Starting Capecitabine, any advice?

Hi, 

I had six months of cape as a belts and braces too. Cape is doable, from what I’ve read it seems easier than many other types of chemo. For me, each cycle was different and each day was different. What I did notice was that at the end of each fortnight of tablets and the first part of the week off, was when I felt rubbish. I also found that it never took me long to recover again in time for the next fortnight of tablets. It’s took me a couple of cycles to learn how I needed to eat, ie, what to eat and when, so that I feel ok. My hands got sore and I was recommended udderly cream but it made my hands worse, so I used normal hand cream and they were fine again, just dry. My feet slowly got worse over the months. My feet aren’t great normally but I was getting very dry, cracked heels. Lots of cream and cotton socks overnight helped to stop my feet getting worse. My hair was fine, just needed a bit more care as it got dry and finer around the front. Appetite was fine, I found myself having a funny taste in my mouth towards the end, so would often be picking on food! Tiredness sometimes got to me, but like you I have young children. I learnt to not feel guilty for just resting in front of the tv. Your body needs it, and you feel better quicker if you take time to rest when needed. I remember my nurse saying my skin would be more sensitive in the sun, so make sure you lather up in sun cream etc. In terms of infection control, keep your hands clean, use disinfectant on door handles etc. I still had to deal with my children’s sick etc! But I stayed away from anyone with colds etc. I found my local gp surgery to be brilliant with me going up there for every little sniffle I had! I know it’s easier said than done when you have little ones to look after, but look after yourself, ask for help, rest, treat yourself. Enjoy the summer, keep life normal, do what makes you happy. Enjoy time with your children and if you feel rough, snuggle up on the sofa and watch a Disney film with them! Six months seems like forever, but it’ll soon pass. 

Big hugs xx

Hi There.  I am just finishing the last of 4 cycles of capecitabine after APR surgery.  Side effects were minimal.Occasional mild nausea - took some anti sickness tablets in first cycle but didn’t need to in others.  Hands and fingernails also got a bit dry.  Didn’t feel particularly tired so it was very manageable.  Hopefully it will be the same for you.   Very best wishes. X

Thanks for your reply. It’s the not knowing how it will be for me that seems to be making it hard at the moment. 

This illness has taken me away from my children so much, if I can limit the side effects so I can still look after them, that would be wonderful. So it’s good to hear from someone who has done it! 

I hope you are well know and enjoying life after chemo x

Thank u, fingers crossed I will have a similar experience to you. Glad it was so manageable for u. X

So...I've just finished 5 months line chemo and cape,  should have been 6 months but I became very unwell and had to spend a few days in hospital due to the fact that the cape had knocked out my white cell count also known as CD4. 

Cape is easy to take with varying side affects but for me it was and still is the very dry skin on my hands and feet,  easily overcome with hand cream, chose the one that suites you best.

You'll be okay, just take your meds as directed and you'll be fine. If you are on line chemotherapy at the same time then that's a whole new ball game, it's absolutely horrible and the side affects are many but you know what, you'll get through it, tough is it may be you'll get through it because there is no other choice. 

All the best to you, hope you get better soon.

Regards 

Ken. 

Thanks ken, well done for completing 5 months.  I’ve had to delay my start date due to a sickness bug (unbelievable timing!) so still waiting for the go ahead, probably next week. 

Thank you for your best wishes and I hope you have some lovely things planned now and the chemo has done it’s job for you. 

Take cara x

Thanks Cara,  

Taking my whole family to spain in June, my kids and grandchildren,  this will probably be my last family holiday.  I have five holidays booked for this year and a bucket list I'll probably never get to do lol. 

You take care of yourself young lady,  you have those kids to think of.  One step at a time,  chin up and best foot forward because that's all we can do.

Regards 

Ken. 

It is all we can do, you’re quite right. And in that spirit, have a wonderful time making memories in Spain with all your family. 

Wishing you the very best x

Thank you .