Alimta

My NSCLC has returned, I have been on Tarceva 100mg, however, it is not  working.  So, they have recommended Alimta.  Has anyone been on the drug? and can you tell me anything about it??  I have another option of going on a trial study..Always decisions  Thanks Vette

 

 

On 8/28/2009 Vette wrote:

My NSCLC has returned, I have been on Tarceva 100mg, however, it is not  working.  So, they have recommended Alimta.  Has anyone been on the drug? and can you tell me anything about it??  I have another option of going on a trial study..Always decisions  Thanks Vette

 

I'm Stage IV lung cancer, back and lung.   I was on Tarceva 150 mg and it worked well for 5 months, very few side effects, took all tumors down to almost nothing.   We stayed with it for 8 months and then my original lung tumor would not quit growing again.  We started carboplatin + alimta.   My encologist and a 2nd opinion encologist said it was a very good choice, user friendly.    I did not like the nausea that I could not control; however, after 2 rounds, that one tumor that was giving me trouble went way down.  I've taken 2 weeks of vacation to at least feel decent again and will do one more round.  Then I'll go on a treatment vacation so my body can get back in shape to stand other treatments which will be needed at some point.   We're investigating a clinical trial with Tarceva plus something I can't remember.  Right now it's in Phase I where they are trying to find the right doses to give.  I'm hoping to get in on Phase 2.    I'm also going to a naturopath/encologist who is giving me natural things to take and eat to help with imunity, nausea, strength.  Will be seeing him again next week and he may do more since I'll be going off the chemo in a few weeks.   We'll just take it a month at a time.  So, this is my experience.    I'm learning to trust God through each day.   Why were you on only 100 mg of Tarceva?   Hope some of this is helpful. 

 

I was on Alimta and got absolutely no results.  I am now on Tarceva and hope for better results.  The Alimta had a lot more side effects for me.

I have Stage IV NSCLC Metastatic to adrenals,liver and bone. Have you tried the genetic combo, check with Moffitt the have a great clinicl trial.

 

On 8/29/2009 dfromoz wrote:

I was on Alimta and got absolutely no results.  I am now on Tarceva and hope for better results.  The Alimta had a lot more side effects for me.

I have Stage IV NSCLC Metastatic to adrenals,liver and bone. Have you tried the genetic combo, check with Moffitt the have a great clinicl trial.

Pls check this book for more info on possibilities of Lung Cancer treatments.  I m not the author but I found it is very thorough. It should b a handbook for everyone.

www.lungcancerclaims.com

Best wishes,

V

 

On 8/28/2009 Vette wrote:

My NSCLC has returned, I have been on Tarceva 100mg, however, it is not  working.  So, they have recommended Alimta.  Has anyone been on the drug? and can you tell me anything about it??  I have another option of going on a trial study..Always decisions  Thanks Vette

 

I am on Alimta + Cisplatin on 1st Apr '09 and I decided to stop it after 3 cycles ( 3 weeks for each cycle ), because of the side effect is too strong for me and it's not really helping me to reduce the tumor .

After resting for about 3 months and rebuild my immune and body system, I decided to start treatment on Alimta alone on 1st Sept '09, with the main intention to control the grow and spread of the cancer tumor and cell . If it will help to reduce the tumor , it is a bonus for me .. :) .

Note : I been on treatment since end July '08 with Carboplatin + Taxol for 6 cycles , then follow by Tarceva 100 mg from 1st Dec '8 to mid Feb '09 . Both not helping to reduce the tumor , But , it did help to stablise the size of tumor and stop it from spreading . After consulted few oncologist, all sharing the same opinion , suggesting me to try Alimta + Cisplatin for next treatment option.

Since 1st Sept '09 until now, the side effect is minimum for me, except the rash over my upper body and my back, which is very itchi . Other than feel itchi and feel tire on 3rd and 4th day after chemo, so far the quality of life is good ! I can eat well ; sleep well ; continue my exercise for one hour in the morning and evening . Will have my blood test tomorrow to chk on my RBC/WBC reading .

For more information about Alimta , you may login to Alimta official site http://www.alimta.com . You may also chk on  http://www.2ndcanceropinionusa.com/drugdb.htm,

Anyway, pls take note that Alimta is meant for nonsquamous NSCLC. As per the information from Alimta official site, it quoted " Alimta is not indicated for patients who have a different type of NSCLC called squamous cell " .

Wish my information is helpful to you .

Rgds/ SK 

 

My 77 year old mother has been on Alimta for 2 years and is doing great.  Other than being tired for a few days after treatment, she has had no other side effects.  Her tumor is stable with no mets.  Good luck to you.