CancerCompass message board discussion started by Fl5505 on 9/1/2005 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,2861,0.htm Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Today I went to start my 3rd cycle of topotecan. But my C.A was up from 392 to 700. So did not get my treatment but my oncologist gave me a prescription for xeloda medication pill form .is anyone familiar with this chemo medication. I have had about 5 different chemo medications. So hope this one does the trick. The other treatments have all been done through my port; this has some of the same side effects as doxil. Sore hands and feet. I am 74 years old active and a pretty strong person, I am alone so have to be. Any one with info on this would appreciate hearing from you. Shawna Fl5505 Thu, 01 Sep 2005 00:00:00 GMT hi! i read your note about xeloda and i felt compelled to send the info. i have on this drug, my sister has colorectal cancer with mets in the liver and she was on this drug for several months,xelode converts to f5 chemo when it get's into your system and it really is considered to be a wonder drug,one very good thing is you can take it orally at HOME side effects are a little harsher i think than i.v use, as i said my sister used the drug and i was just along for the ride, not an easy thing to do,she was on 1500mgs. 2xdaily, she experienced numbness and tingling in hands and feet, hypersensitive to anything cold overwhelming fatigue and she saw things that wasn't really there, you need to make it a point to eat SOMETHING at least 30 min. before takinthis drug, what kind of cancer do you have?i'm going to hop off now as i do have to rake care of sis,maybe someday i'll tell her story! mean time take care of yourself ,EAT get a lot of rest ,then put it in his hands he has the healing touch please try and let me know how you do o.k. prayers and bestwishes coming you way tink Common_littlebit Thu, 10 Nov 2005 00:00:00 GMT Hi Shawna, I have completed 6 blocks of Xeloda with wonderful results. I had 'level 4' cancer of the colon. A section of colon was removed and I was treated with Xeloda followed with 5 weeks of radiation. The result after CT scans, C scopes, X-rays and blood tests show that the cancer is in remission. Thanks to our Lord. I can share with you the side effects of Xeloda. The pills ate taken in the morning and night. Side effects are 'pins and needle' effect in the hands, dizziness, mild nausea, and diarrhea. I tried eating various things to minimize the effects. The one which was most effective was simple yellow apples. One eaten immediately after the pills are taken and occasionally when ever you feel the nausea picking up again. Never ever let your stomach get too empty, as the effects of the Xeloda are amplified. Always try to keep a full stomach. Don't worry about the weight... Xeloda worked for me. All the best regards Mitch Mitchell Thu, 23 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi shona, sorry to hear about your problem with medication. I take 3-500mg and2- 150mg of xeloda twice a day, for a total of 1800mg per. Day. This is my 10th. Day and i have a very sore moth and my hands and feet are like sunburned. I wish you all the luck in the world. Cancer is no fun. I also had colon cancer, no bag, thank god.please reply barbara Mamaw4sure Tue, 30 May 2006 00:00:00 GMT My mom has stage 4 colon cancer that has metastized to her liver. She's has 6 rounds of oxaliplatin/folfox/leucavorin. She is 83 years old and is really getting week from this cocktail. I'm going to discuss with her doc the possibility of putting her on Xeloda. Has anyone else with colon cancer with liver mets been on Xeloda? If so, could you please share your experience. Thanks so very much. Susieh Mon, 03 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT We have lost our Mom. She was an active 73 year old with stage 3 colon cancer. She went into the hospital to begin a combination of Xeloda and radiation therapy. Three days later, she's dead! She grew ncreasingly "sick" immediately following the very first pill of Xeloda. We thought it was an allergic reaction. She worsened every hour and finally on day 3, passed away. We were shocked. Apparently, she was never tested for an enzyme that is crucial to the this medicine working. The doctor told us that he has had another patient who had some difficulty with Xeloda and the lack of this enzyme, so isn't there a test for DPD(deficiency) levels? I have checked the web, and Roche does document the need to test for DPD (long chemical name) before administration of Xeloda. In fact, if you lack this enzyme, Xeloda is CONTRA-INDICATED. Since Mom's death, my siblings and I have been tested for our levels of DPD. Results indicate that my younger brother's level of DPD (non-existant) would prevent him from using Xeloda also. Shouldn't this test be part of routine care of patient when going on this med? Anyone else have problems with DPD and Xeloda? We would be