Lower dose temodar

My mom had her appointment today with the hematology oncologist which is in charge of her temodar.  As I have said before she is really having a lot of falls and extreme confusion.  I know a lot of this is to be expected coming off of the radiation.  She is two months out now for her radiation and 6 weeks of temodar.  We can't seem to get her hemoglobin to stay up.  To make a long story short, the doctor is quite concerned about her physical health right now.  He mentioned the possibility of hospice to give her a break for a couple of months.  My mom really wants to give the monthly cycles of temodar a try.  So the doctor feels like with her labs being lower than what he would hope for, he would like to try administering a lower the dose of temodar to see if she can tolerate it better than the normal dose that is given for the 5 nights.  She already has moderate to severe renal sufficiency already and I know he is quite concerned about that as well. Has anyone had any experience with taking a lower dose of the temodar?  My mom took a lower dose during the 6 weeks of radiation.  I guess I am just curious as to the lengthening of life expectancy with using a lower dose are as compared to the regular dose.

Thanks,

Cris

Hi Cris,

I have heard of others who did a lower dose of Tem. It sounds like your mother's doctor is a careful and kind person who wants to give her the best chances but is also aware of the risks. Most importantly, it sounds like both he and all her family like you are really listening to what SHE wants. Even if she's confused, clearly she still wants to give the chemo another chance. Is there any chance that the AVASTIN could be tried? It wouldn't affect her blood counts and might help with slowing the tumors.

Wishing you all the best!
Hugs and hope,
Sarah

mother of Andy 27 dx gbm/pnet 1/09

On Oct 23, 2009 11:22 PM gbm4daughter wrote:

My mom had her appointment today with the hematology oncologist which is in charge of her temodar.  As I have said before she is really having a lot of falls and extreme confusion.  I know a lot of this is to be expected coming off of the radiation.  She is two months out now for her radiation and 6 weeks of temodar.  We can't seem to get her hemoglobin to stay up.  To make a long story short, the doctor is quite concerned about her physical health right now.  He mentioned the possibility of hospice to give her a break for a couple of months.  My mom really wants to give the monthly cycles of temodar a try.  So the doctor feels like with her labs being lower than what he would hope for, he would like to try administering a lower the dose of temodar to see if she can tolerate it better than the normal dose that is given for the 5 nights.  She already has moderate to severe renal sufficiency already and I know he is quite concerned about that as well. Has anyone had any experience with taking a lower dose of the temodar?  My mom took a lower dose during the 6 weeks of radiation.  I guess I am just curious as to the lengthening of life expectancy with using a lower dose are as compared to the regular dose.

Thanks,

Cris

 

My brother's second doze of temador starts tonight. during his first doze he became more and more confused and his short memory was becoming weaker and weaker. we were very worried as he is a genuis young man. but fortunalty in his rest week in which he didnt get temador he became better and better and last night he was almost as sharp as he used to be except the fact that he gets tired very soon.

I don't know how is your mother general condition but i think if the doc is concered about it , let him what he has to do. giving lower doze of temador may need longer time as i have learned. ( high dozes is revalant with short time)

wish her best luck

farnaz