Hi all, just looking for a bit of reassurance as I’m driving myself mad with worry.
Was diagnosed with secondaries to lymph, lung and liver back in March through a scheduled scan, no symptoms. Started on xeloda straightaway and just about to start my 4th cycle. I’ve had no problems really, found it quite doable but for the last 4/5 days I’ve had pains in my chest and back, breathlessness and shooting pains up my spine to my neck.
Of course, my first reaction was the xeloda isn’t working and the cancer has spread and grown but I’m wondering if it could be a side effect? Has anyone had similar pains on xeloda? It’s not severe, it seems to go with a few ibuprofen.
I suppose I ought to seek medical advice really, it’s just I’m not sure where to go first, my GP or BCN, I hate bothering people unnecessarily if I can avoid it. I’ve got a scan booked for 1st June anyway so will find out what’s happening with the cancer then.
Sorry for the essay, would really appreciate some advice. Thank you.
Wendy
x
Hi Wendy, I’m sure I’ve read breathlessness is a Xeloda side effect. I’ve been on the tablets for 3+ years…(I hope you have a good run with them) and at the end of each cycle I can sometimes get a similar pain as you described in my back, neck, but it literally only lasts seconds. In your shoes I would ask the hospital, BCN, rather than my GP. Good Luck with the scan results…x
Belinda, thank you for replying. I’ve seen your posts on xeloda, you’re my inspiration!
The pain does really only last for seconds at a time, but it comes and goes again all day unless I take something for it, so that does sound quite reassuring.
I’m at the chemo unit tomorrow probably for bloods before starting the next course so I’ll definitely mention it then.
Thank you again Belinda, I really appreciate you posting.
Regards
Wendy
x
Hi Wendy,
I’ve been on this treatment for 8 months for spine mets and though a scan at the end of december showed a good response to treatment I get pains in my back too!! Off/on, just like you’ve described. I’ve always put these down to side effects from radiotherapy, but they are just a bit too frequent for my liking. I’m having and MRI of my spine next week so I’ll report back to you asap! I feel very well otherwise so keeping positive.
Annie
xxx
Thank you for posting Annie, great news that xeloda seems to be working for you, I hope all goes well with your next scan.
I’m relieved to say that the chest pains have gone completely, and the back and neck pain is almost gone too.
This might sound ridiculous but I’ve started taking my antacid meds, and I’ve burped solidly for two days (thankfully my husband was away with work :-D). Not sure if it’s a coincidence or not, but relieved it’s gone.
I’m at the chemo unit on Monday so will still mention it then.
Hi Wendy and Annie, good to hear your chest pain has been burped away Wendy. 
Annie good luck with the MRI.
I’m very happy today, my latest tumour markers are good so I hope to have yet more time with these peachy pills. I hope you both get a l-o-n-g spell on this chemo.
xx
Hi everyone
Just a quick update. Had my chemo appointment today so mentioned the pains. They sent me over to see the Onc, asked loads of questions, had me walking up and down the corridor to test my oxygen levels.
Anyhow, in short, he’s quite happy to continue with the treatment and I’ve not had any further problems since last week.
Hope everyone is well.
Wendy
xxx