Starting new chemo.

Pam… I want to believe that the treatment has slowed down some of the cancerous lesions in Lauren’s liver and that the Oxaliplatin & Xeloda will take care of the rest. And for us – please don’t give it a second thought – this is about Lauren, you, and your entire family. You do not need the added stress of keeping us informed. You must know that we are here to support you – always – and that we are thrilled to hear from you whenever you are ready to do so. Know that a tidal wave of love and good wishes are heading your way.
Hugs,
Marion

PAm and Lauren,
I was on Xeloda for 5 weeks and was overcome with tiredness, some days I would sleep 16 hours, but I felt that whilst sleeping my body could concentrate on healing. I took high calorie food supplements to ensure I wa getting sufficient energy to cope. I hope the new treatment works well for Lauren. God bless xx

Sandie

Pam -I did Xeloda for 6 months (8 pills twice a day) and had no side effects. Pam, my family also discouraged this site when we were fighting, but people just don’t understand how even the bad news makes you feel so not alone. I have posted many times the one thing cancer taught me was “until you walk a mile in there shoes”!!
Lots of prayers for Lauren-Cathy

Pam and Lauren:
I’ve been on both. Wen I was on oxaliplatin I only had the tumor and an enlarged lymph node that they weren’t too concerned about. The oxy kicked the $%^^ out of the tumor and the lymph node shrunk down to normal size. It does cause neuropathy, tho, and I am finally feeling my feet to almost the balls of my feet. My heels have feeling back in them. It’s like they are asleep and tingly. Hard to feel stuff. So you have to watch for cuts, etc. But it beats the alternative. It also made me nauseous for a day or 2. And I had to wear gloves to go in the fridge.
Sorry, Lauren, but you’re going to have to learn to drink room temperature drinks a few days after treatment!!
And the Xeloda caused hand/foot syndrome. That is kinda painful, red and the hands and feet can peel. I used Eucerin with Urea constantly. Slathered it on and mostly kept it under control. The tumor didn’t like the Xeloda either.
I think what they are doing is a very aggressive treatment option.
I’ve been praying that you got good news, and am sorry that it was not…. I pray that the tumors get clobbered by the oxy and the xeloda. They attack different cell structured tumors so I’m thinking it’s a smart move.
Oh, and if your insurance has a high copay for Xeloda, call Genentech. They will help you with the copays.
Love and hugs,
Kris

Pam

So so sorry to hear this news but Lauren is young and that is a big plus and she sounds like such a strong and positive person. I have just finished 5 cycles of Xeloda plus 3 other chemo meds…I can tell you I had no side effects from the Xeloda I did experience hand/foot syndrome but I’m not sure if it was from the the Xeloda or the Nexavar it is listed as side effects for both. I will tell you though that you will want to get out ahead of it…my feet and hands turned red…got rock hard on the soles then cracked and peeled it made it very painful to walk for a few days. I was sent from Nexavar a cream that contains Urea and socks that were all cotton and very padded. They both made me a little more comfortable. Slap that cream on every chance she gets it will help. Good news is the pain was usually gone in about 2-3 days and I was only left with the peeling. I hope this new chemo zaps those tumors and that in time Lauren will be able to have that resection! Praying for you and Lauren.
Nancy