Chemo question for NSCLC

5 Posts | Page(s): 1 

Chemo question for NSCLC

by zamboni on Thu May 28, 2009 12:00 AM

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Hi guys, I am new to cancer information and are in need of some advise. My Dad was diagnosed with NCSC (he's a smoker) back in April. He is currently on Tarceva and unfortunately the dr said that he's not one of the lucky one who responded to this. We needed to move to chemo. Dr. suggested Cisplatin and Gemzar combo. Does any one any pointer about this combo? I have researched gemzar.com but I am more interested in the various chemo options (such as alimta, made by the same eli lilly as well as gemzar). Yeah I agree with some of the stories in this board - don't let the dr tell you how many months you have left. It aint over till its over. Thank you for any pointers.

RE: Chemo question for NSCLC

by zamboni on Thu May 28, 2009 12:00 AM

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also my Dad started to have high pulse rate (average over 100) and we think this is because of the Tarceva since there was no issue before. I couldn't find out that elevated pulse rate is a side effect of tarceva. Has anyone has information/ideas of this. We're in the ER two days ago, he was discharged after spending a couple of nights but there was not actual explanation for the pulse rate. Please shed some light.

RE: Chemo question for NSCLC

by nevah on Fri May 29, 2009 12:00 AM

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On 5/28/2009 zamboni wrote:

Hi guys, I am new to cancer information and are in need of some advise. My Dad was diagnosed with NCSC (he's a smoker) back in April. He is currently on Tarceva and unfortunately the dr said that he's not one of the lucky one who responded to this. We needed to move to chemo. Dr. suggested Cisplatin and Gemzar combo. Does any one any pointer about this combo? I have researched gemzar.com but I am more interested in the various chemo options (such as alimta, made by the same eli lilly as well as gemzar). Yeah I agree with some of the stories in this board - don't let the dr tell you how many months you have left. It aint over till its over. Thank you for any pointers.

You've got the right attitude, spirit.   If something doesn't work, aggressively seek another treatment.   I like your doctor agressively seeking something that will work.  You'll find one that does work.    Have you read books on getting plenty of good nutrition:   lots of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, fish, chicken,  green tea,  low on the sugar and coffee, supplements to get the immune system and body in optimum working order.  Some of this kills a few cancer cells.   My husband, who is the caregiver, and I both take all these things and we did not get the flu or a cold all winter.   Hope it killed a few cancer cells also.       I eat every day cottage cheese mixed with flax seed oil. 2 to 1.    It tastes about like cream cheese and is full of omega 3's.  It's also in a diet that is an alternative treatment.    I eat it with fruit.   I feel great.   Have been on Tarceva for about 8 months.    But your Dad can feel as good when he gets the right treatment and he feeds his immune system/body right.   We also walk  1 hour per day and seek endorphins by seeking things that make me happy, not down.   We seek distractions if I feel down or have the potential of feeling down.    It might be calling someone to come over to play cards.    The kids have taken me for pedicures.  We're going to Disneyworld with all the kids and grandkids.   I read about a cancer survivor who went by water for peace before any trying cancer treatment she faced and made a tape of uplifting music and quotes for when she spent long nights in the hospital or time on a PET scan or any time she needed a lift  Quality of life, each day quality, and endorphins heal.    Reading here on the chatroom is enlightening.   I can't remember the exact name of my favorite book on cancer nutrition, but I just did a google search, and you'll find plenty of reading.   Those without cancer at present would do well to eat correctly also.    The body can fight off the few cells before they multiply and you have to seek a treatment.   

RE: Chemo question for NSCLC

by zamboni on Sat May 30, 2009 12:00 AM

Quote | Reply

 

On 5/29/2009 nevah wrote:

 

On 5/28/2009 zamboni wrote:

Hi guys, I am new to cancer information and are in need of some advise. My Dad was diagnosed with NCSC (he's a smoker) back in April. He is currently on Tarceva and unfortunately the dr said that he's not one of the lucky one who responded to this. We needed to move to chemo. Dr. suggested Cisplatin and Gemzar combo. Does any one any pointer about this combo? I have researched gemzar.com but I am more interested in the various chemo options (such as alimta, made by the same eli lilly as well as gemzar). Yeah I agree with some of the stories in this board - don't let the dr tell you how many months you have left. It aint over till its over. Thank you for any pointers.

You've got the right attitude, spirit.   If something doesn't work, aggressively seek another treatment.   I like your doctor agressively seeking something that will work.  You'll find one that does work.    Have you read books on getting plenty of good nutrition:   lots of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, fish, chicken,  green tea,  low on the sugar and coffee, supplements to get the immune system and body in optimum working order.  Some of this kills a few cancer cells.   My husband, who is the caregiver, and I both take all these things and we did not get the flu or a cold all winter.   Hope it killed a few cancer cells also.       I eat every day cottage cheese mixed with flax seed oil. 2 to 1.    It tastes about like cream cheese and is full of omega 3's.  It's also in a diet that is an alternative treatment.    I eat it with fruit.   I feel great.   Have been on Tarceva for about 8 months.    But your Dad can feel as good when he gets the right treatment and he feeds his immune system/body right.   We also walk  1 hour per day and seek endorphins by seeking things that make me happy, not down.   We seek distractions if I feel down or have the potential of feeling down.    It might be calling someone to come over to play cards.    The kids have taken me for pedicures.  We're going to Disneyworld with all the kids and grandkids.   I read about a cancer survivor who went by water for peace before any trying cancer treatment she faced and made a tape of uplifting music and quotes for when she spent long nights in the hospital or time on a PET scan or any time she needed a lift  Quality of life, each day quality, and endorphins heal.    Reading here on the chatroom is enlightening.   I can't remember the exact name of my favorite book on cancer nutrition, but I just did a google search, and you'll find plenty of reading.   Those without cancer at present would do well to eat correctly also.    The body can fight off the few cells before they multiply and you have to seek a treatment.   

Thank you Nevah. God Bless You.

 

RE: Chemo question for NSCLC

by ForOurMom on Mon Jun 01, 2009 12:00 AM

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Hi, you do have the right attitude,

Tarceva may not work for previous smokers because of a gene mutation that happens with smoking, (that is what I understand).

Avastin is another targeted therapy which is supposed to stop the blood vessels that carry food to cancer cells from being created and from feeding the nasty cells.

Keep Clinical trials as an option. And good healthy nutrition is your friend.
Try and stay with organic meat, vegetable and dairy products and get wild fish if you can.

The diet Nevah mentions is great.

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