mouth sores & hand/foot syndrome-am on Xeloda

[Hope]

What you ladies do for mouth sores. Also, those on Xeloda, what do you do for hand/foot syndrome. Xeloda is causing me side effects, I had never gotten with other chemos. Need help.
Onc. put me on Celebrex and Vitamin B6 for hand/food syndrome. I also heard about Udder Creme. I have been using, but still bottom of feet and hands red,painful and hot. I have been gargling salt water, no help. Today, I went to drug store and bought over the counter- Orabase, which has Benzocaine to numb the pain. It helps, but wears off easily. Any new ideas? Please post. Thanks.

[Linda in TX]

Hi Hope,

First, let me thank you for your reply to my post! We are going to rescan in 2 months to see if the N/H is helping or not then will go on to the xeloda.
When I was doing taxol and again with taxotere I had a minor problem with mouth sores. I brushed with Arm and Hammer Baking soda tooth paste for sensitive teeth, then gargled with baking soda and warm water. I also read someone post that if you would nibble on crushed ice during your infusion it would lessen the possibility of the mouth sores. I did that too and coincidental, or not, I didn't have a problem with the mouth sores anymore. I also ate alot of yogurt (another suggestion from a post.) I hope the side effects get better for you and that the treatment is successful!

Linda

[Patty H]

My nurses always ask if I had mouth sores, they have something to give for it. As for the foot +hand thing, they usually take you off the xeloda for a short period and then put you back at a lesser dose. Even after being off the xeloda for a month now, the end of my fingers are peeling. I also ended up with blisters on the end of some of my toes. The soreness on my feet through my balance off a bit too. I never had any problems with side effects from other chemo, but the xeloda really knocked me off my feet. Patty H

[Kathie in New Jersey]

I just got taken off of the Xeloda due to it being too toxic for me. I too have been on Taxol, Herceptin, Navelbine and never had the ill effects that Xeloda did to me. I am off of it for two weeks now and still am experiencing it's effects. I've had such diarhea, mouth sores and now have cracking on the bottom of my feet. Perhaps it is too toxic for you

Kathie

[Rozebud]

I chewed on ice during adria and never got them, but have them now with taxotere. I haven't tried the baking soda/salt solution, but my dr. prescribed me something called (I swear this is what it says on the label) "Magic Mouth Wash". Other than the fact it is cherry, it is great - numbs your mouth and is helping with the sores. It says mfg: alapharma - don't know if that's the generic name or manufacturer. I didn't think my sores were that bad, but they wanted to give it to me to prevent them from getting worse. Don't have any advice on the other. Good luck!

[Velva]

My onc prescribed DNB solution you swish & swallow before meals & before bed. Works great. Mostly had mouth sores when on Taxotere Hercptin. I am on a 3 wk break from Xeloda for Hand/foot syndrome -hands got red, but feet peeled & all of my calluses came off left a small open wound on bottom of foot & lost 3 toenails. I had toe surgery on both feet today-bunions hammertoes 2ndary to arthritis, guess I'm crazy, but onc said it was OK. I've been needing it done for 2 yrs., but always on chemo. I will start Xeloda in a week or 2, probably a lower dose. Good luck to you on getting some relief, try the DNB.

[Irene from Tampa]

I have been on Xeloda for seven months now (dose-2750)My onc says that is a mild dose but I have painful foot/hand problems. No mouth sores but my finger nails are very tried underneath the nail and tips of my fingers. I have to keep my nails short and forever dropping things.My finger tips are very sore. As for my feet, I walk very guarded and they feel as if they are burned and very sensitive. My heals are all cracked and dried and am now having problems under some of my nails. Seem to be lifting and oozing. I also have gastro problems. These have been my worst side
effects with Xeloda. My hands are also getting very dark and discolored looking. Is anyone experiencing this side effect? I sometimes look like I have been through a war zone with band aides on my toes and peeling and walking like my feet are on fire. ha ha I guess if these are all the side effects I really shouldn't complain.

[Hope]

Thanks to all that responded to my post. I certainly will try your suggestions. I have one so bad right now that is can hardly eat because of the pain.
Irene, I also have the discloration in my hands,fingers and bottom of my feet. Onc. told me that is just another side effect. Is Xeloda working for you? I hope I can continue on this regimen as I have tried so many other chemos and my lung mets continue to progress.