I am 210 lb 47 year old male. They have me on 4000
mg of xeloda / day for 14 days and then a week off.
Then back on again.I also take oxaliplation every 4
th week and eributux. I am not on avastin as they
are looking at liver surgery in Dec. Does this dose
seem reasonable or high?

I also had the oxaplatin put in by IV in my left
hand and for left forearm still hurts..near the
wrist especially, like a deep bone bruise. Is this
common?

I have heard that if I do not get a rash / acne then
eributux might not be working. How long before this
rash can show up? True or urban legend?

Thanks

Impactzone

Hi, Chip, I don't know if that is high or not -- anyone else ???

Jeni

Hi Impactzone

Going by your weight and in relation to my dosage of Capecitabine (Xeloda) and my weight your 4000mg per day is about right. But who am I to prescribe dosages - your oncologist will determine that from you and your reactions to it. Initial dosages ae prescribed on BMI (Body Mass Index) but digestability is another main unknown factor. Some people get rid of it quickly and have to have their dose increased whilst others (like me) take a helluva time to get rid of it and need to have the dose reduced.

As for the Oxaliplatin - sure your arm will feel the effects of the IV. Ask for a hot pad on your arm next time they give you it which might ease it a bit. It will probably last for two or three days initially but it gets longer. You've probably got the other side effects like a throat which closes up with cold liquids - cold fingers etc. If you're not already doing so rub on the moisturising creams (like Diprobase) on your fingers and toes now which will help in the future.

As for Cetuximab (Erbutux) it is said the Acne is a measure of the success but don't be worried if is doesn't appear. It is the effect that monoclonal antibodies have on some people's skin and not others whilst it is still making the cancer tumours more liable to attack by chemotherapy. If you do get the acne though it can be bad for about 12 weeks - get some antibiotics for it and some Adapaline cream from a dermatologist.

Hope this makes some sense, but more to then point hope the chemo regime has the desired effect on your liver.