Soles of Feet peeling on Xeloda

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Beckster
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Location: New Jersey

Soles of Feet peeling on Xeloda

Postby Beckster » Mon Mar 20, 2017 6:07 pm

Need some help...

I am starting my 5th cycle on Xeloda. The soles of my feet thickened and darkened. I put lotion on 2 times a day. However, after taking a shower, a part of my foot was white and started to peel off. Is that normal? If so, what can I do to help with the peeling. My doctor lowered my dose, instead of 14 days of 3000mg, I am taking 3000mg for 12 days.

Any suggestions? Any help will be greatly appreciated.
57/F
DX:(CC) 10/19/16
11/4/16- Lap right hemi(cecum)
CEA- Pre Op (1.9), Pre Chemo (2.5)
Type: Adenocarcinoma
Tumor size:3.5 cm x 2.5 x 0.7 cm
Grade: G3
TNM: T3N0M0/IIA
LN: 0/24
LVI present
Surgical margins: clear
MSS
12/27/2016 - Capeox, anaphylactic
1/2/17 to 6/9/17- Xeloda
6/17,12/17,6/18,12/18,6/19,12/19,12/20,12/21 CT Scan NED :D
CEA- 6/17- 3.6, 9/17- 2.8 12/17-2.8, 3/18-3.1, 6/18-3.0, 9/18 2.8, 12/18 2.5 3/19 3.1 6/19 3.1 9/19 2.6 12/19 2.8 6/20 3.0 12/20 2.7 6/21 2.9,[color=#000000]12/21 2.7[/color]
Clear Colonoscopy 10/17, 11/19,11/21 :D

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mypinkheaven
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Re: Soles of Feet peeling on Xeloda

Postby mypinkheaven » Mon Mar 20, 2017 8:41 pm

I've read that a thick lotion that contains urea helps. You need to look at the ingredients label. Higher the percentage of urea, the better.

Good luck!!! 8)
MSS, KRAS Wild NRAS Mutated
9/2012 CRC IIB Lft Colectomy 0 lymph nodes 0 Chemo
10/2013 CT clear
11/15 CEA 2.7 to 4.6
11/15 Spread to uterus. Hysterectomy
2/16 Pelvic radiation 25, brachytherapy 3
4/16 - 6/16 Xeloda
6/16 CT Several lung nodules 5 mm
8/16 CT Nodules still present. Most stable. Some growth
11/16 Transfer to UCSD Moores
12/16 Folfox + Avastin failed
2/17 Folfiri + Erbitux
8/17 5FU+Erbitux No 5FU bolus
7/18 Spread to vagina
6/18 Folfiri + Avastin + Trametinib
6/18 CEA dropping

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LeonW
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Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Re: Soles of Feet peeling on Xeloda

Postby LeonW » Tue Mar 21, 2017 6:13 am

Beckster wrote:Need some help...Any suggestions?

Hi Bexter,

I also lost the callouses (both feet) during the latter chemo cycles. Frequent rubs with lotion (we used Eucerin, 10% urea) didn't prevent this, but did help to soften the tingling from neuropathy throughout and after chemo. We still use it occasionally.

Don't know if this is 'normal', but it is certainly not exceptional to lose the thick skins under your feet. Mine came off completely, almost in one piece. It all grew back later but some of the neuropathy still remains. Worst times are during the night.

We found that the Eucerin was nicest after a really-hot foot bath ('we' as my DW was so kind to set-up the baths and massage-in the lotion :D ).

Best wishes, L
Dec 2012 - CC 2 unresect liver mets, CEA 41.8 (MM 65yrs)
Jan 2013 - colectomy @ spleen 2/26 nodes IVa T3N1bM1a
Feb-Jul - 1x Xelox-7x Xelox/Avastin, shrinkage from #3
Aug - 2x PV embolization (both failed)
Sep 2013 - R liver resect, 25d hosp (liver failure/delirium, lung emboli, encephalopathy), no living cancer (pCR)
2014/15 - recovery, scopy: 2 polyps
2016 - new town/life
2018, scopy: 2 polyps
2018/20 low (1.0-1.4) CEAs/clean CTs: 4x2014, 6x2015-17, 3x2018-20
next June 2021!

Beckster
Posts: 438
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Location: New Jersey

Re: Soles of Feet peeling on Xeloda

Postby Beckster » Tue Mar 21, 2017 9:27 am

LeonW wrote:
Beckster wrote:Need some help...Any suggestions?

Hi Bexter,

I also lost the callouses (both feet) during the latter chemo cycles. Frequent rubs with lotion (we used Eucerin, 10% urea) didn't prevent this, but did help to soften the tingling from neuropathy throughout and after chemo. We still use it occasionally.

