Today we start the second cycle of Xeloda. A cycle consists of two pills, twice a day, for two weeks, followed by one week off. So, three weeks ago, when Marye started the first cycle, we were somewhat disheartened to discover that the side-effects aren't much different (or better) than the Taxol. It's deceivingly simple and low-key, until the drug sets in. On the last cycle, Marye was pretty well laid out for a day or two with nausea, but then settled into a rhythm of feeling lousy for most of the day with a brief period in the late afternoon when she felt pretty decent. Of course, the fatigue continues. I say it's deceiving because by just taking a few pills, you don't really get the sense that you're actually on chemotherapy. It kind of blends in to the myriad other pills that she takes all day. But, it is chemotherapy, and it seems to be affecting her like any other chemo would.
She took the last week off in order to give her body a chance to recover. The only tests she's had were for liver function, since that is necessary for the drug to activate. The tests were incredibly normal. Blood counts, bilirubin, magnesium, potassium, etc.... all good. So now that she's on her second cycle, we're watching for nausea and a continuation of the other symptoms, e.g. fatigue, general lousiness, etc. We won't get a CT scan until after the third cycle, in six weeks. Crossing fingers until then.
