Comparing Capecitabine vs Fluorouracil

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 up-hills. 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.

For Colorectal Cancer: My mum was on this medication for approximately 12 months. Compared to the Folfox-4 protocol, this medication delivers the same effectiveness with significantly less side effects in addition to the convenience of being in tablet form. The only side effect that caused mum to discontinue the treatment was decreased white blood count causing reduced immunity (similar to other protocols).

For Stomach Cancer: I have been on 5FU for 19 months in combination with Herceptin. My cycle is every two weeks. Initially I also had Oxycelipatin (sp) but I had trouble with neuropathy. My Oncologist expected me to pass in six months to two years. After 19 months of treatment she said, " To be brutally honest I did not expect you to still be here." I am still reasonably healthy, eat well and maintain my weight. My only real problem is that the Herceptin is affecting my heart rhythms. I have the HER2+ protein and my cancer has been found in my Liver. I have had two CT scans wherein I have had a partial response. The rest of my CT scans have shown a stable condition. Scans are conducted every three to four cycles. I am confident that I will make the two year and more timeframe for my life. My Oncologist and Cardiologist are a good team! During my ordeal I have also had to have a Pacemaker installed and may yet have to have it removed and replaced with an ICD. 5FU and Herceptin are working.