Traceva

I have NSCLC. I was on tarceva for 2 weeks and developed a resperatory problem that put me in the hospital for 2 weeks. I was on a ventolator for 1 week. They thought I would not come out of it. I am home now and doing ok but on O2 and hope to recover from the taxceva problem. The MD's tell me I should recover - I am getting better slowly. The literature on tarceva claims this is a side effect that effects a small amount of people. Well it effected me.

Kim,
You sound like you have experienced some of the "side effects" of
Tarceva. I am into my 3rd month taking Tarceva and I have seen
the lovely "rash" and dry skin. I now have a new question....has
anyone had probems with your toenails? I thought my big toe got
infected from working in the flower beds, but now, 2 weeks later
my other big toe is starting to get an "ingrown toenail" look. It is
the same as the other toe. I went to my internist and she gave me
an anitbotic. I go to my oncologist next week (2 month intervals),
and I will ask him. But, I just wanted to see if this is me or the
tarceva.
Blessings to all!!
Lana

Sorry about that, my computer did not show that the message
went through!! So Sorry, if I could erase them I would.

kim, with stg 4 disease do you find it is worth feeling so lousy? my mom has stg 4 with mets to brain but she doesnt have enough energy to leave the house more than her chemo day. would it be better to just live out lifr as is, does your family push you, are you waiting for them to say enough or is it what you want.

Oh my goodness! I've got it too! I'm so glad you wrote about it.... This confirms for me that it must be a reaction to Tarceva - especially when I got another sensitive swollen spot on my second toe on my other foot! The first spot was on the big toe of my right foot - it is very red and has some swelling - it also looks like the skin is peeling away from the sore spot. I have a scab closest to the nail and thought it would heal on its own. Finally, my husband suggested that I clean out from under my toe nail and when I did, puss came out. I wonder if I had a Tarceva "pimple" underneath my nail? Anyways, this thing has taken FOREVER to heal... I don't want to mess with it too much because it hurts a lot and I don't want to cause an infection. But, I find that after it is moistened by a hot bath or foot soak, it is easier to touch and clean - I have been taking off the excessive scabbing and then putting antibiotic cream on top. It is finally going away! What did you do?
- Kim

Dear Daughter #2:
I'm sorry to hear that your mother is so fatigued. I am not taking "traditional" IV chemo yet and have not experienced all of those dreadful side effects. My doctor prescribed Tarceva from the time of diagnosis (5/19/05) and I have been taking one pill every night to this very day. I also did not have any symptoms of lung cancer - such as a cough - before diagnosis. So, other than fatigue, I am doing great! I do feel that it is worth my efforts to fight this disease as I have a 1 year old son - he is my first, and now, will be my only child. And, even if I did not have him to live for, I would want my family's support and encouragement to fight this disease. Both my grandfather and grandmother on my mother's side died of lung cancer - so I know exactly how it's going to be at the end and, I'd be lying if I said that I was not afraid and apprehensive. I just cherish each day that I have on this earth to be with my loved ones and hope that I can make a difference before my time is up... It is very important for the people around to be as positive as possible - it has helped me to not dwell on my situation and get out there and live life. I know that your mother is very fatigued, but I'm sure she is enjoying spending extra time together with you, her daughter. This could be a very special bonding period for the two of you...
Take care - Kim

Kim,
I am so glad and so sorry to hear that someone else is having this
side effect. With cooler weather coming on I was starting to
wonder what socks look good with flip flops!!! But, I think I have
found something that is helping. When I started getting the "rash"
on my face (7-05) my Dr. prescribed clindamycin phosphate gel. I
had forgotten about it since my face is doing a little better.
Thought about it yesterday and put it on both toes and they feel
and look so much better. I hope this gel is the answer.

Thanks for the response, and I hope yours is getting better!
Blessings to All!
Lana

Great advice - I too had forgotten about the gel... I will give it a try tonight. Thanks!

It was soo nice reading that you are working in the 'garden'. I wish I could do that.

I have Stage 4 Lung Cancer - non small and can hardly manage just the bare essentials. Shower, dressing, walking a short distance, etc.

I am on Tarceva and have been for 2 1/2 months now. I go for my first CT Scan in a couple of weeks since taking Tarceva. I'm hoping for a good review.

My question is: I've read all the symptoms that everyone has listed. The rash, the dry skin, bowel problems, and extreme fatigue.

For the past month or so, I've been having a weird symptom that has left me 'freezing' most of the time. During the hot weather - I was bundled up in a jacket and sometimes hat and socks, plus having a small portable heater at my feet. I am always soooo cold.

MY blood test showed a low thyroid but my primary doctor has ordered a different blood test and doesn't think it has anything to do with Thyroid. Has anyone else had this problem?

I'll find out more when my test comes back. Would appreciate an answer ASAP. Thank you.

Jeanne

I have NSLC, specified as BAC = Bronchiolo alveolear carcinome. I used Tarceva for 14 months and got all side effects. Rash-nose bleeding - new skin on hands and feet - nausea - diarrhoea, etc,etc. Besides of this I had a good time. As soon the side effects stopped it turned out that I got resistent for Tarceva. So be pleased to get side effects. It is a sign that it works.
Sloens.