Xeloda -- foot care
Hi Xeloda users! This might not be news, but it was news to me so I thought I'd post it. I've been taking Xeloda for nearly five years, so have tried many potions and pastes on my feet to keep them walkable. For the last couple of months I've been using emulsifying ointment PB (paraffin wax with no flavours, colours or smells) with success; there has been less swelling and redness, no cracking and bleeding, and less peeling. I've been able to walk kilometres instead of just metres, so I'm really pleased! I was so confident that I tried some sexy boots but that was a setback after a night out, so it's back to the soft lace-ups, but my feet are still so much better. Hope it helps others too.
Hand and Foot syndrome from chemo (peeling & flaking of skin, sometimes cutting into flesh)
A buddy with TNBC is visiting from Vic & mentioned that she'd heard of a trial where Voltaren/Diclofenac gel was used on patients undergoing Xeloda chemo (which often causes hand & foot syndrome) and it actually REDUCES the amount and severity of the peeling & cracking of skin, particularly if used twice daily BEFORE the syndrome starts - by 75%! If the skin peels & flakes (often in slabs), it can cause the flesh to 'split' and even bleed .... so better to stop it before it starts, if you can. I wish I'd known that when hubby was on the treatment - as he had severe H&F syndrome! :( Check out the document here: https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/diclofenac-prevents-hand-foot-syndrome If you DO have peeling/flaking of feet (in particular) - get checked out by a podiatrist - do NOT try & 'peel' the skin off, as that can cause bleeding & intense pain - even infections, which you don't want! The podiatrist has special tools to remove the peeling skin & smooth off the edges .... and they can advise on other treatments too. It is VERY important, if you are a diabetic - to maintain good foot health.