supposed to start tykerb/xeloda tomorrow - help!

[SoCalGal]

I am supposed to start tykerb/xeloda tomorrow. Any advice or things I should do? I am so scared.

The pharmacist said to take the tykerb on an empty stomache, all 5 at once. CAn I take this with my morning coffee? I am supposed to also take xeloda, two pills twice a day with food - 14 days on 7 days off.

I am 49 years old and have been fighting this for 11 years and am not ready to give up! Last week I was told I have metastatic etc...lungs and sternum and also had elevated markers for the first time. (oy).

I remember taking xeloda with herceptin in 2002 but I seem to remember that I could only last on xeloda a short time due to stomach probs. I remember being told to "stay ahead" of pain, nausea, etc. Is it the same advice on this regime? Thanks for taking time to respond and I look forward to some insight. -Flori

[Soccermom]

Flori, no answers from me..just lots of hugs and HOPE that this regimen will do the trick!

Marcia

[Mary Anne in TX]

Hi Flori!
Maybe calling the nurse and talking to her about others who have had this combination recently would help! The treatment room nurses where I go are filled with suggestions and so willing to help us know what to do to prepare and deal! Why not make that call to reassure yourself? ma

[vickie h]

Hi Flori, I started on Xeloda a couple of days ago, an I'm waiting for the Tykerb to come within the next week. I take 3 pills in the morning and 3 at night (3,000 mg) and so far, so good. No symptoms yet. I will be 2 weeks on, one week off also. Let me know how you do and I will keep you posted as well. My prayers to you and much love, Vickie

[Sheila]

Flori

I am only on the Xeloda with Herceptin but I was told to take with food, 2x a day, 12 hours apart. I was also told to only take tylenol, no advil, asoirin etc. I haven't had any problems except for the handd foot symptoms. I take 2500 mg a day, 14 days on and 7 off.

[cindyh]

Flori: I've been on a tykerb/xeloda trial since january. I took the xeloda with breakfast and the tykerb one hour or more later, then the second dose of xeloda with dinner. no problem with coffee. I had a lot of trouble with diarrhea and had to go thru various diarrhea meds and a couple of dose reductions to get things under control. I had some sore fingers & toes with peeling, but that's better now too. I also continued herceptin and zometa, every three weeks. Good luck to you. It's a lot of pills, but I got used to it.

[Jean]

Flori,

I do not have any suggestions just wishing you all the very best in your
treatment. You are a strong fighter and am happy to hear that you have
had success for the last 11 yrs. Wishing you continued success.

hugs,
Jean

[IRENE FROM TAMPA]

I am also an 11 year survivor.

I have been on Tykerb/Xeloda since last August. I started off with what the protocol called for ofr 3000mg of Xeloda with the 5 pills in the am. of Tykerb.

Yes you have to take the Tykerb on an empty stomach one hr prior or after. I usually take the Tykerb while I am getting dressed for work in the morning and then by the time I get to work I have my coffee and whatever else I am eating that day for breakfast. I am now on 2650 mg of Xeloda since it upset my stomach quite a bit. I have on and off bouts still but its better.

Good luck to you and it should be ok. This is really not difficult to tolerate except with me, its my hands/feet drying that bothers me the most.

Any questions I can help with, do not hestitate to ask.

Take care Flori

[Marie G]

Just want to wish you luck tomorrow with your treatment, we will have you in our prayers. From what I read about Tykerb, you are the perfect candidate for this wonder drug and hope you do well with it, keep everyone posted about your treatments, we are excited for you. This may be all your prayers answered.>>Keep the faith, God Bless>> Marie G