Cap

[Iwouldlike2knowmore]

Hello , I have been off Capceitibine 8 days now and every day it is nausea and diahrrea and can, t eat good. is this normal. Helena

[Hidden]

Same with me. First cycle went ok. But my second cycle I developed major stomach problems. I stopped taking Cape two days before my off week and now on my 3rd day on the off week l still can't eat anything. Nauseous after eating even a banana and still having major pressure on my colon. I don't even dare leaving the house. My onc is out of town till Monday, so no help there either. I'm on 3,000/day. I just hope I can continue taking it on a lower dose, as I feel it helps me, especially with pleural effusion.This is quite the rough chemo pill for some as I understand from previous posts.

Not much help or advice, I know, but you're not alone.

Anja

[Barbteeth]

Hi thereI’m on the same medication as you and have suffered dreadfully with nausea and lack of appetite...I’m on one week on and one week off and it’s the same whichever I’m currently on

I told my oncologist that I can’t cope like this and asked fir a prescription for a low dose of dexamethasone to which she agreed

After a few days on these I’m a different woman...my appetite is back with a vengeance and the nausea completely gone...stopped the antiemetic

I know there are side effects from steroids but the dose of 2mg once a day is low and there’s an option to reduce even further...my GP is investigating what will suit me best

I really do sympathise with you...nausea is the worst thing ever and I used to actually dread waking up knowing what the day had in store...eating and enjoying food is one of life’s pleasures after all and necessary for good health

I’m not a doctor ( retired dentist actually!) but I think it’s worth asking about...sorry if I sound bossy

All the best

Barb xx

[Iwouldlike2knowmore in reply to Barbteeth]

Barb, I have been off this for 8 days , I don't understand why i am so sick. I will be calling my oncologist monday morning. Thanks Helena

[queeneee in reply to Iwouldlike2knowmore]

You may have tried this...root ginger in hot water (add lemon and honey if you like) is good for anti-sickness and is an appetite stimulant.

[Barbteeth in reply to Iwouldlike2knowmore]

I wear sea bands all the time...they’re for travel sickness really but they do help a lot...I first tried them after radiotherapy and they helped tremendously Worth a try

Also Diet Coke settles my stomach...not healthy but who cares...anything to get rid of nausea

Barb xx

[Split in reply to Iwouldlike2knowmore]

Have you been tested for DPD enzyme deficiency before taking Capecitabine? I copy from Cancer UK site: “Having a deficiency in the DPD enzyme could make the side effects of certain chemotherapy drugs worse...This group of drugs are called fluoropyrimidines. Examples include 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and capecitabine”. It is worth talking to your oncologost about this test. If you don’t have deficiency your dose should be lowered. Best of luck!