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

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.

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

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!

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.

How do I go back and follow from the beginning to follow your journey I can’t find from beginning. I am not good with forums to follow along. But trying to research stage 4 colon cancer.

How do I go back and follow from the beginning to follow your journey I can’t find from beginning. I am not good with forums to follow along. But trying to research stage 4 colon cancer.

Hello Martin, it's great to hear from you. I am so happy you are having such wonderful adventures and are doing so well with your health. It sounds like the physical exercise is really agreeing with you. I've been doing well for the most part and had my CT scan last month. My oncologist said I am now cancer free, but of course, they will monitor me every so many months. I am due for my colonoscopy in October I believe, and then will have another CT scan in either November or December. My main problem has been the weight that I gained while taking the Xeloda, and even though I have been finished with it for over almost two months, I still fluctuate and gain more weight despite my watching what I eat. I am now working with a nutritionist and my oncologist said that most people do gain weight with the Xeloda and it will take some time for it to balance out. Did you by chance have any issues with gaining weight when you were taking it? I meet with my rheumatologist this coming Friday, so I'll see if he has any suggestions since he manages my autoimmune issues. I should follow your examples of staying more active. My work keeps me super busy, but I am grateful that I work from home. I have my own business doing sales prospecting for medical technology companies all over the U.S. and have been trying to grow the business so I can eventually hire a couple of people to do some of the work. I've been working on writing the content for my new website and then once that is up and live, then I will get rid of the old one which is very outdated. It's so hard to believe that we are almost into August. It's has been very hot here in the southwest but at least it's drier than where I came from when I lived on the east coast. I do hope you will continue to feel well and continue to enjoy the rest of the summer. Please keep me posted on how things go with your upcoming tests and I will send positive energy your way. Wishing you all good things, Lee

Hi Lee
Now that we are discussing non-cancer related topics such as holidays and business interests, (but how nice that we can do this), I wonder if communicating via LinkedIn or email might be more appropriate than this forum? We can still use the forum to share our cancer treatment experiences for the benefit of others.
You should be able to find me on LinkedIn.
Best wishes
Martin

Hi Martin, I am so very sorry about your friend's new diagnosis. I will keep him in my prayers and hope he will find some help through the forum, and I'm sure your friendship will give him even greater comfort.

Oh wow! Small world. After college I started working in medical book publishing in editing, copywriting, marketing and advertising, and then worked in magazine publishing in circulation for several years after that. I really enjoyed it and had learned so much. I'm glad your business is doing well, and I wish you the very best with it going forward.

How nice that you are planning to be in the states in October. I am originally from the Philadelphia area and was born in Washington DC. I have lived in various states since I work from home, including Massachusetts for a short time. If you have time, Cape Cod is very nice. I have never been to Maine, but have thought about going there and also to Vermont at some point. You can also go onto the Chamber of Commerce websites for the areas you will be in, and they most likely will have some travel information listed. It's a shame I am not on the east coast anymore, or I would have loved to come up and meet you and your family in person. Who knows, maybe someday I will get to the U.K. I have never been there and would love to explore the many sites and countries of Europe.

Are you by chance listed on LinkedIn or FaceBook? I am on LinkedIn for my business and just use FaceBook for personal stuff with family and friends--not too often, as it's not really my cup of tea as they say. When my website is finished, I will send you the link so you can give me your feedback. I am writing all of the content, and a good friend of mine who is very experienced in the tech field is going to help me get the site on Word Press. It will take some time, as I am busy working most of the time.

I will be thinking of you and am sending lots of positive energy your way for your upcoming appointments and tests. Let me know how it all goes when you get a chance.

Yes, let's definitely keep in touch my friend. Wishing you and your family safe travels during your upcoming adventures.

Cheers! Lee