Xeloda/Tykerb
 

Hello Sweetheart, believe it or not I was thinking of you last week but have been so busy. It is great to hear from you and to see the little one's face. I am sorry you are having problems with this combo and I am sure others can answer you better, but sometimes it is a matter of a dosage change.

Please post what your dosage is so that when our family sees it, they will be able to advise you better. It has been a long time since Ed used this combo and I have not been keeping up with it anymore. Different fights to fight now.

I just could not resist to pop in and tell you that I have had you in mind.....you beat me to the punch.>>Believe51

Rendi - the Xeloda causes what's called hand/foot syndrome. It can make the palms of your hands and bottoms of your feet change colors, and cause a sensitive/burning sensation. It can also cause your finger tips and toes to get little hairline splits in the skin... the change in color goes away whenever you discontinue Xeloda, as do the other symptoms.

A variety of solutions can help. I bought a tub of Cetaphil cream (not lotion, but cream) and slathered it on my feet at night and wore footie socks when I slept. It helped keep my skin supple and moisturized. I also used cream a few times a day on my hands, and if you feel you need to, you can get cotton gloves and slather your hands and sleep with gloves on, too...

Many women have also used Ahava brand cream with good result.

Your face changing color might be the rash that often happens from Tykerb. I got a rash on my face after about a month - and it lasted for 2-3 weeks. For some it lasts longer... if it gets worse or doesn't go away, let your doctor know and there are treatment options that can help it go away. This is a good article that speaks about the Tykerb rash: http://www.curetoday.com/index.cfm/f...article_id/180

Hope this helps!

Let us know how you are doing.

Rendi - more info about the Tykerb rash...

http://theoncologist.alphamedpress.o...12/5/610/DC1/2

*Employ a proactive approach in managing skin reactions.
*Suggest that patients use a thick, alcohol-free emollient cream.
*Suggest that patients use a sunscreen of SPF 25 or higher, preferably
containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
* If patient presents with rash, verify appropriate administration of drug and proceed with the following therapy algorithm:

Mild:
Minimally located
No impact on activities of daily life (ADL)
No sign of superinfection

(shows picture of mild rash occurrence across bridge of nose and cheeks)

Continue EGFR targeted treatment @current dose and monitor for change in severity.

topical hydrocortisone 1% or 2.5% cream and/or Clindamycin 1% gel

Reassess after 2 weeks, if reaction worsens or does not improve, proceed to next step.


Moderate:
Generalized
Mild Symptoms (e.g. pruritus, tenderness)
Minimal impact on ADL
No sign of superinfection

(shows picture of red worsened rash occurrence (pruritus) across nose, around nostrils, top lip, lower cheeks, and entire chin.)

Continue EGFR targeted treatment @current dose and monitor for change in severity. Continue treatment of the skin reaction with the following:

Hydrocortisone 2.5% cream or Clindamycin 1$ gel
or Pimecrolimus 1% cream
Plus Doxycycline 100mg BID or Monocycline 100mg BID

Reassess after 2 weeks, if reaction worsens or does not improve, proceed to next step.


Severe:
Generalized
Severe symptoms (e.g. pruritus, tenderness)
Significant impact on ADL
Potential sign of superinfection

(shows picture of worsened rash occurrence similar to moderate with more facial coverage and continuation to shoulders and neck)

Reduce EGFR targeted therapy as per label and monitor for change in severity. Continue treatment of skin reaction with the following:

Hydrocortisone 2.5% cream or Clindamycin 1$ gel
or Pimecrolimus 1% cream
Plus Doxycycline 100mg BID or Monocycline 100mg BID
Plus Medrol dose pack

Reassess after 2 weeks, if reaction worsens, dose interruption or discontinuation may be necessary.

Rendi,
As an African American Woman, I got extremely dark on T/X. I think it was the Xeloda. The same thing happened (but not as much) when I took AC. I don't know if there is anything you can do about it, just know that it is normal.
Kim

Thanks everyone for the information. I have a doctor appointment tomorrow.

Marie I will kiss and hug my god son for you. Jaymin will be 1 on July 2.

I also have turned dark with Xeloda. I have a nice tan and it is the only side effect of the Xeloda/Tykerb combo that I enjoy. I personally can not stand choking down five tykerbs a day. But than again, I have never been much of a pill taker.

That's a beautiful little boy you have.

Tonya

We had his birthday party Saturday. He was a hand full. Lol...