dumb question

Hi- This is a dumb question, but what are skin mets? I have red blotches on my hands and arms that the doctor said was an allergic reaction since I am on xeloda and stayed in the sun too long. Are these skin mets? God Bless- Cathy

[Lisa]

I'm sure your doc is right. Skin mets are simply the spread of your bc cancer to the skin. I've never had them, but I have had skin cancer (primary). I do know that some women on here have had them. Why not ask your doc to describe them to you? And NEVER be afraid to ask your onc or us questions. We all started with zero knowledge and worked our way up. Be an active partner in this disease. Bug your onc with questions, questions, questions!


Love and light,


LIsa

[jojo]

Cathy, are you still on Xeloda? If your onc thinks that your bred blotches are allergic symptoms, has he/she given you soemthing to have it under better control, while still on Xeloda? Are the blotches giving you a lot of trouble?

I am on Xeloda myself, and I do know that it is true that we are supposed to avoid the sun, mainly with our hands & feet.

I am halfway through my 2nd cycle (2 weeks, 1 week off), which means literally the 4th week, since my very first Xeloda pill -- actually closer to the 5th week. I have yet to see any side effects....

Lisa is right, we have every right to ask our docs ANY kinds of questions!

I am on xeloda too. I have been on it since the end of July. My s/e are very slight. I do have discoloring of my hands -- they are darker than my regular tan (not red) & blotchy - & the palms of my hands are darker too. My skin is also dry, but no problem with peeling etc. I showed them to my onc. yesterday & he wasn't concerned - said it was from the meds. I don't remember reading that we should avoid the sun while on xeloda & I've been in the sun a lot. My feet show a little of the same signs but to a much less degree.

I was on 3500 mg / day, but he just switched me to 3000 mg a day. My ca2729 has dropped from 149 in July to 67 so I'm very happy about that.
Pam

[lindaw]

Dear Cathy

I was on xeloda for skin mets before and have just started again. The first time I got little red blotches on my arms and face that gradually disappeared.My Onc thought they may be other basal cell skin things. Xeloda is like Effudix which is a cream I use for skin things my dermatologists gave me.It is a 5FU cream.
So it seemed for me the xeloda was uncovering and then treating any other skin cancers I had.
My face peeled and has never been so smooth.

love
Linda

[mamacze]

Dear Cathy,
NO question is a dumb question...we are only dumb when we don't ask questions!
So ask away!
Love Kim from CT