Xeloda and HFS

[ndastrogal]

For those on this treatment and experiencing hand foot syndrome, any advice on good/comfortable shoes to wear? My feet burn when walking and just hate to give it up. Thanks in advance.

[Rbeth]

I used Udder cream for my hands and feet. I put white cotton socks on after I slather up at night. Now I am on Piqray and use Dove cream on my hands, feet and face. Piqray has done miracles. My cancer in my duodenum is gone. I still have it in my rectum. Side effects are diarrhea 3 to 5 times a day and my glucose needs to be monitored. I can handle this. It’s 3:47am and I just had diarrhea. Oh well, I’ll sleep late. Get a good heating pad. I have them all over. Be well. Reenie

[AnnieAppleseed in reply to Rbeth]

Activated charcoal (available at most drug stores) and/or Clove tea, may help with diarrhea. Good wishes.

[AnnieAppleseed]

Diabetes shoes exist, all soft. Also ask doc to CUT the DOSE. It has been shown that Xeloda was approved at too high a dose. It CAN be cut down. But ask. Also our all-volunteer cancer nonprofit has some evidence-based ideas here that may help. annieappleseedproject.org/w...

[Iwasborntodothis]

First of all my doc had me stop taking multi vitamins - he believes/has research that the folic acid makes the side effects worse. Second, my favorite shoes are Merril sandals or my Keens have been lifesavers and I wear them with socks and huge amount of bag balm. I walked about 20 miles during the week long course of a local golf tournament with this approach.

[Pbsoup]

This may sound counterintuitive, and I write this realizing it’s not possible for everyone, but exercise helps me a lot with HFS.

Maybe it’s the blood flow to my extremities? I splurged and bought a Peloton and a 20-30 min ride does wonders . Because you’re strapped to the pedals, you are pulling up not just pressing down on the feet, so it’s not too much pressure. I find it really helps with the pain and I get a good workout. Another benefit is I am less grumpy afterwards.

It’s kind of cult like, but I find myself looking forward to seeing my favorite instructors on the screen. I feel like I am letting them down if I slack off during a workout. Lol

Otherwise I bought a pair of super cushioned Nike running shoes with thick soles that have a lot of give when I walk. The uppers are a sort of mesh fabric so they don’t constrict the feet and breathe. Not sure the model. They are even vaguely chic (as in my 20 year old daughter didn’t roll her eyes) and like walking on clouds. There were a lot of running shoes with similar features in the store. I spent time trying on several pairs to get a balance of “cool middle aged lady vibe” and “happy feet”.

My daughter says ugly shoes and socks with sandals are in style right now. Who knew we could be trend setters in our dotage!

Also if it helps, I read somewhere that HFS may be a sign the drug is working. Not sure that’s entirely true, but It helps me grin through the discomfort.

[Gonnawin]

There was a thread maybe about a year ago from a member that was fairly long and had others' experience with hand foot syndrome. If you type hand foot in the search bar it should pull it up. I want to say it was Barbteeth that posted it but I'm not positive. Much of the older posts have lots of good info, and still do today.

[PJBinMI]

I have "foot issues" other than from treatment (long term spinal stenosis plus bad fractures/dislocation of left ankle from fall on the ice) The shoes I've found most comfortable are Orthofoot. I have both walking shoes and sandals. I have gotten Rx inserts from a couple of different podiatrists and only some of them have been helpful. There are alot of inserts sold in drug stores, on line and in some grocery stores. It's taken me some time to find some that are comfortable. A podiatrist could probably help you some with comfort. Our hands and feet are sure important!