascetomy w/reconstruction and chemo. Now in November 2004 bc on right side treated with mascetomy w/reconstruction. These were all separate-primary cancers. Doctors recommend Xeloda. What can I expect? What effects from the medicine?

Comments

  • inkblot
    inkblot Member Posts: 698 Member
    #2
    Hi AnitaMaxey:

    I've never taken this drug but had several conversations about it with my oncologist when a friend was considering taking it. My oncologist related that she had seen this drug do some amazing things and that she thought it was well worth it in patients with metastatic disease. Just one doctor's opinion.

    You can go to: www.xeloda.com and find out the most common side effects, how it's typically taken and what to expect, as well as finding drug trial info.. That's the drug manufacturer's website, so keep that in mind.

    You can also go to google.com and type in xeloda and you will find a myriad of sites with info which may be helpful to you in making your decisions about it.

    Apparently, it's typically used in patients with metastatic breast and/or colorectal cancers and is converted, in the body, into fluororoucil (sp) so I'm guessing that the side effects may be similar to what one would expect if receiving that chemo drug IV. Not sure.

    You've been through a lot over the years and my heart goes out to you. You certainly have my admiration! So many surgeries and treatments. You're one tough cookie so hang in there and triumph over yet one more diagnosis.

    Best wishes to you and hope the info may help some.

    Love, light and laughter,
    Ink
  • A5Maxey
    A5Maxey Member Posts: 5
    #3
    inkblot said:

    Hi AnitaMaxey:

    I've never taken this drug but had several conversations about it with my oncologist when a friend was considering taking it. My oncologist related that she had seen this drug do some amazing things and that she thought it was well worth it in patients with metastatic disease. Just one doctor's opinion.

    You can go to: www.xeloda.com and find out the most common side effects, how it's typically taken and what to expect, as well as finding drug trial info.. That's the drug manufacturer's website, so keep that in mind.

    You can also go to google.com and type in xeloda and you will find a myriad of sites with info which may be helpful to you in making your decisions about it.

    Apparently, it's typically used in patients with metastatic breast and/or colorectal cancers and is converted, in the body, into fluororoucil (sp) so I'm guessing that the side effects may be similar to what one would expect if receiving that chemo drug IV. Not sure.

    You've been through a lot over the years and my heart goes out to you. You certainly have my admiration! So many surgeries and treatments. You're one tough cookie so hang in there and triumph over yet one more diagnosis.

    Best wishes to you and hope the info may help some.

    Love, light and laughter,
    Ink

    Good Morning Inkblot,

    Thank you for your reply. This is a very stressful time for me and have been trying to decide what to do next. Since I have already had CMF(1993), AC in 2003 with severe alergic reaction to first attempt at TAXOL and the radiation my options are limited. My pathology reports show that all cancer was confined to the breast. The Xeloda would be taken as advjunct(sp)as a precausion rather than doing nothing. I am told that this drug would not compromise my chances if I were to have another occurance and needed to have chemo again down the line.
    If all of this wasn't enough, my fiance is having
    doubts about our relationship and is moving to another state. He has been by my side since 1993.
    2003 was very rough for us both emotionally and I think a caregiver support group would have helped; and a year later cancer again.
    Cancer can take it's toll on everyone. I'm 51 still in the workforce and he's 60 and retired.
    Sorry, just had to get some of this out.
  • SusanAnne
    SusanAnne Member Posts: 245
    #4
    A5Maxey said:

    Good Morning Inkblot,

    Thank you for your reply. This is a very stressful time for me and have been trying to decide what to do next. Since I have already had CMF(1993), AC in 2003 with severe alergic reaction to first attempt at TAXOL and the radiation my options are limited. My pathology reports show that all cancer was confined to the breast. The Xeloda would be taken as advjunct(sp)as a precausion rather than doing nothing. I am told that this drug would not compromise my chances if I were to have another occurance and needed to have chemo again down the line.
    If all of this wasn't enough, my fiance is having
    doubts about our relationship and is moving to another state. He has been by my side since 1993.
    2003 was very rough for us both emotionally and I think a caregiver support group would have helped; and a year later cancer again.
    Cancer can take it's toll on everyone. I'm 51 still in the workforce and he's 60 and retired.
    Sorry, just had to get some of this out.

    I'm so sorry Anita about your diagnosis and personal troubles. Although I have no experience with Xeloda, I can tell you about how much a support group has been beneficial to me.

    I really didn't believe initially that I was the support group type but I told myself I'd give it a shot. The first few meetings were very informative (we had guest speakers such as drug reps from AstraZenica and my soon to be plastic surgeon). Subsequent meetings I remained quite, taking it all in, getting to know how the group was run and it's personality. Before long I was one of the most loyal and outspoken members. I have learned so much and in turn, believe I have helped those who have come after me. From what I'm told, I have lucked out to find a group such as this. Some others exist to wallow in their misery so you might have to shop around till you find one that suits you. I also belong to a second group which is focused more on activism in our local area and the physical well being of cancer survivors. That is where I take free yoga classes, massages and free art therapy classes are offered.

    It sounds to me like you could benefit from the support a group like one of these offers. Ask around at your surgeon, plastic surgeon or oncologist's office and your local breast cancer coalition for groups near you. I wish you luck.