Don't know if this is 'normal', but it is certainly not exceptional to lose the thick skins under your feet. Mine came off completely, almost in one piece. It all grew back later but some of the neuropathy still remains. Worst times are during the night.

We found that the Eucerin was nicest after a really-hot foot bath ('we' as my DW was so kind to set-up the baths and massage-in the lotion :D ).

Best wishes, L


L,

Thanks! I am using Eucerin too, and I noticed that is when my callouses peeled. As far as nephropathy, I thought it is rare with Xeloda monotherapy. I am on no other chemo except Xeloda. after the "peel" my feet felt softer. Hopefully with the dose reduction, it will start to go away... :)
57/F
DX:(CC) 10/19/16
11/4/16- Lap right hemi(cecum)
CEA- Pre Op (1.9), Pre Chemo (2.5)
Type: Adenocarcinoma
Tumor size:3.5 cm x 2.5 x 0.7 cm
Grade: G3
TNM: T3N0M0/IIA
LN: 0/24
LVI present
Surgical margins: clear
MSS
12/27/2016 - Capeox, anaphylactic
1/2/17 to 6/9/17- Xeloda
6/17,12/17,6/18,12/18,6/19,12/19,12/20,12/21 CT Scan NED :D
CEA- 6/17- 3.6, 9/17- 2.8 12/17-2.8, 3/18-3.1, 6/18-3.0, 9/18 2.8, 12/18 2.5 3/19 3.1 6/19 3.1 9/19 2.6 12/19 2.8 6/20 3.0 12/20 2.7 6/21 2.9,[color=#000000]12/21 2.7[/color]
Clear Colonoscopy 10/17, 11/19,11/21 :D

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juliej
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Re: Soles of Feet peeling on Xeloda

Postby juliej » Tue Mar 21, 2017 2:46 pm

Beckster, Xeloda removed all of my hard-earned calluses from running in just a few months! :shock: Tons of skin peeled off my feet! I used Aquaphor (which has similar ingredients to Eucerin) and put on a pair of socks afterwards to let it all soak in. I also put it on my hands and then put on a pair of cotton gloves. Unlike LeonW, I could not handle a hot foot bath. Hot water made my already sore hands and feet much worse. At the end of treatment I had to wrap each toe individually in gauze tape to be able to put my feet in running shoes because my skin was so delicate.
Stage IVb, liver/lung mets 8/4/2010
Xelox+Avastin 8/18/10 to 10/21/2011
LAR, liver resec, HAI pump 11/2011
Adjuvant Irinotecan + FUDR
Double lung surgery + ileo reversal 2/2012
Adjuvant FUDR + Xeloda
VATS rt. lung 12/2012 - benign granuloma!
VATS left lung 11/2013
NED 11/22/13 to 12/18/2019, CEA<1

Beckster
Posts: 438
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Location: New Jersey

Re: Soles of Feet peeling on Xeloda

Postby Beckster » Tue Mar 21, 2017 3:37 pm

juliej wrote:Beckster, Xeloda removed all of my hard-earned calluses from running in just a few months! :shock: Tons of skin peeled off my feet! I used Aquaphor (which has similar ingredients to Eucerin) and put on a pair of socks afterwards to let it all soak in. I also put it on my hands and then put on a pair of cotton gloves. Unlike LeonW, I could not handle a hot foot bath. Hot water made my already sore hands and feet much worse. At the end of treatment I had to wrap each toe individually in gauze tape to be able to put my feet in running shoes because my skin was so delicate.


How long after chemo, did your feet get back to normal? I will be finished the first week of June.... Summer sandals are making their presents soon! :lol:
57/F
DX:(CC) 10/19/16
11/4/16- Lap right hemi(cecum)
CEA- Pre Op (1.9), Pre Chemo (2.5)
Type: Adenocarcinoma
Tumor size:3.5 cm x 2.5 x 0.7 cm
Grade: G3
TNM: T3N0M0/IIA
LN: 0/24
LVI present
Surgical margins: clear
MSS
12/27/2016 - Capeox, anaphylactic
1/2/17 to 6/9/17- Xeloda
6/17,12/17,6/18,12/18,6/19,12/19,12/20,12/21 CT Scan NED :D
CEA- 6/17- 3.6, 9/17- 2.8 12/17-2.8, 3/18-3.1, 6/18-3.0, 9/18 2.8, 12/18 2.5 3/19 3.1 6/19 3.1 9/19 2.6 12/19 2.8 6/20 3.0 12/20 2.7 6/21 2.9,[color=#000000]12/21 2.7[/color]
Clear Colonoscopy 10/17, 11/19,11/21 :D

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juliej
Posts: 3114
Joined: Thu Aug 05, 2010 12:59 pm

