Capecitabine side effects are really tough: What helps?

Posted by denise134 @denise134, Dec 20, 2024

Taking this drug finished 3rd cycle
1st 14 days was 3,900 mg day had severe mucositis with bleeding gums &scabs and bleeding nose sick stomach caused poor appetite but no nausea or vomiting - then 13th day diarrhea and blisters scabbing on chest so I quit 18 days not healed doc reduced dose 3,000 day

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Profile picture for iverwig @iverwig

@tomrennie yes, I had an extensive surgery back in 2023 and had a reoccurrence in 2025. In reference to the CAPTEM I am on the 2 week cycle with the temozolomide on days 10-14 as you mentioned. I start the temozolomide tomorrow as it will be day 10 for me.

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@iverwig How are you feeling so far? Were your prescribed a nausea med to take with the temozolomide?

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@iverwig How are you feeling so far? Were your prescribed a nausea med to take with the temozolomide?

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@tomrennie I have been tired and my legs have felt like they are moving in quick sand at times. I also noticed a chemo smell in my nose as of yesterday. My oncologist did prescribe nausea medication for me and I started taking it the first day I started on the medicine. I am not looking forward to tomorrow.

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@115 week 2 how are you doing. They canceled my treatments this week waiting on a biopsy result before they start. Hoping you are doing ok.

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@gc4217 Hi, I’m doing well although I’ve had acid reflux. Drs want me to take Pepcid instead of Nexium so I tried OTC first it’s 20mg. Got a prescription for it 40mg I had side effects so now I’m taking Gaviscon when I need it. I’m on a low fiber diet now also. I haven’t been nauseous which I’m glad for too. The radiation is starting to add up but I’m in no pain. I feel very fortunate.

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@gc4217 Hi, I’m doing well although I’ve had acid reflux. Drs want me to take Pepcid instead of Nexium so I tried OTC first it’s 20mg. Got a prescription for it 40mg I had side effects so now I’m taking Gaviscon when I need it. I’m on a low fiber diet now also. I haven’t been nauseous which I’m glad for too. The radiation is starting to add up but I’m in no pain. I feel very fortunate.

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@gc4217 I hope your biopsy results are in your favor. I’ll be thinking of you.

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Profile picture for iverwig @iverwig

@tomrennie I have been tired and my legs have felt like they are moving in quick sand at times. I also noticed a chemo smell in my nose as of yesterday. My oncologist did prescribe nausea medication for me and I started taking it the first day I started on the medicine. I am not looking forward to tomorrow.

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@iverwig Unfortunately, both capecitabine and temozolomide can make you feel "tired and crappy". Those words came from my oncologist. For me, it is like having bad flu like symptoms of being excessively tired and having uncomfortable body aches. I can relate to being so uncomfortable that sleeping can be a challenge. Try stretching before or while laying down. That sometimes helps. Your body does need the rest, so try to sleep the best that you can. I didn't have a chemo smell, but I did get a metallic taste in my mouth. Food tasted weird. I drank a lot of protein and fruit smoothies and still do. Hopefully, the temozolomide is kind to you. Let us know how it goes ok?

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@gc4217 I hope your biopsy results are in your favor. I’ll be thinking of you.

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@115 thank you, hoping the same on the biopsy. Things are taking so long, I know there is a reason but still would like things to move forward. Glad you have the reflux under control. I have seen others have that as well and needed to change diet. Glad things are going along without any other side effects. Keep us updated on your progress and I will as well once they finally start me.

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@gc4217 i know the waiting is the hardest part. I found myself getting anxious about starting so I kept busy with small things I wanted to get done. I’m usually working outside this time of year but have to be careful in the sun. Wishing you the best. 🙏🏼

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@gc4217 i know the waiting is the hardest part. I found myself getting anxious about starting so I kept busy with small things I wanted to get done. I’m usually working outside this time of year but have to be careful in the sun. Wishing you the best. 🙏🏼

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@115 The waiting can be excruciating. Staying busy can help. I still struggle with the waiting part.

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@gc4217 i know the waiting is the hardest part. I found myself getting anxious about starting so I kept busy with small things I wanted to get done. I’m usually working outside this time of year but have to be careful in the sun. Wishing you the best. 🙏🏼

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@115 I finally start next Tuesday. My biopsy was on the cervix/uterus and it came back pre cancer so after treatments I will see an oncologist ob/gyn and possibly need a hysterectomy. Hope you are doing ok. Hoping week 2 has been a good one. Wishing you the best for week 3.

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@gc4217 I wish you the best as you start on Tuesday.
I’ve been having stomach issues but I’m hopeful I have it figured out. I’ve now started taking Imodium and it helps greatly.

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