Exercise and xeloda

[cathy123]

Hi all. I just finished my second cycle of xelox (and also was on xeloda for 5 1/2 weeks during radiation). I have been trying to stay somewhat active (walking, elliptical machine) both because it keeps me healthy and because some studies show it helps the chemo work, and because it helps my state of mind. But, during the last few weeks especially afterwards my feet are really tender and sore, and a little bruised, and now it looks like I have a big blister forming. At my last appt the onc nurse was a little worried about my feet and said we may need to adjust the dose which I want to avoid if possible.

I have a week off now so hopefully will recover, but trying to figure out if I should just try to stay off my feet during treatment, or if there is another exercise that would be better for me (or should I keep walking and have the dose reduced if it gets worse). Normally I would look into swimming but with the bag and some of the rash issues I am having with that don't think the pool is an option.

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this and has any advice. I have either 3 or 4 more rounds to go so hate to just not exercise for 3 months. Thanks!

[lpas]

Yes! I've been having some of the same issues. Cycles 1-4 didn't affect my feet much at all, but I then I took a long-ish walk towards the beginning of cycle 5 and suddenly my feet were a mess. I now have sore spots (the beginning of blisters) on the balls of both feet and open sores that don't want to heal along the nail bed of both big toes. Ever since, I've had to cut out walking for exercise. My feet just can't seem to handle it at the moment. I do have a recumbent exercise bike that we bought to use when the weather is bad, but it kills me to have to exercise inside on some of these beautiful 70 degree days.

[cathy123]

Sounds like we are in the same boat - the balls of my feet are really sore and have what look like the beginnings of blisters all over. Maybe once I heal a bit i will try the bike - I don't have a stationary, but at least it should be less pressure on my feet as long as I take it easy. I know - I love being outside and taking walks in the nice weather. So frustrating!

[rwightman]

What about yoga? Or maybe some plyometrics - push ups, abs, arm weight exercises, etc., where you aren't putting pressure on your feet? I think keeping up with something, even if it is a light workout, would really help keep you physically in shape as well as mentally. I am on Folfox and so far no foot problems....I rely on exercise to keep me halfway sane.

[Stanfordmom]

For me, stationary bike works when I was on Xeloda.

good luck!

[teachpdx]

I found standing to be more of an issue when I was on Xeloda. I stood in line for cheap vet care for my dogs when I was on Xeloda and I seemed to have sore spots on my feet for a very long time afterwards. I would suggest staying off of your feet as much as possible to prevent possible longer term side effects. Not sure about the direct correlation, but no exercise for a shorter period of time to prevent pain for a longer period of time seems like a good trade-off.

[horizon]

Maybe a rowing machine at a gym? I switched to using the elliptical instead of a treadmill for my cardio when I was on Xeloda, but you said you're already doing that.