Latest messages for CancerCompass discussion http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,11889,0.htm Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ My understanding is that Vectibix is totally INCOMPATIBLE with any chemotherapy. So I cannot understand why it should be used together with CPT11.If you can tell me why this is good, I would be happy. Superjohnno Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT I suppose this is a little late as a reply, but could help others using (or thinking about) Vectibix. My wife has had colon cancer for 6 years (I could strangle a few of the doctors involved at that time, because it was so unnecessary).She has lost her hair 3 times and has suffered many other problems due to various therapies. She has also now had 5 major operations.She started with Vectibix about 1 year ago. Because of major skin side-effects, the dose was reduced, and she needed to take a break after about 6 months. She knows that cancer is sort of ... er ... life-threatening, but was really thinking about taking some other way out rather than  Vectibix.Vectibix removed the problems she had (duodenum blocked by a tumour) within days, so there is a lot positive about the drug. She would have otherwise died within days, because it was inoperable.The side effects after reducing the dose did not get better, they got worse. She now has problems even putting on her bra, and the rash has spread all over her body. But the oncologist has no alternative at the moment.If anyone knows an alternative to Vectibix (after exhausting all the other therapies), we would be really happy to learn about them.I look forward to any answers, and especially to any answers with helpful infromation.Ciao John  Superjohnno Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT  On 5/7/2007 Rhonda0808 wrote:i have just had my first treament of vectibix and cpt11 combo and i'm dealing with this horriable acne like rash on my face,neck,back i am the 1st patient to be on vectibix in chattanooga .my oncologist has told me to keep the rash moisturized but that is not enough.anyone out there been on vectibix?i need some releif so i will be able to tollerate this rash to stay on treatment.   hi rhonda, my husband on this too , the rashes as they call it are bad for him too.he also has a stoma, which makes it twice as bad. trying to keep the rash from under the colos bag, it doesnt want to stick to skin, his bags i mean.he too takes docucylene for infections. also uses ceptraphril soap, nutragena soap, and aveeno, and selsen blue to wash hair with.  not fun, his dr. has reduced it 20% too.  hes been on it for about 6 mths now, vomiting, diarreah, rash.i feel so bad for him. hes been taking chemo for almost 10 yrs. now. never been off. i am taking him monday, to dr. again to see if they will take hom off. his cea keeps going up with it. hope your luck better.     Rosebob2000me Sat, 16 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT I have just started my 1st treatment of vectibix and prior to my treatment my doctor sent me to a dermatologist who specialized in cancer patients and Dr. LaCouture from Northwestern Hospital in Chicago put me on Doryx antibiotics 100mg 1 tablet twice daily and Aclometasone Dipropionate 0.05% applied to face and chest 2x daily.  He has also instructed me to use 60 sun block and stay ot of the sun at all costs. I just did a follow up after my first treatment and i am contining this regime for another month.  So far i have been able to avoid the rash.  I wish you luck.  Zoobie Wed, 13 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT I also started vectibix two weeks ago and broke out in that nearly intolerable rash. Actually, no, it IS intolerable. My doctor at Tower Oncology here in LA has prescribed a cortisone medication to relieve the swelling (today) although I have just emailed him about the drug referred from Chicago. I have also heard that the severity of the breakout often relates to how effective the drug is at battling the cancer. In that case, mine should be gone by tomorrow. LOL. Please keep sharing. As this is a new drug I am sure there are a lot of people trying different strategies to relieve the rash. And the rash can be minimized, it will be a much more attractive option. STEPHEN Gideonman Tue, 29 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT  On 5/7/2007 Chicagomike wrote:I have been perscribed Doxycyclene for the EGFR Erbitux. It worked in 5 days and completely cleared up the acne. I still take it occasionaly if there is a rash flare up.The