Chemo-pause on Xeloda...yes or no?

jml · 07-20-2009, 01:43 PM

Hi Friends~
So I woke up this morning to a very surprising discovery...my period.
I felt like I was 12yo all over again - surprised to see
what I saw, happy once I realized what it was, then confused about what to do.
I haven't had my cycle in ~ 1yr, as I have been on almost continuous treatment and experiencing other medical complications that knocked my cycle out again.
I stopped Gemzar/Herceptin in March. I had a ~2month chemobreak, but started back on Xeloda/Tykerb 5weeks ago.
And today my period showed up.
So now I'm confused...But still somehow happy & amazed over the tenacity of my little ovaries!
I thought certainly after 7 years of almost continuous treatment, in chemopause for most of that time & out for only short intervals, that by this time everything down/in there would be fried or atrophied.
I thought any/all chemos pushed you into chemo-pause?

I'm er-/pr- negative, so have never needed hormonal therapies. I emailed my NP to ask if this was normal, or anything to be alarmed about & she just said "sorry you have to deal with menstrual issues in addtion to tykerb GI issue too..." so I'm gathering she's not worried.

I'm actually happy (in spite of feeling bloated, puffy & everything in side my pelvis feels sour, like a rotten apple).
I've never truly mourned the loss of my potential to have kids, as I was diagnosed @33 & told that I would be on chemo for the rest of my life and would never be allowed to get pregnant.
(Grrrr!I hated that doctor for saying that to me!)
In spite of her, I have continued to hope against hope to prove her wrong!

Anyway, just wondering what your experiences might be?

Keep the Faith~

Jml

Faith in Him · 07-20-2009, 04:09 PM

Hi,

I am on Xeloda & Tykerb and have periods also. I did not on Gemzar. I was amazed too at the body's ability to bounce back. I also have much thicker hair than when I was on Gemzar. I used to have a bald spot at the back of my head that I had to try to cover up. Xeloda has been a good drug for me. I hope it is for you as well.

Tonya