Better:)

Hi! I talked to dr hug, and she approved a change in the chemo. Now I take it one week on, one week off, hopefully that's easier for my body to handle. I haven't taken it since Saturday night and it's already better. Amazing. I also got a call to schedule my next PET scan, and then I'll know if it's even working, and if the pain and side effects are worth it. I found out about a new liver cancer treatment today too, called theraspheres, little glass balls that are injected directly into the lesions in the liver, with radiation inside that slowly breaks down and directly destroys the cancer. Sounds good to me! I'm gonna ask dr hug about it at my next appointment. I'm up for anything!!

Uncle

Ok, I give! The soles of my feet are killing me! They almost feel like they're not part of my body! I smell like a pharmacy today, alex had great idea to use this Tylenol cream on the soles of my feet- its awesome and really helps decrease the sensitivity but it's stinky!! My palms are ultra sensitive too, I've been wearing the same jewelry for years but I keep hurting myself on it today. My palms are a little red, the soles of my feet are very red- apparently this chemo actually collects in the extremities and makes them burn. Nice, right?:)
I tried sandals yesterday- bad move- have clogs and socks on today and feels a little better. it's my week off chemo, so I'm hoping it wont get much worse. Fingers(ouch) crossed!

All is well...

Hi! I've been on the Xeloda for 4 weeks now (2 weeks on, 1 week off, now in 4th week.) and so far so good. I had an appointment with my oncologist last Friday, as well as my Zometa treatment.  She was thrilled that I haven't experienced any significant side effects from the Xeloda.  When I asked about lack of side effects relating to it not working, she said nope, but did increase my dosage since i seem to be handling it so well.  But, I haven't increased it, because every night since I've had pain and tingling on the bottoms of my feet.  Also weird dreams about my foot being broken and waking up with terrible pain in my toes. So, no increase yet for me...waiting to see if this is as bad as it gets.  When i wake up for the day tho, my feet don't hurt, only during the night.  weird, eh? So, I'm sticking with 3 pills in the am and 3 in the evening, and holding off on the 4th pill at night for now.  Have a message in to my oncologist to see what she thinks.
I'm so hoping this is working, I can't wait to see the results in May.  Doc says she has one patient that has been on it continuously for 5 years - not the norm, but it is a possible maintenance drug if it works to control the cancer.  Hope hope!!