Tarceva

My father had his second occurrence with cancer two years ago.  He had lung cancer and had 30% of his left lung taken out.  After that, he had chemotherapy and millions of scans done afterwards.  He currently has non-small cell cancer spots in his abdomen and his doctor prescribed Tarceva for him.  He has been on it for about two weeks now and has a horrible rash/acne on his face and throughout his scalp that is terribly painful.  I understand this is a side effect, but was wondering if anyone had had previous experience with this drug enough to tell me if the rash/acne ever goes away?  I have also heard that the worse the rash, the better the drug is working.  Has anyone had experience with this as well?  I am not sure because he has yet to go to his scan because it is not until December.  I am extremely worried about him.  If anyone has any previous experience, please let me know.  Thank You.  God Bless.

My mother has been on Tarceva for non small cell for the last two plus years. She has had none of the common side effects but her latest scan shows some incremental heat. They question has come up as to whether the Tarceva was working or not but it appears that it has only slowed the cancer. Good Luck.

 

 

 

My mother has been on tarceva for a short time.  She has not gotten the rash, but has had other side effects.  She was taken off it for a week, and is now on a reduced dose-- 100mg instead of 150mg.  We have no idea if it's working, but I have also heard that the rash can be a good sign.  If you read through the message board you will see other people who have suffered with the rash and how they were able to treat it.  Reducing the dose may also help.  Good luck to you and your father.