Capectabine/Xeloda

[BangorBelle56]

I have started my second cycle of Xeloda and am gutted that I already have an excruciating blister on my little toe. I know my feet were not starting from a good place after months on Taxol, but I started with Udderly cream weeks before Xeloda hoping to stopproblems happening. Walking every day is my way of relaxing (and burning calories).Any advice re. Foot problems. I used to hear people complain about foot problems and thought, can’t be that bad, but it is. Can’t go back to Taxol until November. Help please so worried I am going to die if I can’t stick this treatment. 😢

[barbarac76]

Hi.

Sorry to hear you're suffering from hand/foot syndrome. Like you, I experienced blistering, but after making some changes, I haven't had them. My feet (and now hands) get intensely red by the end of my "on" cycle, but it's bearable.

I've been on Xeloda for one year. Here are some of the things I've done:

1. Reduce activities that cause friction with the feet - this was a hard one for me, as it sounds like it will be for you - I had to significantly reduce the amount of walking and hiking I did. I used to walk hours a day, now I limit myself to 1/2 hour to 1 hour.

2. I bought sneakers with a wider width. This helped with the blisters.

3. After a walk or cardio exercise, I soak my feet in cold water.

4. I use Udderly Smooth (ExtraCare 20 - it contains Urea) twice a day.

5. Finally, my oncologist reduced my dose by 500mg (3,000 to 2,500 - 1500mg in am, 1000mg in pm) when the blisters started.

Also, the protocol at my cancer center is 7 days on, 7 days off. They have found this to be the best schedule for reducing side effects. I don't think I could go an 8th day. By day #7, my feet need a break.

Hope things get better for you and I hope you have a long run on Xeloda. Aside from the hand/foot syndrome, it's been one of the easier treatments I've had.

Barbara

[BangorBelle56 in reply to barbarac76]

Thank you very much Barbara that is such good advice x

[BangorBelle56 in reply to barbarac76]

Was just looking at your profile and see you have not mentioned what your mets are. Do you mind me asking?

[barbarac76 in reply to BangorBelle56]

No, not at all.

My MBC (ER+, HER2 negative) is in my lungs, many lymph nodes, and T9 vertebrae. It advanced to my liver after Ibrance/Faslodex ran its course, but has since resolved since being on Xeloda.

While on Xeloda, a mass developed in my healthy breast, which is ER+, HER2 positive. Being treated with Herceptin for that mass.

[BangorBelle56 in reply to barbarac76]

Thanks once again x

[Hidden]

Try Compede blister plasters. We have them here in the UK. Not sure where you live. Also, soak your feet in a little tea tree oil and warm water. It’s a great antiseptic and healer. Hope this helps.

[BangorBelle56 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks I am using the compede Plasters already. I live in N Ireland so they are easy to source. Thank you for your advice x

[Duffles]

Hi. Just finished my first cycle of Xeloda. I take 1000 mg twice a day. My oncologist said to minimize those hand and foot effects and it has. I have many bone Mets and had spine surgery...and fractures on one side so don’t walk much...maybe that’s the reason I only have a little burning in feet? Good luck to you...I dread all the side effects!

[BangorBelle56]

Thanks I take 2150 twice a day.

[winterbliss]

This is my 2nd time on xeloda. The first time my feet blistered and it was hard to walk. I then was on Ibrance for 4 years. Now am back on xeloda. I had fear going into it. I have been slathering lotion (mango shea butter) on my feet and wearing socks to bed which has helped. I am also on 2 weeks on and 1 week off. Will your oncologist postpone your next round to allow your feet to heal? Ask if you can shorten the time (2 on - 1 off or 1 on - 1 off) on or reduce the mg. My oncologist was very open to this.

I hope your feet heal quickly.

[BangorBelle56]

Thank you so much for your reply. I have emailed my oncologist and asked if I could do one week on one week off. best wishes 😊

[MacroMom]

I was on Xeloda for 7 months and I think all of Barbara's suggestions are great. I love walking too and found soaking in cold water after walking especially helpful. In addition, my naturopathic oncologist suggested B6 (300mg, once a day) to help minimize the hand/foot syndrome. I was on 1300mg twice a day, 7 days on, 7 days off, so 2150mg sounds quite high to me. Maybe you can get a temporary reduction until that blister clears up.

Wishing you all the best!

[BangorBelle56 in reply to MacroMom]

Thank you so much for the advice. x

[MMMP]

I was on for 3 years and yes had to deal with the feet. But Xeloda is great drug! The key is to find a dose that works for you! I did 7 days on and 7 days off. I wore a lot off sandals. Wishing you the best.

[BangorBelle56]

Thanks so much. 😁

[lilybank]

I'm going on these Inbrance failed got tumour at the base of one of the optic nerves just waiting to get to queens London for poss let's hope gamma knife then I'm on timing again I was allergic to taxol in 2008 so god knows help hope your better it's a few days ago you posted being a newby as such on it would be lovely if you could message me so much over the last 2 months like you it's like a whirlwind on steroids making me mad as a box of frogs and for the tumour pain oramorph as high as a kite !!! Least I'm in a world of my own family already think I'm a bid mad ha ha sure they love me x thanks

[Teddielottie]

Glad you have had some good advice on here and I just wanted to wish you well . I know how important walking is for you and you are in such a great setting for such walks . My daughter is visiting her grandad for a few days and she sent the most amazing pics yesterday from a coastal guided walk she did yesterday near Larne (The Gobbins) on a beautiful sunny day ! Wishing I was there too to see the waves crashing on the rocks with a beautiful blue sky ! I am starting a new hobby here... got myself a hybrid e-bike and it’s so easy to cycle when have power assistance , so it will be countryside rides locally for me here . But hoping to get back to the coast of Northern Ireland in the Summer ! Take care ! x

[BangorBelle56]

So glad your daughterEnjoyed The Gobbins. We are truly blessed with our walks . I live on the other side of the lough .I can see Carrickfergus castle from my kitchen window(with binoculars). Feel very blessed to be able to lookout at the sea when I am stuck in the house at times. Enjoy your bike. I have one of the original ones which are not as powerful, plus the hills round here are hard work. 😀