Xeloda Questions

Tom · 04-19-2006, 06:42 AM

Mom and I will be leaving for the onc a little later, and I have been investigating the mecahnism of action and side effect profile of Xeloda. I am still unclear as to whether Xeloda acts, even partially, by producing free radicals.

Obviously, if it does, I will need to stop the powerful antioxidants that would inhibit it's ability to work. There is also a question of folate intake that might be considered, as folate is important with respect to the complex chemical interactions that Xeloda goes through in order to transform inside the tumor cell, and deliver it's F-5U punch to interrupt the DNA cycle.

If anyone has had such discussions with their onc, I would love to hear about them. Thanks.

Sincerely,
Tom

Lolly · 04-19-2006, 08:54 AM

Tom,

My onc asked me to stop my antioxidants, B complex(because of folic acid) and multiple vitamin(folic acid). He does feel the anti-oxidants are counterproductive, and the folic acid can apparently increase the possibility of side effects with Xeloda. We didn't get into a detailed discussion on the antioxidant effect, he just feels in general not enough is known about interactions and I have to agree with him, so am just playing it safe and giving the chemo a chance to do it's job.

He did ok 1000mg Vit. C, which I've taken for years, and 100mg CoQ-10, and calcium/magnesium/vit D and a few more odds and ends in small doses.

I think one needs to run all this by one's onc, and the bottom line is if you feel very strongly that something is a help rather than a hindrance, then go with your gut.

<3 Lolly

Lisa · 04-19-2006, 10:44 AM

Tom,

First of all, I'm glad your Mom is starting Xeloda. I've been on it for a couple of months now. Although my onc didn't mention anti-oxidants, I've decided on my own that since this cancer is NOT disappearing with nearly 3 years of constant treatment, I'm increasing my supplements. I've listed them below.

BUT, whatever you do, have her take a 100 mg. or thereabouts B6 tablet with each dosage. This should help out with the hand/foot syndrome. For me, it's like the bottoms of my feet sometimes feel sunburned. Same with my hands. And I'll admit, I've been forgetting to take my B6.

Also to help prevent this, make certain that her hands and feet stay as moist as possible with Udderly Smooth cream (recommended by onc) or Gold Bond Ultimate (recommended by friends.)

These supplements were recommended to me by a cancer nutritionist:

milk thistle (for liver)
Astragalus
Tumeric
Maitake mushrooms
CoQ10
Magnesium
Calcium citrate

I'm bad about taking them 2/3 times a day, since I'm also taking Xeloda twice a day.

Tom, I hope this helps. Give your Mom a big hug from a friend she doesn't know.

Love and light,

Lisa

Lisa · 04-19-2006, 10:50 AM

Tom,

I'm glad to hear your Mom is starting Xeloda. I've been on it now for about 3 months. Hand/foot syndrome is the main issue. Be sure she keeps her hands and feet moisturized with Udder Cream or Gold Bond Ultimate lotion. What happens is that your hands and feet dry out and feel either sunburned or numb.

As far as supplements, after 3 years of constant chemo not disappearing, I've decided to increase my supplements. I was given this list mostly by a cancer nutritionist in Denver.

Milk Thistle
Astragalus
Tumeric
Maitake mushrooms
CoQ10
Magnesium
Calcium citrate
Some Vit. C

...and B6. This is for the h/f syndrome. Give her 100 mg. with each dose.

I'm bad about remembering to take my supplements enough since I'm already taking the Xeloda twice a day and Morphine once a day. Guess I'm concerned about how my tummy will take it all. But I'm getting better.

Good luck, Tom, and give your Mom a hug from a stranger.

Love and light,

Lisa

Sheila · 04-19-2006, 03:31 PM

Tom, Lisa, Lolly and anyone else
I was told NO aspirin or Advil while on the Xeloda, due to bleeding tendencies...I do also know they must use alot of caution if you are on Coumadin or Warfarin which are blood thinners...I have had 1 cycle of 2500 mg per day and the lumps in my neck are barely palpable already....other than being tired, I don't notice anything else yet. I was also told no OTC vitamins with antioxidents.

Lolly · 04-19-2006, 06:43 PM

Sheila, thanks for the info on aspirin, I'll double check with my onc but he knows I'm taking it and although quite adamant about the other things did not say no to the aspirin. I take it to keep my port clear since we've had some "issues" with it, and I imagine he feels it's better than Coumadin.

<3 Lolly

Sheila · 04-20-2006, 07:55 AM

Lolly
Since I dont have a port, it makes sense to me that they would want you on managed aspirin to prevent blockage....they must me talking about using dosages for pain etc...I have now switched to Tylenol....don't like it as well but whatever they say!

Lolly · 04-20-2006, 05:59 PM

Yes, I agree I don't like Tylenol as well either, but that's what I'm told to use for pain or fever reduction, as it doesn't knock the platelets down like Ibuprofen or aspirin. I only take a baby dose of aspirin daily to help keep clots down, and on treatment day take one full strength aspirin just before going in. Otherwise, we just don't get a draw, although my port will infuse fine...

<3 Lolly