I had post gastrectomy chemo-radiation last fall for stage IV adenocarcinoma. I took 1500 of Xeloda each day of radiation, Mon-Fri, for five weeks. They did five angles, two shots/angle, since the target area was so large.
The first couple weeks were fine. The side effects are cummulative and last for a month or more after radiation is completed. I gradually became more fatigued and nauseated. By week three I had coughing from irritation to the bronchial tubes and some trouble swallowing. I had regular fluid infusions due to decreased fluid and food intake (no appetite). Overall, it wasn't too bad. I didn't need a feeding tube.
I had three more rounds of Xeloda and Carboplatin after radiation. So far, a year and one-half post diagnosis, I am in remission. No evidence of cancer.
I was up for anything thing the Docs recommended. I was treated at Stanford and didn't get a second opinion. Each treatment course was recommended by a team of the tumor board. I was 57, pretty healthy to start with, and had a lot of excess weight to lose before I had to worry about weight loss.
Hope this helps.
Tom