Dad Has Stage Iv B Squamous Cell, What Happens Next?

My Dad has been diagnosed with stage IVB and it has metastasized to his sacram, lymph nodes and possible lungs. The onc has started chemo no radiation. The three chemos are Taxol, Erbitux and Carboplatian. He is only two weeks in to his treatments and is having side effects (rash, and joint pain). What prognosis can we expect with Stage IVb with the bone involved?

 Does anyone know what to do for the rash?

He is 55 years old, non-smoker and in very good health up until June 1st.

Michele

On 8/19/2007 Daughters Love wrote:

My Dad has been diagnosed with stage IVB and it has metastasized to his sacram, lymph nodes and possible lungs. The onc has started chemo no radiation. The three chemos are Taxol, Erbitux and Carboplatian. He is only two weeks in to his treatments and is having side effects (rash, and joint pain). What prognosis can we expect with Stage IVb with the bone involved?

 Does anyone know what to do for the rash?

He is 55 years old, non-smoker and in very good health up until June 1st.

Michele

Hi Michele,

I just found your introductory post. First of all, convince yourself that he can beat this. It HAS been done MANY times. It helps that your dad is young and fit and a non-smoker. He fits the classic criteria for HPV+ oral cancer. This is good news because HPV+ patients respond better to treatment and usually have lesser cases of recurrence. I'm glad you've started your treatment, but I REALLY think you should find someone who will administer radiation. (Or at least not rule it out this early in the game.) Where is he being treated? Where do you live? Have you gotten second and third opinions? I really don't believe in worrying about prognosis. If ANYONE has ever beaten it, then that means that your dad has a chance. So THINK POSITIVELY and encourage him to do the same!

My dad is going through the same thing and he's doing really well. The Erbitux rash was pretty nasty for awhile, but oral antibiotics and steroids helped a LOT. And then the rash just kind of subsided. (He still has some scars (dark spots), but I think they'll fade in time.) Be proactive in asking doctors for meds to get your dad confortable and to deal with various side effects from all the drugs he is on and will be on.  Are you your fathers primary care giver? How old are you? Do you have siblings or a mother around who will be helping too?

Please let me know any other questions you may have.

Stephanie

My Dad had to have chemo cancelled last week because the rash was bad. They gave him gel for his face and a anti-itch med for the itching. We have an appt. tomorrow with the ONC who has been gone and so I'm really interested to see his plan of action.

My Mom and I are the main caregivers. My parents are young so she sill works full time and so we trade off with appts. It is very nice that they only live a mile from me and my family. I'm 35 with 2 daughters and a very supportive husband.

Where is your Dad being treated? How is the radiation going?