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Hi Pam,
Don't sweat the Xeloda! My Linda was on 3500 mg / day and was reduced to 3000 mg / day and has had minimal side effects, (she is very slight and around 115-120 lb) so if the doctor is starting you at 2000 mg, that seems a low starting dose. Linda's side effects are a bit of hand pain, some neuropathy but mostly low blood counts. This is probably due to comprimised bone marrow from marrow mets. She is now on neupogen and that has resolved the problem. No diarrea, peeling skin, and fatigue is managed very well with methyphenidate.
Don't expect the worst because xeloda is one of the "friendliest" chemos around. It is considered a "smart drug" because (theoretically) it is only activated by cancer cells. I think that there are people on this board who have taken xeloda for 1 year or more. As far as effacy: Linda has had 4 cycles of xeloda to date (12 weeks) and her blood chemistry (liver profile) is the best it's been for over 1 1/2 years. That includes AC & T and navelbine.
Be positive and if you don't expect the worst, it won't happen.
All the best.
Al
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