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.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Colorectal Cancer Support Group.

@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.

Jump to this post

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!

REPLY

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!

REPLY
@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!

Jump to this post

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

REPLY
@bea1972

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

Jump to this post

What is the other treatment?

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.