Alimpta For Nsclc

Has anyone taken Alimpta? NSCLC stage 4, Mom had two sessions with Taxol and Carboplatnin..not tolerated well ( neuropathiy in hands and feet, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, etc.)..and no improvement on PET scan so Onc. recommended Alimpta. .Has anyone been on this one? Would appreciate any information.Thanks.

Linda

My wife (Stage IV Adenocarcinoma) is currently on Alimta and Tarceva.  The doctor says his goal for this regimen is stability (not reduction) and so far its working.  She's been on Alimta since the fall.

 In general the Alimta is pretty tolerable compared to her original regimen of CarboPlatin, Taxol, and Avastin.  The worst side effect is a rash that flares up after treatment but subsides within a week. The doctor was able to treat it with Acutain (a prescription med for acne) but her liver enzymes started to get elevated from the Acutain so they stopped it.  Currently they are treating the rash (some what successfully) with some topical creams.

 I hope that helps.  Good Luck.

I originally had 3 rounds of Cisplatin and Gemzar which really did a number on the Cancer (I was diagnosed NSCLC Squamous of Lung with met to brain).  I had cyberknife for the one brain mass (that worked great)..  I struggled with hearing impairment from the Cisplatin so they switched me to Carboplatin.  After 3 rounds of Carbo and gemzar they said they felt I had gotten the most I was going to get from that chemo so am now on Avastin and Alimta.  I have only had one treatment of the Alimta so, no real progress to report yet.  I get my second treatment next week.  I understand about a week later they will do a CAT scan to see how things progress.  I will keep you posted.

 I hear wonderful things about Tarceva.  I was told I can't take Tarceva while on the Alimta as this would interfere with the Chemo..

God Bless all of you.. and remember, PRAYER WORKS..Pray for your health, others health and your Dr's wisdom..

 Blessings,

Lisa