Today, at work, I got a call from Xeloda Patient Assistance Program Customer Support at Roche.

Wow… here I am, on this big company’s “hand out” list and THEY are checking on me… to see how I am doing… how I am handling the drug.

The lady was so very nice… we chatted about what I’m doing right, what I’m doing wrong, and what things I might consider changing.

Most importantly I’m taking the drug correctly (2tabs/2x daily as prescribed) and that I am aware of the common side effects and the uncommon ones to be concerned about.

She also mentioned not to eat spicy foods… uhhhhh… me?  Not eat spicy foods??  Like THAT is gonna happen?  Ok, waitaminute… lemme ask “why” before I make any foolish life threatening decisions.  So, why?  Heartburn.  Ok, I can deal with a little heartburn.  And seriously, the only heartburn I have had was when I added cayenne pepper tabs to my daily herb regime and then upped the dosage to 4/40,000 unit tabs/2x daily.  Heartburn for a few minutes after about 5 min of swallowing – relieved with drinking water.  She asked why I was taking so much cayenne, and I explained that I had read that there is evidence that capsaicin MAY affect cancer, especially to kill breast cancer cells, so I’m gonna heap that capsaicin into my body.  Go figure.

Second suggestion… forgo the greasy foods.  Well, I’m not much of a greasy food eater, never have been.  My weakness is the carbs – rice, pasta, breads, mostly gone from my diet now. So… why?  cramping.  Yep, I had kinda figured that one out for myself when we went to get Mexican food.  Probably the “greasiest” food I eat, and probably the worst pain I have had so far (on the gene therapy treatment), so now I am careful there.  But gotta have my Mexican food, my queso and extra jalapenos and my occasional margarita (or two)!  *LOL*  She said that was ok, just not in excess.

Third suggestion… go easy on the “gassy” veggies, especially raw, like broccoli and cabbage.  Ok, now she has named the 2 raw veggies I eat the most of – up to 2 cups of raw broccoli a day!  Again, why?  Cuz of the gas, silly girl.  Ok, I can relate,.  I am Major Mizz Gas. I.Am.Talking.Serious.Gas.  But it’s been shown that green vegetables in the cruciferous family — which includes cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower (especially raw) MAY provide Important agents (Phytochemicals) in the fight against cancer, so I will endure some uncomfortable (and sometimes embarassing) gas to keep them Majorly in my diet.

Over all, I’m doing ok and her info was very helpful, and she said she was making notes and that my input would be helpful.  Hey, at least I’m “giving back”!

I Hate having to ask for such high end assistance.  I’ve never been one to support the welfare state, even now.  I’ve pretty much always paid my own way – borrowing from my parents occasionally but not often.  This is sure Not how things were supposed to be.  For one, I Never thought Mr Sack would do me like he did and leave me high and dry to handle this alone.  But, it is what it is, and he is Most Certainly what he is.

And it is…

XELODA

How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water, within 30 minutes of the end of a meal. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor’s advice.

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•constipation
•diarrhea
•dry or itchy skin
•hair loss
•loss of appetite
•nausea
•weak or tired

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
•low blood counts – this medicine may decrease the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. You may be at increased risk for infections and bleeding.
•signs of infection – fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine
•signs of decreased platelets or bleeding – bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine
•signs of decreased red blood cells – unusually weak or tired, fainting spells, lightheadedness
•breathing problems
•changes in vision
•chest pain
•diarrhea of more than 4 bowel movements in one day or any diarrhea at night
•mouth sores
•nausea and vomiting
•pain, swelling, redness at site where injected
•pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
•redness, swelling, or sores on hands or feet
•stomach pain
•vomiting
•yellow color of skin or eyes

What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor for checks on your progress. This drug may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon, as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.

In some cases, you may be given additional medicines to help with side effects. Follow all directions for their use.

Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body’s ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.

Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medicine.

Avoid taking products that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your doctor. These medicines may hide a fever.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.

Men are advised not to father a child while taking this medicine.

Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children