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oral 5fu

lindadanis
lindadanis CSN Member Posts: 235
edited March 2014 in Esophageal Cancer #1
Has anyone tried oral chemo 5fu, two pills daily along with vein chemo. My husband's oncologist may be suggesting this treatment plan next week and I would like opinions. I thought 5fu was given intravenously. thanks
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Comments

  • JaneE2366
    JaneE2366 CSN Member Posts: 289 Member
    #2
    Xeloda
    Charlie received 5-FU through his port for 120 continuous hours during each of his rounds of chemo. After his 4th round of chemo....and he was in remission.....we went to Xeloda which is the oral form of 5-FU. He has been on it since Aug. Takes 3 pills in the morning and 3 in the evening. Each pill is 500 mg. Dr is hoping it keeps him in remission. I would think the infused 5-FU would be better to kick this beast to the curb...but I don't know. I would ask the dr why he is suggesting the oral vs the infused. I can't remember...does Ed have a port? I would strongly suggest he get one if he is going to have any kind of infusion.
    Stay strong.
    Jane
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  • Betty in Vegas
    Betty in Vegas CSN Member Posts: 290 Member
    #3
    we are on xeloda
    Layne takes 3 in the am and 4 at night xeloda actually has some advantage over infused 5fu according to our onc. It adheres itself better to the tumor. It is one of the new smart drugs. It is pricey but our insurance allowed it. He had 5fu for his previous chemos.
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  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #4
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
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  • Tina Blondek
    Tina Blondek CSN Member Posts: 1,500 Member
    #5
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    Dad is on Xeloda
    Hi Linda,
    Dad took 6 weeks of xeloda for his ec in Nov 08, and beat it. He had hardly any side effects from it. Now as of Dec 2009, he has mets to his liver. Again, his onc suggested using the Xeloda again. This time he is experiencing side effects of nausea, dizziness, and weakness in his legs.
    The anti nausea meds do help. We have to make sure that dad gets enough calories and hydration throughout this treatment. Best of luck to you and your husband. I would give Xeloda oral chemo a two thumbs up rating! Prayers are said daily for you.
    Tina
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