My mother, 75 yrs. old, had colon cancer 6 years ago. A third of her colon was removed. She chose not to do any chemo at the time. In March of this year it was determined that her colon cancer had metastasized to her liver. In May a doctor removed half of her liver and a piece of her diaphragm. All tissue surrounding cut area was tested and came back cancer free. Her oncologist has suggested a combination of xeloda and avastin for the next 6 months. She is not sure she wants to do any chemo. Is there anyone out there who has had a similar experience with her type of cancer? Is there anyone who has taken xeloda only? If so, what were your side effects? Anyone who has taken xeloda and avastin together? Could you describe your side effects? Is there any possibility that she could take these drugs and not have any side effects? I would like to pass along to her any information you have to help her in her decision making process. Thank you.

Hi,

I am sorry for your mom's diagnosis... I am currently taking xeloda (after I could no longer take FOLFOX). The side effects for me are minimal compared to infusions...but I think everyone is different. As long as I eat a meal before I take the pills the nausea is not bad. I did get hand and foot sydrome, worse in my feet. That makes it sore to walk, but with some bag balm it is improving some. My red count is down, which makes me somewhat tired and short of breath. I also get occasional diarhea, which I control very well w/Lomotil. Everything I mentioned is mild enough that I can still run around and chase my 2 and 4 year olds... I have not taken avistan so I cannot speak to that.

Good luck it is a tough decision, for sure.

Take care,
Cats

I am sorry to hear about your mother. I cannot offer any advice, because I too, am trying to make the chemotherapy decision, however you can search online for chemotherapy options and information that might help her make the choice. Also, I would talk with the Oncologist, and ask them what the dosages would be like, what is the suggested risk of benefit in percentages, etc., but again, nothing is 100%, or at least that's what I've been told.

Good luck with everything. I will keep you and her in my thoughts and prayers.

Thank you so much Christy and Cat for your input. I will pass this along to her. I think she is leaning toward not doing any chemo. She thought it would be a lot easier than everything we have read on healthboard and cancercompass. God Bless you both.