Tarceva

View all Lung Cancer Squamous Cell Discussions Post A New Discussion

6 Posts | Page(s): 1

My husband is 56 yrs. old and has been diagnosed with squamous cell stage IV. He has already received Taxol & Paraplatin , which shrunk the original tumors but a new one appeared so he was switched to Gemzar. After 6 of the 9 doses he was so physically compromised they stopped it and did a ct scan which showed the cancer has spread to his liver, ribs and spine. All this in 4 months. He weighes #98, is always tired and his blood work has been very low (HCT 23- 29). He has received 10 units of blood since Christmas. He is about to start Tarceva. We have maxed out our drug co-pay so the medication did not cost us. My question is: has anyone out there been through this so fast? Are any of you so debilitated that you can't take care of yourself like my husband? He can't even walk by himself! Has anyone been so bad and then been able to come back to a reasonable quality of life? Thanks for any info you can give us. Linda

Quote | Reply

Kldebus

I have just been diagnosed with squamous cell lung cancer. I will begin Tarceva beginning next week along with chemo. I am on a clinical trial at MDAnderson Hospital in Houston. My cancer started in the tongue and spread to the lungs. I have heard wonderful news about tarceva. Please let me know how your husband responds to this medicine. Thank you

Quote | Reply

Linda0548

I am sorry to report that my husband never got to use Tarceva. He died May 2, the day before he was to start. His cancer was more advanced than we knew. I hope you're recovery is a good one. Best of luck and you are in my family's prayers.

Quote | Reply

Ruth1

i had squamous cell in my voice box and about 6 months later it had gone to both lungs went threw chemo and was only one tumour left in the right lung they give me 1 yr to 18 months from the begin and i have beet that but it still is growing i have had 2 rfa done getting ready for the 3rd one and just was woundering how u have made out with the med u was going to be taking am always looking for new things but i thank the lord for each and every day keeping strong thanks for listen can not talk therefore no phone calls can be answered could u xplain what the tarceva was for and let me know how you are doing thanks Ruth

Quote | Reply

Amanda_Marie

How is the Tarceva working for you? My dad has just been dianosed with Squamous cell carcinoma of the neck and lungs and am interested in Tarceva.

Quote | Reply

Heidiann

My husband was diaganosed with squamous cell lung cancer in February. Primary site was scalp and then parotid gland. He started on tarceva and xeloda march 15 but continues to lose weight and becoming much weaker. He has had a terrible time with rash,sores in mouth and stomach problems. Has anyone else had this combination?

Quote | Reply

6 Posts | Page(s): 1