Xeloda

Hi. I have been on xeloda for nearly a year and mets in bones have been pretty much stable since. I also have problems with feet and hands but small price to pay even though it can be quite annoying at times. I get regular supplies of Moo Goo udder cream from my local pharmacy. Should have shares in their company by now too!! My cancer markers have never registered in bloods so oncologist just relies on symptoms and scans as indicators. Hoping xeloda works for many more months.

"Moo Goo" is the Australian alternative to the US udder cream.

Here's their web-site: http://www.moogoo.com.au/

Their facebook page says they're currently setting up a site for their US customers in California as follows:

We are lucky to have a few very loyal American online customers of MooGoo. They order from us even though it takes over a week to get there and the shipping costs more. Makes us pretty proud of what we make actually that they go to so much trouble. But to make it easier and faster for them, one of the herd went to the US this week to scout a spot to set up a little outpost. That way it will be less expensive and faster for our US fans to get their orders. It was great! It’s summer! We have found a spot(close to a beach of course) and also a wonderful person to represent us there.

I'm trying to understand how tumour markers, particularly CA 15.3, are used as a treatment indicator but can't get a grip on them despite lots of researching on them.

What would help is if anyone who is in partial or complete remission and who got into the normal range (ie below 30 on CA15.3) could post their numbers for that period or periods.
For example:
CA15.3 prior to treatment = 150.
Started Xeloda for liver mets; 2 on 1 off 3 weekly cycle and blood tested in 3rd week.
CA15.3: 100,70,50,30,26,22,15,14,12,12,20,50,200, 100, 50....
Meds changed at 50 to XXXXXX

I have my pet scan on the 21st with results on the 28th.  I wonder what the drs do when the scans come back with no cancer.  Do they keep you on the xeloda?  Or reduce the dose?   I have not heard of Moo Goo.  I wonder where I can get it.  I have been using udder cream,  and bag balm.  They both work pretty good.  My feet and hands need something.  If I dont put anything on them,  they really hurt.

I have my pet scan on the 21st with results on the 28th.  I wonder what the drs do when the scans come back with no cancer.  Do they keep you on the xeloda?  Or reduce the dose?   I have not heard of Moo Goo.  I wonder where I can get it.  I have been using udder cream,  and bag balm.  They both work pretty good.  My feet and hands need something.  If I dont put anything on them,  they really hurt.

talking about xeloda,

I have been on xeloda since September last year. I have problems with my feet towards the end of each cycle.I think I should have shares in the Moo Goo company, with the amount of cream I have been through. Some times I have had to have an extra week off the tablets between cycles so my feet can recover.  I think it is worth while as my mets have stayed stable all this year.  My tumour markers blood test does not vary very much but my oncologist is not concerned as long as the scans are ok

Wendy 67

talking about xeloda,

I have been on xeloda since September last year. I have problems with my feet towards the end of each cycle.I think I should have shares in the Moo Goo company, with the amount of cream I have been through. Some times I have had to have an extra week off the tablets between cycles so my feet can recover.  I think it is worth while as my mets have stayed stable all this year.  My tumour markers blood test does not vary very much but my oncologist is not concerned as long as the scans are ok

Wendy 67

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.