Tarceva

Hi all,

I have been on Tarceva since the 1st of January 09, I had my first ct scan to check on the progress of Tarceva.  I am in Stage 3, when I started on the drug, it was 150 mg everyday, my side effects got so bad that the Dr. dropped my dose to 150 every other day, my ct. scan showed that my lungs have stayed exactly the same, I have the cancers in both lungs and both lungs are the same as they were 3 months ago.  The Dr. has now put me on 2 days on than one day off, than on  2 etc.  I believe he is trying to be more aggresive.  Anyway I think it was good news that my lungs have not gotten worse.  Another 3 months I will have another ct scan.  My rash is getting worse, he has adv ised that I use head and shoulders and 1% of Clindamycin Phosphate.  I have never had  bad dirrhea or nausea, but am very tired all the time and the hair keeps on shedding.  It has been very easy for me.  I really enjoy this web site and have learned much.  God bless all of you and may you all get better with the Tarceva.

Hang in there.  Mom was Stage IV or Wet IIIB.  She has been completely clear for two years.   She is taking tarceva for maintenance.   My prayers are with you!

 

I've been on Tarceva 150 mg daily since August 08. My subsequent CT showed significant reduction in the size and number of lesions. Facial rash was moderate for first few months. Diarrhea continues to be a problem off and on. I take Lomotil as needed to handle the diarrhea. Have found that I can't eat yogurt, chocolate, or spicey food. My facial hair necessitates getting waxed every 4 weeks. I have to trim my eyelashes or they stick together. My brows are very thin and spikey now. I have Tarceva hair: curly and thin in places. It breaks off. I am so glad to have this extra time, I'll put up with all the side effects. I want to live. Thank modern science for Tarceva! I just found this website. I'll check here as often as I feel the need. We need each other. This is uncharted territory -- do we really know how long we have to live? We can support each other through the questions, the challenges, the fears.

I have been on Tarceva since Dec '06. Started with 150 mg which gave many side effects:  diarrhea, severe rashes on face, eyes, limbs.  Reduced tarceva to 100 mg for another 6 months and finally to 50 mg since last November 08. My onc took me off Tarceva several times for a week at a time to let my body recover.   PET scans were totally free of lymph node or other involvement last Nov.  I was very tired on the larger dosage.  My hair has now stopped shedding, rashes much less severe.  I use anti-itch Eucerin lavishly.  I still avoid spicy foods.  I feel that I have reclaimed my life and bless the Tarceva.  I have lab tests every 2 months, scans every 6 months.  Best wishes to you, hang in there.  The side effects can be handled and think the cancer is handled by Tarceva too!.

I took a 3 month course of Tarceva in 2006 but I was not responsive to the drug.  I had a severe rash on my face, scalp, up my nose in my ears and on my body together with diahorrea. I have not had any further treatment as I decided I did not want to have Chemotherapy again.  I live a full life, eat a good diet, have faith in the Lord that he will guide me through.  Sometimes I think our reliance on drugs is not always the answer.  Believe in yourself and the power of your body to heal itself. 

God bless you

Hello,

My Mum has lung cancer that has spresd to her bones. The will not treat her.  They have said it is too late and she is too far gone although she is still feeling very well in herself.  She  is on pain killers for the bone cancer.  I was thinking of trying to find someone here in Australia to give her Tarceva.  Does anyone know anyone in Aus who can help her with getting a doctor who will give her Tarceva?

I am also a believer in the body healing itself.  Do you take anything tp help your body fight the cancer?  Do you use meditation?  Do you have any advice that I can pass on to my Mum?

Thanks

Carol

Hello Carol

Sorry to hear about your mum but also pleased that she is able to get on with her life. 

I do take supplements to build up my immune system and I take Herb Robert daily (which my daughter sent to me from Australia and I cannot get in the UK).  I also eat different varieties of nuts, fruit and vegetables.  Anything red seems to be most beneficial.  I pray on a daily basis and this is my form of meditation and support.  I also use complimentary therapies such as Reiki, massage, accipuncture and manicures, pedicures, facials etc - anything that makes me feel good is a boost to the body, mind and spirit. 

Perhaps Tarceva is not the answer for your mum, if it was I am sure the medics would prescribe it.  I realise that it is very difficult looking on and seeing your mum in pain.  All I can suggest is that you continue to love and support her and encourage her to do things that give her pleasure and that she wants to do.  It is important that she is allowed to make her own decisions whatever they may be. 

I shall pray for you both and hope that you find peace.

Jenny

Thank you Jenny,

Thank you for your advice.

I do try to get Mum to do things that she likes and makes her feel good.

At the moment she seems to be spending most of her time waiting in doctors waiting rooms and then vomiting up the medication they give her for the pain.

Dad doesn't want her to do anything and he even stops me from seeing her.  He doesn't want her to spend money on anything.  Now that she is not working she can't spend her own money and she can no longer drive so she is stuck in the house with Dad unless he allows her to leave.

I am still going to look for a better oncologist for her.  The one she saw before was awful and she was supposed to refer Mum to another one she didn't do it so the GP had to do it and she still hasn't seen another oncologist.

I am going to take her to Queensland to see a naturopath there and Dad is very angry and against it.  I am paying for it though so he can't stop us.

Thank you

Carol