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Toxicity levels nearing end of chemo round

Simmy1000
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Hello, wondering if anyone can share some experiences or insight? 

My Dad has stage 4 Bowel with liver mets, he is about to start his 11th cycle of Capecitabine combination & Cetuximab. In the last 2 weeks he has been getting stomach pains again and is very constipated. Last night he was awake for most of it again with same pains but also some strange chest movements, described as almost triple hiccups.

im aware that all these signs point to a blockage but he is adamant its the accumulative side effects now of the Capecitabine tablets, he didn't take a dose last night and refused to take today and the pains have gone. He still has energy, working in the garden etc and colour is good, all fine. Except for pains after eating! I feel like we've gone back months to where we were pre treatment! 

We had a meeting with the onc yesterday to review first lot of scans and the tumours have shrunk so I'm confused as to why now (food consumption has not changed) these issues!? 

If anyone is aware that coming to an end of a long round can cause more accumulative side effects such as these, would be grateful to hear! Thank you x
 

  • Hello Simmy1000

    I'm sorry to hear that your Dad has been struggling with some side effects from his treatment recently. It's not uncommon to have abdominal pains with this particular medication but it's certainly worth getting your Dad to mention this to the Oncology team. 

    As he's had these unusual feelings in his chest then I'd really encourage him to contact his care team to let them know about this. Capecitabine can cause some heart problems such as changes to your heart rate or rhythm, angina, or heart attack, In fact, we have another member [@Maxandlala]‍ who has posted recently about having issues with his heart whilst being on this treatment. As I've tagged him in my response here, he may pop along to say hello. 

    It's good to hear that your Dad is approaching the end of this round of treatment and that he's had a good response and is still feeling well. Hopefully, the oncology team will be able to help get a better handle on the side effects he's been experiencing but if you want to chat things through with one of our nurses you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    Hi Jenn, 

    Thank you for taking time to reply to me. Interesting to know Capecitabine can cause stomach pains, I'm also wondering whether inflammation can cause pain or issues?! (His CEA was almost 25000 at the start of treatment and is now around 1500, lowest was down to 644, so along with the shrinkage shown in shown, seems it has taken a zapping. 
     

    To clarify it luckily wasn't related to the heart, I've double checked with him - he said it was similar to hiccups but almost more irregular movements of the diaphragm - he is just certain it's linked to the amount cycles and drugs building up. He refused to take his tablets last night and hasn't today (last day of cycle tomorrow) and he has had no pains or symptoms at all today. Could be a coincidence I guess, will see how tonight goes. 

    I'll ensure he tells the chemo team pre cycle 11 next Thursday and see how he goes up up until then! Thank you again! 

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