Xeloda side effects
Posted on: Wed, 03/12/2008 - 19:49
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Xeloda side effects
Hi
I am new to the site and would like to ask some advice. I have just finished my third cycle of a 8 cycle course of Xeloda tablets. I was to have chemo through a Hickman line but due to an infection had to have the line taken out. Some people may find my query strange but I am having no side effects so far on the tablets and feel very well. Has anyone else experienced this? I am worried that the tablets are not working, though my Oncologist has assured me they are (my white cell count is apparently low but not low enough to stop the tablets). I did wake up last week feeling very dizzy which in turn made me sick but I wondered if it was because my blood pressure was low. The sickness only lasted a short time but the dizzyness remained for 24 hrs.
I also am having physio on my neck because damage was done when I was under the anaesthetic. Has anyone experienced this as well - my physio says it is common after operations? You would think they would be a bit more careful wouldn't you as I think getting over an op to remove a large part of your colon is enough to recuperate from without the pain in the neck and shoulder as well! Hope someone can help - everyone seems so friendly and supportive on this site.
Jean
Hi,
I was on xeloda for 35 days (including weekends) while I was having pelvic radiotherapy 25 sessions.
I felt the same and expected to be really ill but I was fine.
Got the palmer planters syndrome midly which effects your hands and feet, but no sickness or nausea, didn't feel tired although went to bed for a couple of hours after radiotherapy every day.
I wondered if it was working, but when I got my scan results there was an improvement.
Had side effects from the radiotherapy mostly after I finished for about a week., finished 2 months ago feel great now, but going in for a stoma op on monday and will be ill again for ages!!!
Its really annoying when you feel well and know the treatment will make you poorly!!!
Good Luck
Jo x
Hi Jean
I've been on Xeloda constantly for the past two years (as I have liver secondaries) and up to now it has worked extremely well for me although my oncologist is thinking that it's not working as effectively as it was but I have other things going on as well so I think she's waiting to see the outcome of my MRI and lumber puncture.
I have not had any symptoms and I've been really lucky with regards the hand and feet syndrome - my feet just get a bit dry but nothing like a lot of people experience.
I think I'm on about my 36th cycle!
Good luck and I hope you continue to feel well on it.
Sheena
Hi Jo & Sheena
Thanks for taking the time to reply and give some positive support. Jo - I do hope your op on Monday goes ok. It's so true to say that it's terrible when it's the treatment that makes you poorly! I thought I was getting the palmer planters syndrone but it turned out to be just cracked skin from the cold weather (so far - there's plenty of time yet I suppose!) Sheena - When are you having your MRI scan. It is always terrible waiting for the results isn't it? If I could improve one aspect of cancer care it would be to speed up the time it takes to get the results to the patient.
Keep in touch
Jean X
Hi Jean
I had my MRI scan today which took an hour and three quarters as they did my full spine and head so am glad to have got that out the way!
I had to be canulated as well which is the first time with an MRI scan but it was for my brain. Apart from the noise of the machine I don't have a lot of problems with an MRI scan - just keep my eyes firmly closed!!
I should get my results next Friday as my oncologist is really good at not keeping patients waiting so I'm quite lucky in that respect.
Hope everything is okay with you.
x
Sheena