How long did Capecitabine work?

Living with secondary breast cancer Supporting each other and sharing experiences
1

Hello all

i am currently taking capecitabine for bone and liver mets. How long did capecitabine work for people? I’ve been on this tablet for 4 months but unsure if it is still working, it was keeping everything ok at December scans but have this feeling it is not working anymore. I have scans and blood test tomorrow so a worrying time.

Any stories about cape lasted a long or short time would be appreciated.

thank you

louise x

2

Hi I was on capecitabine from May 2020 until August 2021.

Dr Kept me on 80% dose but because of ongoing foot issues, I was taken off it.

3

Hiya,

Only 6 months for me but I was on a very reduced dose as it was giving me heart palpitations. However I know of many ladies who have gotten several years out of it. We all seem very individual regarding longevity on meds.

Hope it works well for you 

Take care

Debs x

4

I’m on cycle 15 so that’s 10-11 months. Remarkable results but now I have conflicting information. Blood markers and tumour markers are very low, suggesting no cancer activity, but MRI shows a small progression in my tumour (medial canthus, where you pinch your nose between the eyes) and I can feel my skin mets changing. Oncologist says cape is still containing the TNBC and breast care nurse says I’m stable so I stay on this until I feel ill (flattened by fatigue doesn’t count) or quarterly CT scan shows a spread. So ”not working” has different meanings. It may be it’s not working so well but has things contained for now or, worst scenario, it’s stopped working and new lesions appear. I now find the consultation every 3 weeks a bit more stressful, waiting for the axe to fall! BUT there are women in my Facebook groups who’ve been on it for years so don’t stop hoping xx

5

Hi Louise, 

Just came across your post and I’ve been feeling the same as you. I feel things are not quite right.  I’ve been on it for 6 months, cycle 10 now and back in October/November I felt really good, however now I have stomach aches through the night and am feeling pain in my left shoulder blade. I’m told to up the painkillers, I’m already on 25mg morphine twice a day plus 8 paracetamol every four hours! Maybe that’s normal with bone and liver mets, I don’t know, are you on similar pain control?

I’m due a CT scan this Wednesday so yes, totally agree it is a very worrying time. I wish I could be more positive, but some ladies are giving positive feedback so that’s really helpful. 

Good luck with your scan and bloods, I’ll be thinking of you 

Shirley xx