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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.
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I will be thinking about you and wishing you well. Please keep me posted. I am not sure of the exact date when I start the Xeloda but it is supposed to be right after Christmas. I believe it will be 1,650mg 2/day for 14 days, then off for 7 days. This is considered one cycle, and I have to follow this for 8 cycles. Since the pills come in 500mg and 150 mg, I am guessing that I will have to take 3 of the 500mg and 1 of the 150mg 2/day. Once I finish all the cycles, I will get a CT scan again to see how things are going. It's an emotional roller coaster ride to say the least. Take care!
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1 ReactionHello. It seems we will be having slightly different treatments but look forward to comparing experiences. I start with an infusion on 15 December then pills twice a day for 15 days, then 7 days holiday and then the whole process starts again for a total period I understand of around 3 months.
Hi Colleen. Many thanks for explaining the differences between Xeloda and Xelox, and for linking me to others who have had Xelox.
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2 ReactionsHi Colleen, I appreciate your explaining that information, and will definitely review the other discussion. It's nice to know people in this group share information and try to help each other.
Thanks so much!
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2 ReactionsHello, 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.
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2 ReactionsWelcome @leed2022. I'm glad you've connected with @martin77.
Xeloda is the brand name for capecitabine and Xelox is a chemo combination of capecitabine and oxaliplatin.
@pgf @mallika58 @wifemom3 @canfriend may have Xeloda and colorectal cancer experiences to share.
Martin, fellow members @lunaluna10 @firepowr and @robertkerr have had Xelox, the capecitabine and oxaliplatin combo.
Hello. I'm also Stage 3 and just about to start on Xelox, which I guess is similar? I had 23 lymph nodes removed, one of which had cancer cells (the one nearest the tumour). Perhaps we can compare notes on how we progress?
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