gemzar plus 5fu radiation after resection

I had Xeloda with concurrent radiation for 6 weeks, which started 8 weeks post op. The Xeloda schedule was 6 weeks straight with no break other than weekends. By the 3rd week I had stomach distress, diagnosed as
erosion, slight bleeding. Had to stop Xeloda 2 weeks to heal stomach but continued radiation. I finished treatment 5 weeks ago and am feeling great. My appetite is almost back to normal, tasting things I thought tasted bad or had no taste before. Please ask about cardiac evaluation prior to treatment. Radiation and chemo is hard on your body and I discovered during the course of treatment I developed mild calcification of the aortic valve and a slight mitral valve problem. This from comparing the echo cardiogram done prior to surgery with the echo done 5 weeks into treatment. My wife suggested I see the cardiologist because my blood pressure, which normally is high was LOW without BP mediation.
Investigate any and all discomfort / new symptoms and signs of problems
immediately. In the case of the cardiac problem, most don’t see the cardiologist until they have symptoms from the problem, fortunate I discovered mine early. With this knowledge I decided NOT to take the recommended 2nd round of chemo which would be infused Gemzar.
my best to you and your family.
regards, Ray / North carolina