    Take care,
    Susan
  • inkblot
    inkblot Member Posts: 698 Member
    #5
    A5Maxey said:

    Good Morning Inkblot,

    Thank you for your reply. This is a very stressful time for me and have been trying to decide what to do next. Since I have already had CMF(1993), AC in 2003 with severe alergic reaction to first attempt at TAXOL and the radiation my options are limited. My pathology reports show that all cancer was confined to the breast. The Xeloda would be taken as advjunct(sp)as a precausion rather than doing nothing. I am told that this drug would not compromise my chances if I were to have another occurance and needed to have chemo again down the line.
    If all of this wasn't enough, my fiance is having
    doubts about our relationship and is moving to another state. He has been by my side since 1993.
    2003 was very rough for us both emotionally and I think a caregiver support group would have helped; and a year later cancer again.
    Cancer can take it's toll on everyone. I'm 51 still in the workforce and he's 60 and retired.
    Sorry, just had to get some of this out.

    You never need apologize for venting. We do a lot of that round here actually.

    I'm sorry about your fiance. It's difficult, I know, but one of the best avenues I would advise is precisely what SusanAnne advised. Help yourself as much as possible. Your fiance must do whatever it is that is most helpful to him as well. Sometimes, we cannot help those closest to us and they cannot help us. People hit walls and/or burn out or just get scared. When that situation presents itself, then you must try to heal and rebuild yourself. Working on your personal issues, hurts, concerns and fears.

    You've been through so much and now with the added stresses of a new cancer dx and the relationship changes, I'd also take that one step further and recommend professional counseling. It can be very beneficial and it's likely that your insurance will cover it. It's important to find someone with whom you're comfortable though. If the first counselor you see is not quite right, then try another one. You'll likely find it worth the time and energy. (You can look into Licensed Clinical Social Workers and/or psychologists. Either should be equally helpful to you)

    I am happy to hear that your cancer is confined to the breast! That is a spot of bright news! Just read up on the Xeloda and talk at length with your oncologist, and get a 2nd opinion, if you're still not certain it's right for you. Ask lots of questions and keep asking until they're answered. It's important to feel confident about your decisions.

    Best wishes and feel free to email me through this site anytime.

    Love, light and laughter,
    Ink
  • A5Maxey
    A5Maxey Member Posts: 5
    #6
    SusanAnne said:

    I'm so sorry Anita about your diagnosis and personal troubles. Although I have no experience with Xeloda, I can tell you about how much a support group has been beneficial to me.

    I really didn't believe initially that I was the support group type but I told myself I'd give it a shot. The first few meetings were very informative (we had guest speakers such as drug reps from AstraZenica and my soon to be plastic surgeon). Subsequent meetings I remained quite, taking it all in, getting to know how the group was run and it's personality. Before long I was one of the most loyal and outspoken members. I have learned so much and in turn, believe I have helped those who have come after me. From what I'm told, I have lucked out to find a group such as this. Some others exist to wallow in their misery so you might have to shop around till you find one that suits you. I also belong to a second group which is focused more on activism in our local area and the physical well being of cancer survivors. That is where I take free yoga classes, massages and free art therapy classes are offered.

    It sounds to me like you could benefit from the support a group like one of these offers. Ask around at your surgeon, plastic surgeon or oncologist's office and your local breast cancer coalition for groups near you. I wish you luck.

    Take care,
    Susan

    Thank you SusanAnne,

    I do belong to a cancer support group which meets once a month. No one in the group has any experience with Xeloda either. I am scheduled to start the treatment this week. I did not feel comfortable discussing the personal issue with the support group and will probably seek a one on one professional situation where I can get help sorting things out and come to grips with everything. Thanks you. I know it will get easier.
  • A5Maxey
    A5Maxey Member Posts: 5
    #7
    inkblot said:

    You never need apologize for venting. We do a lot of that round here actually.

    I'm sorry about your fiance. It's difficult, I know, but one of the best avenues I would advise is precisely what SusanAnne advised. Help yourself as much as possible. Your fiance must do whatever it is that is most helpful to him as well. Sometimes, we cannot help those closest to us and they cannot help us. People hit walls and/or burn out or just get scared. When that situation presents itself, then you must try to heal and rebuild yourself. Working on your personal issues, hurts, concerns and fears.

    You've been through so much and now with the added stresses of a new cancer dx and the relationship changes, I'd also take that one step further and recommend professional counseling. It can be very beneficial and it's likely that your insurance will cover it. It's important to find someone with whom you're comfortable though. If the first counselor you see is not quite right, then try another one. You'll likely find it worth the time and energy. (You can look into Licensed Clinical Social Workers and/or psychologists. Either should be equally helpful to you)

    I am happy to hear that your cancer is confined to the breast! That is a spot of bright news! Just read up on the Xeloda and talk at length with your oncologist, and get a 2nd opinion, if you're still not certain it's right for you. Ask lots of questions and keep asking until they're answered. It's important to feel confident about your decisions.

    Best wishes and feel free to email me through this site anytime.

    Love, light and laughter,
    Ink

    Hello Inkblot,

    Yes, you both are right. I will take your advice.

    Anita

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