Xeloda/Tykerb side effects

[Pam P]

I was on xeloda/herceptin for over 2 yrs, then switched to xeloda/tykerb for another 1 1/2. It was the best I've felt on any chemo. I did have side effects, but they were manageable. Diarrhea at first - sometimes severe, but imodium kept it in control. After awhile I guess I my body adapted because it was no longer an issue. My blood counts always stayed in normal ranges. I did feel a little more tired sometimes - I could tell the difference when it was my week off the xeloda that I had more energy. My biggest difficulty was the hand/food syndrome. I got severe at times. I tried lots of lotions. Unfortunately I didn't know about the henna treatment. On the week off xeloda it would clear up a lot. I had my xeloda dose reduced and that helped. I think I started out at 4000 mg & went to 3500, then 3000. I think others have been on 2500 and done fine on the xeloda. I wish I could still be on that combo. I also liked not having to get treatment by IV - it felt freeing to just take the pills.