ANOTHER HICCUP

Hi Tracey

Go for the Xeloda, I've only had a few minor side effects and if they occur they can tweak the dose to control them.

I originally was E+, P+ and HER2-. I had chemo before mastectomy and then radiotherapy. Started on Arimidex but noticed a rash developing just outside radiated area, switched to Aromasin while biopsies were done on the rash. Turns out that I was hormone refractory and would not respond to the AI's, tumour markers climbing. Biopsies came back E-, P- and HER2 -. Thought this meant I was now Triple Negative, I'm not, but the treatment is similar. Cannot access the targeted treatments, AI's or Herceptin, just  chemotherapies.

I originally took 4,000mg a day of Xeloda and went through 3 cycles of 14 days on, 7 days off. Had medium Hand Foot syndrome, fingertips peeling and very sensitive and soles of feet peeling in thick strips, like a snake shedding its skin. Gross part is leaving strips of skin in bed and socks. Tweaked the dose at cycle 4 to 3,500mg a day (4 tabs in morning, 3 tabs at night) and have just started cycle 5. Tumour markers CA 15-3 are down to 20 and scans are clear for liver, lungs and brain so Xeloda is working for me. Have a bone met at L4, have Bondronat monthly for this.

My fingers and feet are still affected, think this is remaining from the first 3 cycles, they are gradually improving on the slightly lower dose. I have never had fatigue or  diarrhoea, although Oncologist insisted I have the script filled for anti-diarrhoea medication before I started the Xeloda. I laugh every time I complain of constipation to her!!! You should get a gift pack with first Xeloda prescription and lots of information. Use the Moo Goo for hands and feet every day, I got slack and ended up with Hand Foot syndrome.

Dose can be tweaked to control side effects and women in America are often put on the 7 day on, 7 day off treatment when all else fails.

Hope Xeloda treats you well, I feel great on it.

With love

Joy K