anyone with stage 4 NSCL who was treated with Tarceva alone and underwent resection of the primary tumor?

My husband 2 1/2 years ago was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. We decided not to follow the conventional chemo protocol, but start Tarceva. Likely he  was positive for the genetic mutation, that makes the cancer very sensitive to Tarceva. Despite that his prognoses was very grim.

Well, at this point his metastases are all gone and only the primary mass in his lung is still active; according to his latest Pet scan. This is very good, considering my husband is in good health and never missed a day of work. But, we are also aware that the cancer has a high probability of growing again, because the cancer cells will mutate again and will become resistant to Tarceva.

At this point we are considering an "out of the box" treatment: lung surgery to remove the original cancer, this could offer him the chance of a cure. Of course this approach is not in line with the medical establishment. But we are going for surgery next month.

This is my question: Is there anyone up there that has taken this path?

Thanks

Alba 3

 

On 6/13/2009 alba3 wrote:

My husband 2 1/2 years ago was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. We decided not to follow the conventional chemo protocol, but start Tarceva. Likely he  was positive for the genetic mutation, that makes the cancer very sensitive to Tarceva. Despite that his prognoses was very grim.

Well, at this point his metastases are all gone and only the primary mass in his lung is still active; according to his latest Pet scan. This is very good, considering my husband is in good health and never missed a day of work. But, we are also aware that the cancer has a high probability of growing again, because the cancer cells will mutate again and will become resistant to Tarceva.

At this point we are considering an "out of the box" treatment: lung surgery to remove the original cancer, this could offer him the chance of a cure. Of course this approach is not in line with the medical establishment. But we are going for surgery next month.

This is my question: Is there anyone up there that has taken this path?

Thanks

Alba 3

 

Hi there,

 My mother was diagnosed with lung cancer, where they find big tumor in one of the lungs. she did a surgery and they took I think the left lung...after two month, another tumor grown in the lympho side, and she took two chemotherapy..and it was awfull...she got very sick from the chemo...she did then CT scan which shows that she did not benefit from the chemotherpay..on the Contary, th tumor got bigger and she only got sick from the chemo..now the doctor prescribed for her Tarceva...its been two days sisnce she took it...but feel much better...the key thing, we took her to great dietician...she eats every day fish and five times a day...green salad with fresh sesame and fresh vegetable soup...and eating dates ...fresh fruits..and drinking genger and green tea with other herbs,.....she is really benefiting from it......I am not telling not to trust the surgery...it might work for him...but FOCUS on the food.....

 

wish you all best health

 

Rima

 

I am 84yrs.old now, and have had multiple cancers.at the age of 77, they found that I had lung cancer. they performed a resection on my left lung, and I was classified as stage1. since Iressa hadn't been approved yet, I was a candidate for watchful waiting, as I had multiple  nodules on my right lung as well.when 2 of these nodules increased in size at the age of  80, I was referred to an oncologist by my pulmonologist, and I was classified as stage4NSCLC.the doctor decided to start me on Tarceva 150 mgs.as of this moment, my nodules have been stabilized. the side effects{which seem to  be cyclical} are rough, but I am living  in the moment, and enjoying my life.eat sensibly, exercise, and hold good thoughts... LOVE & PEACE!

I am in a similiar place as your husband - been on tarceva and it seems to be doing it's job at keeping the cells minimized, always with the constant fear that they will mutate and resist the meds.  when we talked about surgery with the drs, the lung surgeon believed we should do it, but the oncologist indicated the risks:  what if you don't get it all, what if you "disturb" the cancer cells and they then spread from there, etc.  I have opted not to do it.  Only having one lung and then finding out that my other lung becomes cancerous would leave me with extremely limited options at that point.

I wish you the best if you are comfortable with the risks.  I am hopeful for many years on the tarceva and praying that science continues to advance for better meds or better cure options.  Tarceva itself has only been on the market for five years. 

Take care.  Your husband's overall healthy lifestyle will definitely benefit him in his recovery.  Best Wishes and Stay Strong!

amb

Hello again,

Thanks for your reply. My mother is taking Tareceva since 5 days, a new rash started to apear on her chin (small white pimples) and now near her nose and on her forhead. my question are as follow:

1-  Is there certain cream she should use?!

2-  For how long the pimples will stay on her face?

Ofcourse I feel my mother much better since she stopped the cemotherapy. and mostly coz she is folloing certain diet( fruits, veggie, dates, honey.....)

I really hope that you are feeling much better today.and  I wish we will keep in touch

waiting for your reply

 

Rima

hi: I'm certain that your doctor can recommend a good cream.you should expect many side-effects from Tarceva. side-effects mean that the drug is working.....LOVE & PEACE!

Thanks dear for your answer.

We will check again with him...How are u doing nowadays? hopefully better.

advice:L focus on good food

Thanks

Rima