Postby blueskies » Thu Apr 11, 2019 3:35 am
Hi there. I have recently been put on xeloda, an oral form of chemo. I have stage four colon cancer- it reoccured after 4 years, in my lungs and lymph nodes. I was diagnosed late in 2013 and had surgery to remove a large tumor, as well as a hysterectomy, etc. I have a permanent colostomy- bag lady for life. After 3+ years of being in remission', cancer was discovered as reappearing in 2017, while I was trying to have a hip replaced. (radiation damage) I was put on folfox, which I didn't tolerate at all well, then folfiri. Then I had an unfortunate sprain necessitating IV therapy, and therefore a chemo break. When on folfiri I experienced profound fatigue, mouthsores and depression. Now, on xeloda, (after a lovely 10 wk break) I am experiencing foot and toe pain- not like neuropathy but actual red swollen painful areas that make walking uncomfortable. Now my hands are starting in. I have horrible mouth sores that include going down my throat. I have nausea, but not as bad as with IV chemo. I also have lupus, which includes inflammation and joint pain, so I basically feel frequently lousy. Does anyone out there have any input re xeloda? It's new to me- I am open to suggestions for anything that may help. I am using lots of lotion and trying out gloves on hands and feet...(claustrophobia!) I like not having to go into the chemo room for hours and hours, but worry that these side effects will get worse. My Dr is not sure that the xeloda is going to be strong enough to keep my tumor markers down. I am struggling with depression, as I am weary from this battle. It is isolating and feels impossible to describe.