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How to fight fatigue caused by Xeloda?

Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2017 5:57 am
by Ratepo
Hi all,

I've read 2 tips while being on Xeloda: keep hydrated and keep moving (sports, walking etc.) whenever possible. Does anybody have other useful things to consider? A magic pill which gives an immediate energy boost would be nice, but that will be a bit too much to ask.

My father is on chemo for life now and although he had Xeloda in the past as well it strikes him harder now. Actually he doesn't experience symptoms of growing cancer at all at the moment, but cause of rising CEA and more activity on scans we decided to restart now. However now he might give it up because if affects quality of life too much.

Perhaps he should lower the dose or the fatigue will decrease however I am afraid it will only build up. He just finished his first cycle (1 infusion Avastin, 2 weeks Xeloda, 1 week off).

Re: How to fight fatigue caused by Xeloda?

Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2017 8:45 am
by BrownBagger
I found that once I broke through the "I don't want to do this" barrier that all exercisers feel at first, I had plenty of energy on Xeloda and was able to carry on with an active life. 136 rounds later, I'm still on my feet, but obviously, less blessed with energy. But I do what I can. Just a walk around the block every day should be helpful. Keeps the blood flowing and fresh oxygen in the lungs.

Re: How to fight fatigue caused by Xeloda?

Posted: Tue Mar 21, 2017 3:45 pm
by juliej
BrownBagger wrote:I found that once I broke through the "I don't want to do this" barrier that all exercisers feel at first, I had plenty of energy on Xeloda and was able to carry on with an active life. 136 rounds later, I'm still on my feet, but obviously, less blessed with energy. But I do what I can. Just a walk around the block every day should be helpful. Keeps the blood flowing and fresh oxygen in the lungs.

I agree with Eric on "breaking the reluctance to exercise" barrier. Exercise not only helped my fatigue but it also reduced my nausea which greatly increased my appetite. At least part of my fatigue was from not eating and after a little exercise, I found I was actually hungry instead of nauseous. Another thing that helped was sipping electrolyte drinks instead of just plain water. I used Nuun tablets but any electrolyte drink would work. It puts back in what chemo wipes out.