On 4/8/2008 annamaria1 wrote:
Hi, This is my first time trying this but I have some concerns and worries about the side effect of xeloda. In 2006 I had a mastectomy, and 1 out of 23 lymph nodes with ca. I had chemo and did well, and was on Arminidex. I now has mets to my spine and shoulder. I am on my second round to xeloda 2000mg a day two weeks on one week off. I have also started once a month IV of Zometa. I feel good, but am so worried about the side effects expecially the hands and feet. I cream them 3 times a day, but can't walk for a long time. I am starting to get some buring in my feet, is this the start. I just need someone to write me back and reasure me of what I can expect with this treatment.
This is my first time on this link serve. I'm on 2500 mg of Xeloda for pancreatic cancer. The burning of the hands and feet is called hand and foot syndrome and a typical side effect of the Xeloda. My oncologist has instructed me to put Ban Roll-on antiperspirant on my feet and hands 15 minutes before taking the Xeloda. His helps cut down somewhat on the side effects to the hands and feet. Then I also keep them moisturized, feet with Bag Balm and hands with a good moisturizing lotion. I've been using Cetaphil cream and also Triple Lanolin Aloe Vera Hand and Body Lotion. I still get the burning, more on my feet, which makes walking painful, but it does subside during the "off" week into the first week of the next 2-week cycle of Xeloda. From my understanding the effect of the Xeloda is cumulative, so the hand and foot syndrome may get a little worse. If it gets intolerable, tell your oncologist, who may then reduce the dosage or give you an extra "off" week. Hope this helps.