Capecitabine (Xeloda) side effects: how do you manage them?

Hi @pattycron, welcome.
Members are talking about Xeloda (capecitabine) in the Colorectal Cancer group in these discussions if your interested:
– Diet for Rectal Cancer Radiation with Chemo https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/diet-for-rectal-cancer-radiation-with-chemo
– Xeloda https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/xeloda/

@regionrat @kerstin1 @trivia @saltis took Xeloda for breast cancer and may be able to share her experiences with you.

You may also be interested in this discussion:
- Triple Negative Breast Cancer https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/triple-negative-breast-cancer-1/

Patty when will you start Xeloda?

Mid July, just after finishing radiation

@pattycron I also have invasive cancer, stage 1A, grade 3, triple negative. My oncologist has mentioned Xeloda, if I had a lumpectomy. I’m now leaning toward a double mastectomy to try to avoid any further Chemo or radiation. Like you, I also had difficulties with my first round of chemo. I was on Taxotere and Cytoxan. I’ve had to skip the last treatment because of chemo induced peripheral neuropathy. The side effects of Xeloda are listed on the Mayo website here.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/capecitabine-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20062501

Like you, I would be anxious about taking this medication. Some studies show you have a 10% less likely chance or recurrence with it. It’s tough to have to make these decisions. Life versus quality of life is such a gamble. I send you blessings and wisdom on this journey. I plan to do everything I can to avoid Xeloda or any further Chemo, but haven’t ruled it out completely. Having earnest talks with my doctor. Eager to see responses from anyone here who has taken it.

hi, i am stage 2b triple negative, had bilateral mastectomy, chemo, and radiation. am now on low dose oral chemo xeloda and will take it for a yr (now on 8th month). so far i didnt feel any side effects except for some hair fall.

@old, few side effects from Xeloda will bring hope to @pattycron and @kk57.
Are you currently on any other treatment?

No, am currently just on xeloda.

The longer I take the med the worse my hand and foot reactions are. So far I use a lotion high in urea. Also I have started feeling more nauseaus even on my off week. Currently on it for a week then off for a week. Anyone else have these issues and what have you tried?

Xeloda is known for causing small fiber neuropathy, have you talked to your doctor about this?

yes I have. Just wanted to see if others have this side effect and what they do to mitigate the side effects.

Hi @omaegg, I moved your question to this existing discussion about managing the side effects of capecitabine (Xeloda). I did this so you can connect with others taking this chemotherapy like @old @kk57 @pattycron @regionrat @kerstin1 @trivia @saltis. Hopefully they can share how they helped to reduce side effects.

Omaegg, what effects to you have in your hands and feet?