Get the Most from Your Doctor Visit Talk to your Doctor about Colorectal Cancer and Breast Cancer Treatment Options
Many people find it difficult to talk about their cancer and cancer treatments. Some people get nervous in front of their doctor and forget to ask what's on their mind. Others forget to mention a side effect that's bothering them. Many people don't want to bother their doctor with what they think may be minor issues. But the time you have with your doctor is very important. It's the best time to get your questions answered and your concerns addressed. Remember that your doctor wants you to have the best results. Your doctor needs to know how your treatment is working and will adjust your treatment plan if needed.
 
5 Cancer support tips to make the most out of each visit to your doctor's office:
  1. Prepare for your doctor's appointment.  Research any treatments you want to find out about and write down your questions in advance.
  2. Repeat back what you hear.  This way your doctor will know that you heard the information and instructions correctly.
  3. Have your doctor clarify all instructions.  If there is something you don't understand, be sure to ask your doctor to explain it another way. Although doctors try hard to make things clear and simple, cancer treatment can get technical. Write down all the information so you can do more research later. Don't leave until you are satisfied you've had all your questions answered.
  4. Find out who to call with questions.  You may have more questions once you've had more time to think about your condition and your treatment. But many questions can be answered by a nurse or another member of the treatment team. Ask your doctor for the names and numbers of everyone you should call. And find out which kind of questions or problems you should speak to your doctor about directly. You can also find out when the best time is to call the office with your questions.
  5. Use a treatment diary.  One great way to keep track of your treatment and side effects is to use a treatment diary. This also helps you remember to take your medicine as directed by your doctor. Use it to make note of any change in your symptoms and to record side effects.
Questions for Your Doctor for continued Cancer Support  Questions for Your Doctor
 

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Breast and Colorectal Cancer Treatment Options

  • What treatment choices, oral or intravenous, are available for my kind of cancer?
  • Is this drug right for me?
  • How often will I receive the treatment?
  • How long will the treatment last?
  • How and where are these drugs taken?
  • What are some of the potential side effects with each of the treatments?
  • Can I manage the potential side effects?
  • Will this treatment allow me to continue my daily activities?
  • Will I be able to work? Drive? Travel?
  • How will this affect my family?
  • Will insurance or Medicare cover my treatments?
  • Where can I find additional support and resources?

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About XELODA

  • What is XELODA given for?
  • How is XELODA given?
  • What are the potential benefits of XELODA?
  • What are the potential side effects?
  • How can I manage my side effects? What side effects should I tell you about?
  • Will insurance or Medicare cover my treatments?
  • Is XELODA right for me?
Indications:
XELODA is used to treat:
 
Important Safety Information:
WARNING:
XELODA may increase the effect of other medicines used to thin your blood such as warfarin (COUMADIN®). It is very important that your doctor knows if you are taking a blood thinner such as warfarin because XELODA may increase the effect of this medicine and could lead to serious side effects. If you are taking blood thinners and XELODA, your doctor needs to check more often how fast your blood clots and change the dose of the blood thinner, if needed.
 
  • The most common side effects of XELODA are: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, sores in the mouth and throat (stomatitis), stomach area pain (abdominal pain), upset stomach, constipation, loss of appetite, and too much water loss from the body (dehydration) (These side effects are more common in patients age 80 and older). Other common side effects are hand-and-foot syndrome (palms of the hands or soles of the feet tingle, become numb, painful, swollen or red); rash; dry, itchy or discolored skin; nail problems; hair loss; tiredness; weakness; dizziness; headache; fever; pain (including chest, back, joint and muscle pain); trouble sleeping; and taste problems. Tell your doctor if you have heart problems because you could have more side effects related to your heart.
     
    These side effects may differ when taking XELODA with docetaxel (TAXOTERE). Please consult your doctor for possible side effects that may be caused by taking XELODA with other therapies.
     
    If you are concerned about these or any other side effects while taking XELODA, talk to your doctor.

    •  
  • Do not take XELODA if you are nursing a baby. Tell your doctor if you are nursing. XELODA may pass to the baby in your milk and harm the baby.
     
    Women should not become pregnant while taking XELODA. XELODA may harm your unborn child. Use effective birth control while taking XELODA. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant. Men should use birth control while taking XELODA.
     
    Do not take XELODA if you are allergic to 5-fluorouracil, capecitabine or any of the ingredients in XELODA. Do not take XELODA if you have been told that you lack the enzyme DPD (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase).

    •  
  • Stop taking XELODA immediately and contact your doctor right away if you have the side effects listed below or other side effects that concern you. Your doctor can then adjust XELODA to a dose that is right for you or stop your XELODA treatment for a while. This should help to reduce the side effects and stop them from getting worse.
    • - Diarrhea: if you have an additional 4 bowel movements each day beyond what is normal or any diarrhea at night
    • - Vomiting: if you vomit more than once in a 24-hour time period
    • - Nausea: if you lose your appetite, and the amount of food you eat each day is much less than usual
    • - Stomatitis: if you have pain, redness, swelling or sores in your mouth
    • - Hand-and-Foot Syndrome: if you have pain, swelling or redness of your hands or feet that prevents normal activity
    • - Fever or Infection: if you have a temperature of 100.5°F or greater or other signs of infection
Please be sure to talk to your doctor if you have any questions about your condition or treatment.
 
Please see accompanying patient information and complete Prescribing Information.
 
Adriamycin is a trademark of Pharmacia & Upjohn Company.
Coumadin is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.
Taxol is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.
Taxotere is a registered trademark of Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC.
 
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For more information about XELODA, contact your physician or other healthcare professional.