Next step? Update from Dr. Javle

hi cindy, i hope you are doing well with the oxiliplatin/xeloda. my sister has had a hard time with it from the beginning. her side effects have been severe and started immediately after the first infusion. after her first appointment we were leaving and she took a sip of water that wasnt even cold and immediately she couldnt breathe. they had to take her back into the office and get her stabilized. when she touches something below room temperature her hands cramp up and she has to massage them to get them moving. one time she went outside for a walk and her eyes actually shut and she couldnt get them open. she had to put her arms over her face until it got warm enough and they opened. for the first day or two after infusion she is almost paralyzed. her movements are extremely slow. after that those side effects subside but she still has the nausea. it has been very difficult. she has had two rounds so far. she was suppossed to have round three on monday but they have given her an extra week off because she is having a lot of pain in her stomach. dr isnt sure if it is a side effect or it could be a hernia. they did a ct scan and we are waiting for the results. since you had your first infusion last friday it sounds like you didnt have the reaction she had which is great. i hope you will continue to have success with little discomfort from this combo.

hi tiffany,
i am sorry you are having some problems. as far as xeloda goes here is what i can tell you. my sister is currently taking xeloda and oxiliplatin. the xeloda she takes a pill twice a day every day for two weeks and than one week off. the most notable side effects she is having are cracking of her hands and feet and sores in her mouth. use plenty of cream even prior to starting the medication to help with the cracking. as for the mouth problem they say to suck on ice chips but we dont know if it is a reaction to the xeloda or oxiliplatin but she can not tolerate any thing cold. also, my father in law has colon cancer and thy have prescribed xeloda. his oncologist told us about the side effects mentioned but added that even in spite of that it is one of most tolerable of chemos. if there can be such a thing.
take care of yourself.