moisturizers are essential. Moisturize your hands too so your don't get finger nail cracks. This treatment was perscribed by dermatoloists that specialize in skin affects from cancer treatment at Northwest Memorial Hospital in ChicagoGood luck Mike, my mom is also at Northwesten Memorial in Chicago and she is about to begin treatment on Vectibix. Her doctor recommended that she she a dermatologist that specializes in treating patients with reactions to this drug. How long have you been on taking this chemo? What is your regime? Has the dermatologist been able to control your acne/rash? What other treatments have you taken, my mom has been on the folfox with oxi and avastin, cpt 11 and now she will begin Vectibix and CPT11. The colon cancer is in her lungs, colon and adrenal gland. Thanks for your help.  Jaime Dally321 Mon, 28 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT  On 5/7/2007 Rhonda0808 wrote:i have just had my first treament of vectibix and cpt11 combo and i'm dealing with this horriable acne like rash on my face,neck,back i am the 1st patient to be on vectibix in chattanooga .my oncologist has told me to keep the rash moisturized but that is not enough.anyone out there been on vectibix?i need some releif so i will be able to tollerate this rash to stay on treatment.   I also had my first treatment of Vectibix the same day as you.  I have had 2 treatments so far and have a horrible rash and skin that is so dry it is like sand paper.  I went to a dermatologist today and have 2 new prescriptions that I pick up tomorrow.  I am sorry that I don't recall the names right now but I will post them when I pick them up.  In addition, you need to use a mild cleanser on your face (I have one from the dermatologist) - over the counter ones are cetaphil and aveeno for sensitive/dry skin.  Use a bath oil when you get out of the shower or bath and pat dry.  I will let you know soon what Rxs I have.Patricia Brencolinmom Thu, 24 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT  On 5/7/2007 Chicagomike wrote:I have been perscribed Doxycyclene for the EGFR Erbitux. It worked in 5 days and completely cleared up the acne. I still take it occasionaly if there is a rash flare up.The moisturizers are essential. Moisturize your hands too so your don't get finger nail cracks. This treatment was perscribed by dermatoloists that specialize in skin affects from cancer treatment at Northwest Memorial Hospital in ChicagoGood luckHas this treatment also worked for the Vectibix rash?  Brencolinmom Sat, 19 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT I have been perscribed Doxycyclene for the EGFR Erbitux. It worked in 5 days and completely cleared up the acne. I still take it occasionaly if there is a rash flare up.The moisturizers are essential. Moisturize your hands too so your don't get finger nail cracks. This treatment was perscribed by dermatoloists that specialize in skin affects from cancer treatment at Northwest Memorial Hospital in ChicagoGood luck Chicagomike Mon, 07 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT By the way, some say the rash is a sign the drug is working, so it could be good!  Look for some other posts on this site where people talk about their experience.  There was one from just a couple days ago. Oncrx Mon, 07 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT  On 5/7/2007 Rhonda0808 wrote:I HAVE JUST HAD MY FIRST TREAMENT OF VECTIBIX AND CPT11 COMBO AND I'M DEALING WITH THIS HORRIABLE ACNE LIKE RASH ON MY FACE,NECK,BACK I AM THE 1ST PATIENT TO BE ON VECTIBIX IN CHATTANOOGA .MY ONCOLOGIST HAS TOLD ME TO KEEP THE RASH MOISTURIZED BUT THAT IS NOT ENOUGH.ANYONE OUT THERE BEEN ON VECTIBIX?I NEED SOME RELEIF SO I WILL BE ABLE TO TOLLERATE THIS RASH TO STAY ON TREATMENT.  skin rash is a side effect of all EGFR inhibitors, including Vectibix.  If its just dry skin then a moisturizer should help.  If it looks more like acne where it could be infected then topical or oral antibiotics may be needed.  Let your onc know the moisturizer isnt working.  Oncrx Mon, 07 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT i have just had my first treament of vectibix and cpt11 combo and i'm dealing with this horriable acne like rash on my face,neck,back i am the 1st patient to be on vectibix in chattanooga .my oncologist has told me to keep the rash moisturized but that is not enough.anyone out there been on vectibix?i need some releif so i will be able to tollerate this rash to stay on treatment.    Rhonda0808 Mon, 07 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT