1. < Colorectal Cancer

Xeloda for colon cancer - Scared about side effects and need support

Posted by leed2022 @leed2022, Dec 8, 2022

Hello, I was diagnosed with stage 3A colon cancer after surgery because 1 lymph node out of 35 came back with cancer. I am supposed to start Xeloda in a couple of weeks for 6 months, and worry about how I will function working from home, taking care of my two little dogs, and living with the side effects. I am all alone and very scared, and would appreciate knowing how others dealt with taking Xeloda and how they managed through the process. Thank you.

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rioa21 | @rioa21 | Nov 17, 2023
In reply to @rioa21 "I took Xeloda two times a day for six weeks. My dosage was two 500 mg..." + (show)
@rioa21

I took Xeloda two times a day for six weeks. My dosage was two 500 mg tabs daily plus 8b150mg daily. I took them 12 hours apart after a meal.
I was also having radiation at the same time. I have anal cancer. My last treatment was Dec 6, 2022
I tolerated the chemo very well. I was tired and not very hungry. My hair is thinning. Certain foods tasted horrible to me. I’ve had some joint pain. My worst issues were with the radiation. The burns in my pelvic area were beyond painful.
I will have a CAT scan on March 6 to see if the treatment worked. I’m trying to be optimistic. Sometimes it’s not so easy.
I’d love to hear from anyone about their journey with anal cancer.

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Update
My cancer is gone! On October 26th I had a colostomy.I named her Libby because she’s liberated me from the bathroom! I am learning to navigate my new normal. I think I’m doing really well. I’m looking forward to doing all the things I couldn’t do when I was dealing with the fecal incontinence. For some people a colostomy is a big deal. For me it means a better quality of life! My surgery was done at Mayo in Florida. My doctor is the best!

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susan1949 | @susan1949 | Nov 18, 2023

I am in my second month of taking Xeloda. Stage3, 52 lymph nodes taken, 2 nodes indicating cancer. I am doing very well. No apparent side affects. I work out every day and stay active. I am 74 years old and grateful for the pill option. Hope this helps!

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1 reply
bea1972 | @bea1972 | Nov 19, 2023
In reply to @susan1949 "I am in my second month of taking Xeloda. Stage3, 52 lymph nodes taken, 2 nodes..." + (show)
@susan1949

I am in my second month of taking Xeloda. Stage3, 52 lymph nodes taken, 2 nodes indicating cancer. I am doing very well. No apparent side affects. I work out every day and stay active. I am 74 years old and grateful for the pill option. Hope this helps!

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Thank you for sharing. This is encouraging. I'll start Xeloda on 11/28/23 (along with other treatment).

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1 reply
susan1949 | @susan1949 | Nov 19, 2023
In reply to @bea1972 "Thank you for sharing. This is encouraging. I'll start Xeloda on 11/28/23 (along with other treatment)." + (show)
@bea1972

Thank you for sharing. This is encouraging. I'll start Xeloda on 11/28/23 (along with other treatment).

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What is the other treatment?

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npatel7173 | @npatel7173 | 20 hours ago
In reply to @leed2022 "Hello, thanks so much for reaching out. The drug I will be starting after the holidays..." + (show)
@leed2022

Hello, thanks so much for reaching out. The drug I will be starting after the holidays is Xeloda (brand name), and the generic name is Capecitabine. I don't have all the details just yet because they are waiting for the insurance company to approve it, which I know they will. I just read so many comments in various sites about how some people did not have any side effects while others had problems with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fatigue. I realize everyone is different, but it sure is scary having to go through this like so many of us. I would love to compare notes as we go along. When will you actually start the treatment? Will you be taking the pill? I believe my dose is supposed to be 1,650mg 2/day. The pills come in 500mg and 150mg, so I am guessing that means (3) 500mg tablets plus (1) 150mg tablet 2/day. Let's definitely keep in touch.

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My Dad is taking Xeloda (3000mg per day) and have severe diaheria. Immodium and other OTC medicines doesn't help. Wondering if you can share your exwpwrience on side effects.

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2 replies
denise134 | @denise134 | 8 hours ago
In reply to @npatel7173 "My Dad is taking Xeloda (3000mg per day) and have severe diaheria. Immodium and other OTC..." + (show)
@npatel7173

My Dad is taking Xeloda (3000mg per day) and have severe diaheria. Immodium and other OTC medicines doesn't help. Wondering if you can share your exwpwrience on side effects.

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I was on it too same dose and diarrhea was uncontrollable for 2-3 days where I couldn't stand up without it coming out - Nurse told me I could use 8 Imodium pills a day didn't help much but plus brat diet and finally after 10 days stopped. This was my third dose of Capecitabine and now I am off of it too many side effects for me. Good luck and Keep in Touch

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leed2022 | @leed2022 | 7 hours ago
In reply to @npatel7173 "My Dad is taking Xeloda (3000mg per day) and have severe diaheria. Immodium and other OTC..." + (show)
@npatel7173

My Dad is taking Xeloda (3000mg per day) and have severe diaheria. Immodium and other OTC medicines doesn't help. Wondering if you can share your exwpwrience on side effects.

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Hello, I was first diagnosed with colon cancer in October of 2022, and after surgery in November, 2022, I was taking Xeloda tablets for 6 months. During that time, I did not really have any side effects and was able to eat and live a normal life. I do remember my doctor mentioning that one of the side effects could be diarrhea but I did not experience that. If your father is not getting relief from Immodium he should discuss this with his oncologist and see what other medications would help, or if there is anything he can do in terms of his diet (more fiber) that would help. I'm sorry that I cannot offer any other suggestions, but it would be best to discuss with the oncologist. I will keep your dad in my prayers and I am sending lots of hugs and positive energy his way. I can tell you that Xeloda helped me tremendously with my situation as my cancer was caught early and the Xeloda was very successful in treating my cancer. I wish the same for your dad.

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