Switching from Faslodex to Xeloda

[CincinnatiExperience]

Hi All,

I hope your journeys will be easy this week.

I had my every-six-months CT scan a couple of weeks ago. The results were pretty good, but there seems to be some development in and about my liver. At my appointment this morning, the oncologist reported that he is switching me off the hormonal (Faslodex) and putting me on chemo (Xeloda). I know many of you have taken this path. If you have any suggestions, please share.

I am in wash-out for a couple of weeks (also known as, see if the insurance company will pay for it!) and not necessarily looking forward to this change and what it will do to ALL of my systems.

Stay positive!

Anne (in Cincinnati)

[stardust1965]

I’m sorry you have to change treatments. Faslodex never worked for me and I’ve just completed my first cycle of Capecitabine (Xeloda), so far with no side effects. I don’t have any suggestions but hope you stay well on this new treatment. Vicki

[Bettybuckets in reply to stardust1965]

I might not be far behind you… my onc keeps telling to get ready to be put in xeloda

[Rubyjude]

For me, Faslodex was the perfect treatment with no side effects. It also didn't work! I was moved to Xeloda and am about to embark on my fourth cycle. Tips - get a Urea cream (with 10% urea) and start moisturising your feet a couple of times a day. I use cotton trainer socks over my feet at night after I have moisturised to help the cream absorb overnight. If possible, nap when you need to or pace yourself when you get tired. Be aware of good oral hygiene. I thought my sore mouth was just one of the side effects of Xeloda and ignored it for a couple of days assuming it would resolve during the week off. Unfortunately it turned into severe oral thrush which made it difficult to eat and made me very tired (doc said the tiredness was due to my body fighting the infection). A week later and I feel good all round, ready to embark, after a week's delay, to embark on my next cycle. I am on a very high dosage of Xeloda (1650mg twice day which I think may be reduced. I have a three monthly scan this afternoon which I am hoping will show that the Xeloda is having a positive impact. Good luck.

[8576]

You have already gotten good advice. Xeloda didn't work for me. In fact it gave me an adverse reaction. So I can't give you any help with it. All you can do is try it and see if it works. Also get a second opinion if you are in doubt about your treatment.

Cheers, June S.