has anyone had this?
 

saw onc today. of course we discussed my inability to tolerate xeloda. last attempt was 2000mg daily. she wants me to have the 5 FU/capecitabine toxicity test. hutchick suggested this and i asked about it. my confusion came when the office manager was filling out the tons of paperwork...she kept repeating that this is a full genetic test and everything about my dna would be analyzed. this was not my understand and quite frankly i never wanted dna testing. i've gone to the website and according to this the test is just for analysis of the DPYD and TYMS genes. so should i assume that this woman just did not know what she was talking about? wondering also if medicare will pay for it. thanks, gm

hmmmm - I don't know anything about the actual test and what it entails. I would call the woman back and get some clarity and tell her what you learned on the website and even direct her to the website. Also, talk to your onc before you sign off on anything that you don't want to do. Tell the onc that you did not understand it would be such a detailed test. It has happened in my clinic that the scheduler did not understand what the doc was ordering...

They (clinic insurance/business office) should be able to determine up front if it is covered under medicare. If you have a medicare supplement, it may also pay for it.

thanks brenda...i think tomorrow i might just call the company...they have a 800 #. this office manager is a sweetheart but very strongwilled and insistent on what is what. i felt much better after reading the entire website. thanks again...i'll let you know. gm

well i talked to the lab that does the test today and yes it is only for the genes that would show if i have the enyzme or not. i can't seem to find anyone else who has had this test. am i that unusual. i rather not be. gm

has anyone had this?
 

Hi,
I never took Xeloda or 5 Fu, but I read that some people are lacking an enzyme that is needed for it to work properly in the body. If I had your problem I would see if I could get the test. Take care.

yes elaine, i'm having the test tomorrow...thanks

You're not unusual, as I originally heard about it from a doc in CA who had experienced this issue... but I don't know that a whole lot of docs are truly aware of this test.