Capecitabine chemo

Hi, thanks for your good wishes. If the side effects get worse it's worth asking if the dose can be reduced. I started on 2000mg three times a day, reduced to 1800mg after first cycle as it hit me hard. Then reduced again to 1500mg for final two. The last reduction was because I have a stoma, and the meds were making it run too fast, having to get up every two hours overnight.

Thanks for the advice I'll bear that in mind, think you worry that if you reduce the dose you reduce the benefits so battle on when maybe it isn't the best option for you. Onwards and upwards

My hands and feet are really painful following 2nd course of Capecitabine. Red raw and like a burning sensation. Can't walk easily on them. Did you find any particular creams helped?

Hi

It sounds like you have Palmar Plantar, which is a known side effect, Talk to your colorectal team about it; your Oncologist may reduce your dosage.

However, use Aveeno cream continuously, yet also, Udderly cream is good (I found this particularly good on feet.) You can buy this from Amazon.

Best wishes

Marianne

Yesterday I had my second infusion of Oxy so last night started the 2nd course of Capecitabine. So far after the infusion I have been much worse.  I have painful pins and needles in my hands not just when I touch anything cold (I am wearing gloves) but using my hands for anything. I struggled getting my meds out of the blister pack this morning, getting my cereals out of box, I gave up on adding nuts and seeds! I struggled opening the microwave and turning the dial and even cleaning my teeth was painful holding the brush.  My toes and fingers were cramping in bed last night and are sore in places.  I am so disappointed as I didn't experience this last time. I know it is cumulative but it's only my second out of 8 cycles.  I am also opting for a PIIC line next time as my arm feels like it is burnt after both infusions which is very painful.

Can anyone offer any advice from their experiences? 

Thank you so much. Best wishes to all on these difficult journeys. Trish xxx

I used to sit on my hands when it got bad.also after the first 2 infusions they put it through over a longer time span which helped a bit with the throat spasms and hand problems

Oven gloves are great for holding things,I found

Kath

Thanks Kath. Did you get pins and needles whilst trying to do general every day things or just if you touched cold things? 

Trish xxx

Just generally but worse with cold things,taps,car doors etc.It could strike at any time.soooo annoying.

I sat on my hands or sometimes used a warm hot water bottle to ease it.luckily my feet were ok.

The longer infusion really helped.worth asking about for next time.

All the best

Kath

Thank you Kath. Much appreciated.  Trish xxx

Thank you so much everyone.  Yes I was recommended Aveena so I've started with that. I'll try the Udderly too! I also wear rubber gloves around the house eases the pain when unscrewing jar tops and slicing and chopping!