Capecitabine - possible effects

Hi everyone. My dad's just started and intense course of radio and chemo. Daily radiotherapy + daily Capecitabine for 5 weeks. He's always been healthy and managed to avoid hospitals his entire life (even when we were born :-/ ) . I'm worried about how he will react to this treatment, especially as he's convinced himself that he'll have no reaction whatsoever. 

Does anyone here have experiences of either treatment / combination - good or bad - which might help me prepare for what's coming? 

He's insisting on driving himself to the hospital every day - should I prepare for a cliff edge when he's not going to be able to anymore? 

I'm also struggling to get him to drink plenty of water which he needs for both the chemo and the radio. Does anyone have any tips to help him here? 

All the thanks ....... 

  • Hi, I'm sorry to hear that your dad is unwell. It sounds as if he has a positive attitude towards his treatment which is a good thing to have.

    Capecitabine often irritates the colon causing diarrhea which can be severe. I've just had my dose reduced by 25% because of it. Therefore it's important to drink plenty. If plain water isn't appealing he could try flavoured or add a cordial to it. 

    He might be trying to take some control of the situation by insisting on driving himself for treatment. Just let him know that you're willing to help should he need it. 

    We all react differently to our treatment but realistically none of it is pleasant. He may cope well throughout. On the other hand he might struggle after a few days. You can't really pre-empt how he'll be so just take it one day at a time.

    I'm sorry it's not a straightforward response, cancer isn't straightforward unfortunately but I hope your dad's treatment goes well. 

    Barb