Re: Soles of Feet peeling on Xeloda

Postby juliej » Tue Mar 21, 2017 3:49 pm

Beckster wrote:How long after chemo, did your feet get back to normal? I will be finished the first week of June.... Summer sandals are making their presents soon! :lol:

It took less time than I thought. Normal (not red, swollen, or peeling) skin showed up the first month after ending treatment. After 2 months my feet looked like their old selves! I would start buying summer sandals if I were you! :D
Stage IVb, liver/lung mets 8/4/2010
Xelox+Avastin 8/18/10 to 10/21/2011
LAR, liver resec, HAI pump 11/2011
Adjuvant Irinotecan + FUDR
Double lung surgery + ileo reversal 2/2012
Adjuvant FUDR + Xeloda
VATS rt. lung 12/2012 - benign granuloma!
VATS left lung 11/2013
NED 11/22/13 to 12/18/2019, CEA<1

Beckster
Posts: 438
Joined: Thu Jan 12, 2017 3:01 pm
Location: New Jersey

Re: Soles of Feet peeling on Xeloda

Postby Beckster » Tue Mar 21, 2017 4:19 pm

juliej wrote:
Beckster wrote:How long after chemo, did your feet get back to normal? I will be finished the first week of June.... Summer sandals are making their presents soon! :lol:

It took less time than I thought. Normal (not red, swollen, or peeling) skin showed up the first month after ending treatment. After 2 months my feet looked like their old selves! I would start buying summer sandals if I were you! :D



THANKS JULIE!!!!!
57/F
DX:(CC) 10/19/16
11/4/16- Lap right hemi(cecum)
CEA- Pre Op (1.9), Pre Chemo (2.5)
Type: Adenocarcinoma
Tumor size:3.5 cm x 2.5 x 0.7 cm
Grade: G3
TNM: T3N0M0/IIA
LN: 0/24
LVI present
Surgical margins: clear
MSS
12/27/2016 - Capeox, anaphylactic
1/2/17 to 6/9/17- Xeloda
6/17,12/17,6/18,12/18,6/19,12/19,12/20,12/21 CT Scan NED :D
CEA- 6/17- 3.6, 9/17- 2.8 12/17-2.8, 3/18-3.1, 6/18-3.0, 9/18 2.8, 12/18 2.5 3/19 3.1 6/19 3.1 9/19 2.6 12/19 2.8 6/20 3.0 12/20 2.7 6/21 2.9,[color=#000000]12/21 2.7[/color]
Clear Colonoscopy 10/17, 11/19,11/21 :D

Stewsbetty
Posts: 170
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Re: Soles of Feet peeling on Xeloda

Postby Stewsbetty » Wed Mar 22, 2017 1:24 am

Beckster wrote:Need some help...

I am starting my 5th cycle on Xeloda. The soles of my feet thickened and darkened. I put lotion on 2 times a day. However, after taking a shower, a part of my foot was white and started to peel off. Is that normal? If so, what can I do to help with the peeling. My doctor lowered my dose, instead of 14 days of 3000mg, I am taking 3000mg for 12 days.

Any suggestions? Any help will be greatly appreciated.


It is the 5fu that causes the hand/foot troubles. Hot swollen feeling and then the peeling skin. I lost the skin on my feet 3x through my treatment ( though I did Folfox). I have been done chemo for about 6 weeks now and my hand and foot skin is looking normal now. Since I had the oxaliplatin I have some tingling in my feet still. Looking forward to that leaving me too. :)
42yo At diagnosis. Female in BC, Canada
Dx: CC ascending
Right Hemi colectomy 06/16 clear margins
Adenocarcinoma 6cm High Grade
pT3 pN2a Stage 3
10 out of 16 lymph involved
MSI-h, Kras mut, Braf wild
Finished chemo Feb. 2017
PET scan showing active area April 2017
July 2017 CT showing LN mass and spread to other LN
Stage 4
Aug 2017 failed Fofiri
Sept 2017 keytruda scans every 3 months showing shrinkage and stability
November 2018 CT shows only 1 small tumour left
September 2019 clear CT finally NED!!!

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WriterGirl1969
Posts: 524
Joined: Sat Mar 05, 2016 3:48 pm
Location: Central NY

Re: Soles of Feet peeling on Xeloda

Postby WriterGirl1969 » Wed Mar 22, 2017 8:21 pm

Hi Beckster.
Yes, the "hand/foot syndrome" is a very common side-effect of Xeloda, even on monotherapy (on combo drugs it would still be the Xeloda that caused this particular side-effect). I was on Xeloda mono also, and my feet got what we called "moldy" looking (lots of dark spots all over). When it got really bad, the bottom of my feet felt very (what I called) "blistery" too. Stingy and like I was walking on blisters all the time. I used UREA Cream (practitioner strength). I bought it in the oncology pharmacy. Put in on 3 times a day. It's made for diabetics as I understand it, but is also found to be excellent for hand/foot. It's thick like the others, but not as difficult to absorb or quite so greasy. Also has a fairly pleasant smell. Nothing overpowering. I don't know if the hand/foot syndrome is what causes the peeling, or the constant slathering of cream, but it's pretty common as others have chimed in on.