very appreciative if we could hear from you. Thanks Drsbrat Fri, 01 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi, I am new to all of this but read your message about Xeloda. I had a rectal tumour. It was removed and I have a temporary Ileostomy. My team of doctors have all agreed that eventhough my cancer was only Stage 1, I should take Xeloda as insurance. They have prescribed 2000mg per day. I was interested in the side effects you mentioned especially the weight gain. Please tell me more about the side effects and how long they lasted. How much weight gain was there and did you experience the hair loss. As for the hands and feet and cold sensitivity, please tell me exactly what happened to you. I really would appreciate your help. GG Gggirl Tue, 28 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT  On 9/1/2005 Fl5505 wrote:Today I went to start my 3rd cycle of topotecan. But my C.A was up from 392 to 700. So did not get my treatment but my oncologist gave me a prescription for xeloda medication pill form .is anyone familiar with this chemo medication. I have had about 5 different chemo medications. So hope this one does the trick. The other treatments have all been done through my port; this has some of the same side effects as doxil. Sore hands and feet. I am 74 years old active and a pretty strong person, I am alone so have to be. Any one with info on this would appreciate hearing from you. ShawnaDar Shawna,There is a terrific program for patients on Xeloda that is run by nurses who can answer ALL your questions and even call you to check in on you - it is called XTRA and you can call in to them pretty much any time.  the number is 1-877-987-2487.  I think this would really help you!Sara saramch3 Fri, 07 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT Hi GG - you should call this number:  1-877-987-2487 - there are nurses there who can answer all your side effect questions and even call you now and then for support - theyu are great and it is totally free - give them a call!Sara saramch3 Fri, 07 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT My mom has stage IV colon cancer with mets to liver.  The oncologist gave her six months without chemo.  She just had a check up after round one of Xeloda and the report was remarkable.  Her CEA is almost back to normal and doctor says he will keep her on it as a "preventative" measure as long as she continues to tolerate it.  The only side effects she had were a slight rash on her face (not bothersome, and now gone) and a little bit of diarrhea and fatigue.  She got the good report yesterday on her 88th birthday.  Never underestimate the power of prayer.  And hang in there Xeloda is a wonder drug!  annabanana6 Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT What encouraging & hopeful news.  My mom is 87 and on her third week of Xeloda & radiation.  She has been very lucky, that so far she is not experiencing any side effects, except for small blotches on her face. She has been eating well also. We are very grateful & continue to pray for the success of this treatment.God bless you. helpmom Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT GG,My dad is starting Xeloda next week.  They were debating because they didn't know if it was T2 or T3 tumor.  Our rationale was "to be sure" get the chemo.  Like you I want to know effects, but also the best way to handle.I was told this--use udder balm or coco cream before symptoms develop.  Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Be sure to eat before each pill taking.  But want 30 minutes after eating to take. Hope this helps.  I wish you the best and pray that God help you!  Ann E. ConcernedinKC Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT I wanted to express my sympathy to you for the loss of your mother. As my dad was about to begin Xeloda, I really took to heart what you had to say and thanked you so much for sharing. The result was that my dad's oncologist refused to the DPD test, saying that such deficiency was so rare and the test is expensive. However, my dad's primary doctor, bless his heart, did the test. Since then I have done more research and found Dr. Diasio at Mayos. He works a lot with the outcomes of this DPD deficiency which accounts for 43% of the high toxicity reactions to Xeloda (5FU). There are two other enzymes that can be deficient as well. You dear daughter, there are so many things in the course of my dad's treatment that I didn't know only to learn later when it was too late. And this, even though I have been reading study after study after study since his diagnosis in early 2008. Following your strong and charitable and positive example, I am creating a list of those to hopefully share with others. In close, thank you again. And I encourage you to contact Dr. Diasio to tell him your story and encourage his work to get the word out. Best, Ann E. in KC ConcernedinKC Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT