I am now taking Capecitabine. This is taken in tablet form, 3 tablets twice a day, 12 hours apart, for two weeks with one week off.
The tablets are large but bizarrely I find that taking them is actually quite easy. In fact I have more problems with smaller tablets.
The side effects are myriad and I appear to be suffering less than most. My side effects appear to be limited to the usual fatigue, (there has to be a better word for the chemo induced fatigue, it simply doesn't get across the total wiped-out-ness that occurs) and constipation. I have to say that I find constipation considerably easier to cope with than the alternative, especially given my inability to move faster than a snail. We have 3 lavatories none of which are on the ground floor, so I have to scale the alpine-like stairs. Interestingly, my thighs muscles are also affected, they are achy and painful which makes turning over in bed problematic and climbing the aforementioned stairs a slow process.
The other issue with taking tablets for 2 weeks on 1 week off is that it is a constant reminder of my cancer. Whereas before I'd turn up at the chemo unit, have treatment and then not think about it again for 3 weeks, tablets mean that I cannot lapse into a sweet reverie of being "normal".
Other than a nerve pain in my shoulder, which has nothing to do with the cancer, I'm doing quite well apart from the tiredness.
Interestingly my appetite has returned with a vengeance which is really very nice. Moreover, food generally tastes like it should which is yet another bonus.
I can only hope that this round of treatment does its stuff and reduces the size of my tumours.
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