On 7/23/2008 BBCats wrote:
My husband was diagnosed with local advanced stage pc in May 08. He has been through 5 wks of radiation and Xeloda was sick from that but did fairly well. Scans show some small tumors are gone. His onc now wants to start him on on Tarceva and Gemzar. After reading some of the issues with the Tarceva I am concerned about this being the right thing to do. My understanding is that this is not a cure but a means of prolonging life. He already has some major issues with congestive heart failure. Some of the precautions of this drug are heart related and specifically mentions blood thinners which he is on. He also has serious problems with gout. He was near death before they diagnosed him. He had lost to 120 lbs from around 220 a year ago would not eat etc. He was fed intravenously which was a positive turning point and is doing well now. Do we go forward or stop here and enjoy whatever time the Lord allows him to live?
My husband was put on Tarceva with Rappamune for Glioblastoma (brain cancer). I don't know which drug caused it, but he became so sick...face swelling and broken out, eyes nearly swelled shut, fever....and it didn't work. The tumor continued to grow. We were able to buy an additional 8 months with another clinical trial, but now are finished fighting and waiting for the natural end of this battle. With all chemo, consider the cost vs benifit and whether you want to prolong what is not a good quality of life. Good luck in your decision and in your battle. Pat