Open For Questions

Hi folks,
I recently posted a message regarding the good experience I have had while taking Iressa. I received a few questions but haven't figured out how to answer them, so anyone is welcome to contact me directly (or tell me how to respond so everyone can see the response).

I was diagnosed in Sept. 2002 with Stage IIIB NSCLC (adenocarcinoma), with a single tumor in my left lung that was considered inoperable because I also had a couple of lymph nodes involbed, one on each side of my sternum. I had two chemo treatments (carboplatin and taxol) followed by 33 readiation treatments, ending in January 2003. I started taking 250 MG of Iressa, daily, at the time I finished my chemo, and am still taking it. I am enrolled in a clinical trial program at Duke Med. Center. Iwas a heavy smoker who quit some 35 years ago.

In Jan 2003 the doctors said I had 50% shrinkage in the tumor and in April 2003 they said I was in complete remission. Based on quarterly CT scans since then I am told that I'm still in remission.

I have some side effects from the Iressa, maily dry, itchy skin for which I use an over the counter moisturizer. I have some shortness of breath, probably from the radiation, and I have some periphereal neuropothy (lack of feeling in my feet and, to a much lesser degree, in my fingers. I manage with this OK. The doctors say this was probably caused by the chemo.

If anyone has any questions, I would be glad to respond to your messages. I feel very, very fortunated to have responded to the Iressa the way that I have. I have told most, if not all, of this story before, and am doing it again as I don't want to fail to respond to anyone who has questions.

Best wishes to all,
Bob W.

Dear Bob,

My mum has just recently been diagnosed with lung cancer which has already metastasized to her brain and bone. She just completed a 10 day session of radiation treatment on her brain. The Drs will start chemo regimen in about 10 days. I have heard the horror stories about the chemo. I was wondering if we could start use IRESSA instead of Chemo or combine with Chemo. The drs suggested to use IRESSA as a second line medicine if the chemo treatment fails. Your thoughts on this?
Many thanks,
Bill

Bill, in my case I had all three approaches - first, chemo (carboplatin and taxol), then 33 radiation treatments, and, DURING THIS TIME, AND CONTINUING TODAY, I am taking 250 mg of Iressa on a daily basis. I have been most fortunate in having been in remission for 18 months, and due to this result, I would have to say that I would follow the same regimine again if I were just starting out.

With best wishes to you and your mother,
Bob W.

Bob,
Thanks for your information. I will talk to our Drs tomorrow to see if we could have a good chemo plan like yours. We plan to have mom on the chemo the day after Christmas. She has some mild side effects like vomiting, the loss of appetite and the loss of hair due to the whole brain radiation. It will give her some time to recoup before the chemo. I have several additional questions if you have the time to answer:
1. Did you have severe side effects while you were on chemo? What did you do to reduce those side effects?
2. Any particular dite that you follow? I heard the sugar is a taboo that fuels the growth of the cancer cell?
Many thanks,
Bill

Bill: re your questions:
1. Chemo side effects - it's hard to tell what all the effects are. I lost my hair, had very little energy, developed neuropathy (numbness) in my feet and finger tips, and lost considerable hearing ability. All caused by chemo? I'm not sure, but think so.
2. I'm following no diet, other than eating a generally healthy, balanced diet, including meats, vegetables, fruits, etc. I like sweets and am not trying to stay away from sugar. Hope this may be of some help. Bob W.

Bill, I can't speak to Iressa but I certainly can with regard to Chemotherapy. I was diagnosed with Lung Cancer Stage IV Dec 02 and have since undergone two rounds of chemotherapy approxiamtely 8 or 9 treatments each round. My side effects were quite minimal. A few aches and pains for a day or two following the treatment and complete loss of hair. I did not once feel even the least bit queasy. I have since followed a strict nutritional regiment and have been doing quite well. While chemo might be considered a first line of treatment I also would consider alternative treatments such as nutritional therapy. You have to give the body a chance to fight the cancer. My cancer stabalized enough where I was able to have surgery eliminating the mass in my lung. As of now (knock and wood) I am free of cancer. Have faith in god and and let your mom give herself a fighting chance!

Good luck,

Steve

I'm currently on iressa since nov 16, 2004. Curious if you have severe coughing which seems to be the only side effect I notice beside dry mouth.

Ray J.