Iressa

Is there any one out there that has had any luck with Iressa? My husband's non-small cell lung cancer is spreading. His cancer is in the lungs, spread to both adernal glands, and a spot on the brain. He has had three different types of chemotherapy, carboplatium/taxol, altima, taxotere. It is still spreading. His oncologist is stopping his chemo treatments. He said we could try Iressa. There is a 1 out 10 ratio that it would help but he does not seem to think it will.

We are devistated. The little hope we had is dwindling. If any one could shead some light, it would be wonderful. I dont care if it is negative or positive. Just help.

Dear Janet,
I'm sorry to hear about your husband. I understand having Stage IV NSCLC myself. I am on Iressa now and if you can, email me at and I can give you some details.

Bill

Thank you Bill for responding. Any insight you can give us would be great. My husband is starting the Iressa today. Thanks again and I hope all is going well with you and your treatment.

When I began Iressa I didn't read the info sheet close enough to realized one of the possible side effects. It's called ILD, and its a fatal lung disease. After 4 weeks I started getting a bad shortness of breath and then got symptoms of pneumonia with high fever and lung ache. I went to my PCP and got antibiotics - they didnt work. My next appt. with my oncologist he mentioned that possible side effect and I stopped the Iressa. Having been on chemo (taxol and carboplatin)- cancer spread- then taxotere - more cancer spread it was difficult thinking I could beat this. When I was on the Iressa by itself I had decreased the tumor in my lung 50% and no spread of the bone cancer. After being off the Iressa for several weeks my lungs cleared up and now I am back on it with the steroid prednisone which hopefully will keep my lungs clear so the Iressa can do its job. I also changed my diet completely - no SUGAR (your #1 enemy and cancers #1 friend), white flour,dairy products,red meat, alcohol, coffee, and things made with preservatives. This is to help slow down the cancer and strenghten the immune system. Also, I take a multi, E, C, COQ10, AHCC, shitake, maitake, reishi mushrooms, eat lots of broccoli, dark green lettuce, spinach, brocco sprouts, brassica green tea. I'm trying to strenghten the immune system with things that are supposed to increase the NK's in the white blood cells. Their natural killer cells and they target cancer. All I drink is green tea and reverse osmosis water. I'm trying to alkalize my system which is also good for killing cancer. There is so much more and the internet is great for research. I keep a positive attitude and pray each night with the total belief I'm going to win this battle and its important for your husband to do the same. Take care and keep the Faith!

Bill

Janet, I realize your message was posted in October, and I hope this information is still able to help your husband. Do try Cesium chloride. My friend has lung cancer (adenocarcinoma) that has metasized to the should bone, sternum, hip bone and lymph nodes. The lymph node on his neck was extremely large and swollen, after 4 days time using 4500mg of the Cesium (liquid + potassium) there was no indication that the node was swollen. The swelling went down before any chemo treatments. He also had a tumor in his leg which has been reduced by over 50%. Of course the doctors are saying the chemo is "working". I urge you to try it, at this point, let's face it. What do you have to lose.

Blessings to you.