weisssoccermom wrote:A few things to remember about Xeloda.
1. As others have said take it within 30 minutes after you eat. NEVER NEVER take it on an empty stomach. In addition, DO NOT take it with the meal.
2. Get OTC Nexium or another GERD like medication. When I was taking Xeloda, that was the FIRST medication that was going to be Rx'd but I was already on it. Tried taking it without it....OWWW!
3. One aspect of Xeloda that doesn't get much attention is the folic acid supplementation. First make sure you are NOT taking any folic acid supplements or even a multi-vitamin because (unless something is new) they all contain the recommended daily amount of folic acid. Remember that in the USA/Canada, our wheat is fortified with folic acid. This means that food items like: cereal, crackers, bread, pasta, rolls, etc.....the items we tend to eat with a queasy stomach.....all are fortified with folic acid. This doesn't mean that you can't eat carbs BUT......be proactive and read the labels. For example, most cereals are SUPER fortified with folic acid. Check your labels.....you will be surprised. What this all means is just that you have to be careful about how much of these foods you eat. Don't go eating a bowl of cereal for breakfast and then take your Xeloda....not a good idea. Don't eat cereal for breakfast, a sandwich for lunch, munch on some crackers and then have pasta for dinner.
BTW - reading your title....XELOX is, by definition, Xeloda and oxi. You may ask your doctor for a slightly different version of it.....one where you take Xeloda for 7 days, starting with day 1.....at the same day you get the infusion of oxi....then 7 days off of Xeloda. The difference is that you go in for the infusion every 14 days vs every 21 days.
Try getting an acid reducer and then watching your folic acid intake. Those two things together can make a world of difference.
Hopegirl wrote: Taking the pills for 14 days straight is the part I don’t like . Sigh! I just don’t want to do the pills at all
weisssoccermom wrote:Please try to calm down and don't over analyze things. Look at this as just something you have to do. No, it's not fun but its not permanent either. It will be over at some point. Regardless of which protocol you choose, there are going to be days when it just stinks! You push through it....turn on some Hallmark movies, read a good book, write some cards/letters to friends....do whatever you have to....but take it one day at a time. It won't be long until it's Valentine's Day and then Easter....the first day of spring and with the sunshine and nicer weather, with the birds chirping, you'll find yourself in a better mood.
Jolene wrote:... I'm seeing the oncologist this Tuesday and I believed I might be starting as soon as Weds the following day... Any tips ?
Jolene wrote:Trying to revive this thread as I'm going onto 6 cycles of Xelox very very soon !
...
My questions are
1) How do you guys cope with work ? Do you ask for a medical leave while on your cycles ?
2) How did you deal with your workplace situation ?
3) What was your first infusions like ?
4) What was the very first side effect that you experienced and how soon did it start ?
5) What were the manageable side effects and what were the worst ?
6) Were you still able to cook ? Wash ? Shop ? Exercise ?
Thanks !!!
Return to “Colon Talk - Colon cancer (colorectal cancer) support forum”
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 304 guests