Capecitabine and Nausea: What Users Say

• MeM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 22, 2020

Capecitabine for Colorectal Cancer "I was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in January 2020. I underwent 6 weeks of Xeloda along with 6 weeks of targeted radiation. The combination shrunk my tumor by 1.5 inches which was considered a great success when I had surgery in July 2020. I had a bit of nausea and was very exhausted. Some tingling in my thumb and fingers. I also had some diarrhea occasionally. My hair has never been healthier, zero hair loss. At one point, I had some mouth tenderness but never open sores. I have recently finished 4 months of follow-up chemo (Xeloda) and am currently recovering from side effects such as extreme fatigue, muscle aches, limited nausea, and diarrhea. Also, I’ve had split and peeling skin on thumbs and fingers. All in all, my experience with Xeloda has been good. I’ve been told that there is zero sign of any cancer left, CT scan last week will tell the tale. Will know more early January but feeling very optimistic."

• bjm...
• July 10, 2016

For Breast Cancer, Metastatic "I began this drug when diagnosed 9 months ago with Stage IV metastatic CA. I take 4 pills in the a.m. and 3 in the p.m. I began on the 14 days on and 7 days off regimen. Went ok with only a little nausea at first, but a few cycles in had severe diarrhea and stomach pain to the point of passing out on the toilet. The next day diarrhea with bloody stools. My oncologist changed the cycle to 1 week on and 1 week off, and I have had much less severe side effects. I do get a day or two with a bout of diarrhea and sometimes a day or 2 of foot redness, even with using creams faithfully. However, my CT scan confirms my cancer liver spots have decreased and shrunk. My bone spots are healing in places, and there are no new areas seen...so far, so good."

• PHa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 29, 2018

For Breast Cancer "I take capecitabine for 14 days with 7 days off. My dosage is 3000 mg per day (3 pills in the AM with food, 3 pills in PM with food). Side effects in cycle 1 were very minimal; mild fatigue and nausea that began toward the end of the cycle. Hand/foot syndrome developed in cycle 2: blistering on fingers, toes, discoloration on fingers, pain on the bottom of the foot that limited my walking. Side effects in cycle 3 were severe diarrhea and abdominal cramping, in addition to worsening of hand/foot. I am taking a 3-week break from the drug, and the dosage will be adjusted in cycle 4."

• And...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2014

For Colorectal Cancer "Only on my 3rd week of this medicine, but finding it far less intrusive than the Folfox (5FU) treatment I had 4 years ago via drip and permanent line, with a pump for 48 hours each treatment. Some thinning of hair, not really noticeable, and lots of my friends have less hair than me anyway! I'm a keen runner and cyclist, and do find that I can't push myself as hard anymore, get very short of breath on uphills. But at least I'm still able to lead an active lifestyle, hill walking causes no trouble at all. Feel slightly nauseous quite frequently, but not been sick yet, and brush my teeth half a dozen times a day to ensure no soreness (which I had with 5FU). Slight soreness on soles of feet, particularly after long runs or walks."