Lowering the dosage is probably the most common way to deal with it. Believe it or not, upping your water intake really helps a lot too. Seems too easy, right? But it really does work. Xeloda leaves the body via the urine, so drinking more flushes more out before it can settle in those small capillaries that are in the palms and foot bottoms. Another option might be to ask your oncologist if they would be willing to try you on a 1 week on / 1 week off regimen. Some recent studies have shown that you hit max effectiveness of Xeloda at 8 days, and after that just increase side effects without getting any more benefit (you can find one of the articles on this at http://www.nature.com/articles/npjbcancer20166 - although they focused on gastrointestinal side-effects). However, as this regimen is not the standard of care yet, some oncologists won't do it. Mine wouldn't. I will be honest and tell you that I decided to go to this regimen on my own after doing research on it.

I've been off chemo since early October, and my feet feel pretty much back to normal, although I still have some spots of skin on my feet that are recovering. I figure this is still my body working out toxins and damaged skin cells. Of course I have also now been diagnosed as pre-diabetic (thanks, chemo) - so that probably plays in also.

Hope this info helps. :)
I did a lot of Xeloda research before and during my treatment. Feel free to ask away. :)

Hugs and Prayers,
Tracy
DX 3/4/2016 Colon Cancer; age 46 Mom of then 4-yr-old
Stage IIIB: T3N1M0
3/31/16 Surgery
4 to 10/2016: Xeloda Monotherapy
CEA: 10/16 0.56, 1/17 0.54
CT CLEAR: 3/6/17; 4/17/18; 4/16/19
NED 3 years
“If I can help somebody as I walk along, then my living shall not be in vain.”

Beckster
Posts: 438
Joined: Thu Jan 12, 2017 3:01 pm
Location: New Jersey

Re: Soles of Feet peeling on Xeloda

Postby Beckster » Wed Mar 22, 2017 8:43 pm

[quote="WriterGirl1969"]Hi Beckster.
Another option might be to ask your oncologist if they would be willing to try you on a 1 week on / 1 week off regimen.



Tracy,

Thanks for the info... my MD Anderson oncologist suggested 1 week on and 1 week off, but I wanted to be finished by the beginning of the summer. Instead, he put me on a 12 day regiment instead of 14 days. He said that it is still effective and more effective than taking one pill less per day. Hopefully, it will work.

Becky
57/F
DX:(CC) 10/19/16
11/4/16- Lap right hemi(cecum)
CEA- Pre Op (1.9), Pre Chemo (2.5)
Type: Adenocarcinoma
Tumor size:3.5 cm x 2.5 x 0.7 cm
Grade: G3
TNM: T3N0M0/IIA
LN: 0/24
LVI present
Surgical margins: clear
MSS
12/27/2016 - Capeox, anaphylactic
1/2/17 to 6/9/17- Xeloda
6/17,12/17,6/18,12/18,6/19,12/19,12/20,12/21 CT Scan NED :D
CEA- 6/17- 3.6, 9/17- 2.8 12/17-2.8, 3/18-3.1, 6/18-3.0, 9/18 2.8, 12/18 2.5 3/19 3.1 6/19 3.1 9/19 2.6 12/19 2.8 6/20 3.0 12/20 2.7 6/21 2.9,[color=#000000]12/21 2.7[/color]
Clear Colonoscopy 10/17, 11/19,11/21 :D

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WriterGirl1969
Posts: 524
Joined: Sat Mar 05, 2016 3:48 pm
Location: Central NY

Re: Soles of Feet peeling on Xeloda

Postby WriterGirl1969 » Wed Mar 22, 2017 8:48 pm

The important thing is making informed decisions. Glad to see that it was presented to you as an option. :)
Hopefully things will get better as you go. Do think about trying the water increase. It really does help with the feet.
DX 3/4/2016 Colon Cancer; age 46 Mom of then 4-yr-old
Stage IIIB: T3N1M0
3/31/16 Surgery
4 to 10/2016: Xeloda Monotherapy
CEA: 10/16 0.56, 1/17 0.54
CT CLEAR: 3/6/17; 4/17/18; 4/16/19
NED 3 years
“If I can help somebody as I walk along, then my living shall not be in vain.”


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