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← Return to Xeloda for colon cancer - Scared about side effects and need support
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Xeloda for colon cancer - Scared about side effects and need support
Colorectal Cancer | Last Active: Nov 19, 2023 | Replies (84)Comment receiving replies
Hello Martin, I am sorry it has taken so long to reply, but the last few weeks have been quite hectic with work, appointments, and some miserable cold and windy weather. How have you been since we last wrote? I have been thinking of you and continue sending positive thoughts and prayers your way, as well as to others who are also dealing with cancer in any form. For the most part, my treatment has been going well with the Xeloda, and I just started my 4th cycle yesterday. I have gained some weight and expressed my concern with my oncologist last week, who said that Xeloda can cause weight gain. I expressed my disappointment that no one told me this. While I admit that I overindulged a bit during the holidays, I have been careful for the last few weeks to make sure I don't continue on that path. The Xeloda seems to increase my appetite, and although I get busy during the day, I find myself making sure I take time to eat some lunch, but in the evening is where I really need to be careful so as not to eat later at night before bed. I am hoping our weather will improve so I can start walking outside, which I believe will help quite a bit. Have you experienced any issues with weight gain during your journey? I had read in someone's post that they had gained several pounds, but that was before I started experiencing the same problem. The doctor said things will stabilize, but I am concerned about gaining too much and not fitting into my clothes, and which could cause other issues with blood pressure, etc. How much longer do you have to continue your treatment? I do hope you are getting good results and favorable reports from your doctors. Please let me know how you are doing when you get a chance. Hopefully, Spring will be right around the corner so we can all enjoy some warmer temperatures and be more active. Will be in touch again soon. Warm Regards, Lee
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Hello Lee. Thanks for your update. I'm sorry to hear about your issue with weight gain on Xeloda as I have experienced quite the opposite! In fact I've been talking to a dietician about how to pile on the calories. I think the reason is that prior to my colon operation on 4 November to remove the tumour I was 100% fit and rode my bike 50 miles a week as well as lots of walking, which the surgeon said was really good news and aided my quick recovery. The reduction in leg, buttock and arm muscles since seems to be the cause of the weight loss but a health check recently indicated that my BMI was currently spot on (and produced a green smiley man on the health check screen which the health nurse said she hadn't seen for ages!). Despite this, I'm hoping to put on some weight once I get back on the bike again. In your case I hope the steps you're taking will result in weight loss, but I wouldn't worry too much about it - getting out for energetic walks with your dogs should help a lot.
It's countdown time for me! Only 6 more Xeloda pills to take, this evening and tomorrow morning, and the 366th pill will then have been consumed. The pattern over the 4 cycles of treatment have been similar - a tough first week after an infusion on day 1, an easier second and an almost normal third. Constipation / bloating / discomfort has been the main issue throughout which hopefully will now improve. I got signed off last night by my oncologist but will have a follow up CT scan in 6 weeks followed by a consultation with the surgeon. All being well, that's the end and life can continue.
Yes, it's great to see daffodils emerging here in the UK and we've had wonderful displays of snowdrops and aconites. The longer days are nice too and so those of us in the Northern Hemisphere all have a lot to look forward to! But let's hope this also brings peace for the poor people of Ukraine.
It's been so useful comparing experiences and I look forward to keeping in touch. I hope your subsequent cycles of treatment also go well. Best wishes. Martin