CancerCompass message board discussion started by Nadeene on 4/21/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23279,0.htm Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ My husband has NSCLC , a tumor on each upper lobe. He just finished 68 radiation treatments 3 weeks ago.  More cancer, adenocarcinoma, was found on his backbone during his radiation treatment. Now the doctor is prescribing tarceva150. We have not started yet, waiting for insurance to supplement the cost, but we are very concerned about the possibility of shortness of breath as a side effect. He wont mind the rash or other side effects, but the shortness of breath is something he can not handle as he has COPD now. Has anyone had this as a side effect? If so, is it temporary, all the time, or what? Any comments from anyone would be very appreciated!! Our only other option is to do a 21 day cycle of Alimta for probably 6 sessions, and he is seriously considering it since it may not cause shortness of breath. Any comments will be welcomed! Thanks   Nadeene Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 4/21/2008 Nadeene wrote:My husband has NSCLC , a tumor on each upper lobe. He just finished 68radiation treatments 3 weeks ago.  More cancer,adenocarcinoma, was found on his backbone during his radiationtreatment. Now the doctor is prescribing tarceva150. We have notstarted yet, waiting for insurance to supplement the cost, but we arevery concerned about the possibility of shortness of breath as aside effect. He wont mind the rash or other side effects, but theshortness of breath is something he can not handle as he has COPD now.Has anyone had this as a side effect? If so, is it temporary,all the time, or what? Any comments from anyone would be veryappreciated!! Our only other option is to do a 21 day cycle ofAlimta for probably 6 sessions, and he is seriously considering itsince it may not cause shortness of breath. Any comments will bewelcomed! Thanks  Ihave had no shortness of breath with taking 100 mg Tarceva over threemonths, as I had with chemo before. I had difficult skin reactions butnow have that under control.The chronic disease fund can sometmes helpwith cost.Your doctor can help to apply.Best of luck to you  Jane M Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi Nadene,I have been on Tarceva 150 for 18 months.  If anything, it has helped me breathe better.  Have never had any issue with shortness of breath.Good luck to you and your husband.  God Bless.  Chessie Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT My mother did have shortness of breath while on Tarceva, but it was due to anemia.  A blood transfusion took care of that problem.  Good luck to you and your husband.   Roz Rosalind Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi Nadeene. I am a cancer survivor. Diagnosed with NSCLC over 10 years ago (August 6, 1997). I am currently undergoing a fourth recurrence of cancer. Now stage 4 (broncho-alveolar adenocarcinoma). I have had over 20 cycles of chemo ranging from Gemzar+Carboplatin, Alimta+ABT751, to Tarceva 150. Hands down, the Tarceva is the easiest to take and the chemo with the least side effects. I have experienced NO (zero) headaches, heart palpitations, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, bleeding, tremors, stomach upsets, vision disturbances, taste alterations, or anything else for that matter with the exception of one thing - a rash that resembles acne on the upper part of my chest, back, neck, face, and scalp. This is being treated with antibiotics. The rash is unsightly but a small price to pay for staying alive. With Alimta, Gemzar, Carboplatin, and ABT751, I experienced shortness of breath. If your husband experiences shortness of breath during treatment with Tarceva, the likelihood will be that it is due to radiation treatment and/or progression of the disease. My best to you and to your husband. hang in there. It's tough as is the climb up a mountain - but once there, the view is well worth it :) Blessings. Four Time Lung Cancer Sur Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT