Xeloda for colon cancer - Scared about side effects and need support
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.
What is the other treatment?
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!
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!
Hi Lisa, I think Martin's reply makes sense, and you just have to scroll back to the beginning of the thread. You can also ask the moderator for help if you get stuck or have trouble. There may also be a specific thread and posts under a heading for stage 4. What has your experience been so far? Wishing you the very best on your situation and will keep you in my prayers. The key is to follow your doctor's instructions and stay positive. We all know it's hard, but you are not alone. We are all here to help, so feel free to ask questions and share your concerns. Take care and let us know how things are going. Sending hugs your way. Lee
Hello lisaf64
If you scroll back to the beginning of this thread and click on Colorectal Cancer Support Groùp this will take you to lots of other threads, some of which may be particularly relevant to Stage 4.
In the case of leed2022 and myself we were diagnosed around the same time at stage 2/3 level and had similar treatment and so we found it good to compare experiences. My thread is entitled 'My journey with rectal cancer. What's your experience? '.
Best of luck.
Martin
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 again, Yes I agree about finding another way to communicate non health-related issues. In order to find each other on LinkedIn, I would need your last name and perhaps the name of your business to distinguish you from other people that may also have the same name. My name on LinkedIn is Lee Dill. My business name is Leed Research, but it's better to go under my name for more recent activity. Hope to connect soon.
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