Xeloda

Thanks Beth.

A friend with 2ndary bc is on Xeloda and has had a really good response with CA15.3 dropping from elevated values to well below 30.

How long do people stay on Xeloda?

Sorry - I thought you were quoting CA15.3

CA27-29 also measures the same protein and has similar normal range to CA15.3 (38 v/s 30). As usual, the upper limit of the range varies depending on the lab. One or the other tumor marker is ordered, typically not both. Although CA 27-29 may be more sensitive for breast cancer, its indications and limitations are similar toCA 15-3.

Sorry - I thought you were quoting CA15.3

CA27-29 also measures the same protein and has similar normal range to CA15.3 (38 v/s 30). As usual, the upper limit of the range varies depending on the lab. One or the other tumor marker is ordered, typically not both. Although CA 27-29 may be more sensitive for breast cancer, its indications and limitations are similar toCA 15-3.

I dont know if I have ever had the CA 15.3 test done.  I always have the CA27-29 test done.  So I am not sure what my levels on the other tests are.

I take xeloda 1 week on and 1 week off.  I started taking it this time in December 2013.  My hands are red and peeling and my feet are red and hard and cracked and I occasionally I get blisters on my heels.  My tumor marker numbers are still going down.  Last couple times it was 21.3, 20.3 then 19.0.   I feel great other than my feet and hand problems. I have a PET scan in a couple weeks, and hope to hear good news.  My dr says the numbers can change from day to day a little bit.  I had blood work once, and it was over 70 (not on the xeloda), then they re tested me a week later, and it was a little different.  I think it was 72.   I have been told uner 37 is good.  Although, my dr said mine isnt reliable to say if I do or dont have cancer still.   My friend who is cancer free now, for 7 years, just got tested, and her number is 16.8.  I guess that is normal.  Mine have been down to 16 at the lowest, and 105 at the highest, but not recently.  

I take xeloda 1 week on and 1 week off.  I started taking it this time in December 2013.  My hands are red and peeling and my feet are red and hard and cracked and I occasionally I get blisters on my heels.  My tumor marker numbers are still going down.  Last couple times it was 21.3, 20.3 then 19.0.   I feel great other than my feet and hand problems. I have a PET scan in a couple weeks, and hope to hear good news.  My dr says the numbers can change from day to day a little bit.  I had blood work once, and it was over 70 (not on the xeloda), then they re tested me a week later, and it was a little different.  I think it was 72.   I have been told uner 37 is good.  Although, my dr said mine isnt reliable to say if I do or dont have cancer still.   My friend who is cancer free now, for 7 years, just got tested, and her number is 16.8.  I guess that is normal.  Mine have been down to 16 at the lowest, and 105 at the highest, but not recently.  

thank you for your well wishes.  Good news, I saw the oncologist today & my tumours are showing reduced activity in all areas. 

my oncologist said that it was better than just being stable, which was what we were hoping for.

I will be staying on xeloda, & put up with the side effects as long as its working.  Iam on a reduce dose now and so far no burning feet.

Thank you to all the pink sisters who wished me well.

I've got everything crossed for you Wendy :)  I'm having a bone scan late next week and am positive all will good. Take care.