CancerCompass message board discussion started by HopefulHusband on 6/18/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,25154,0.htm Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ After traditional chemo (CarboPlatin/Taxol/Avastin) my wife was put on Tarceva. After a couple of months and bad side effects the doctor said the cancer was still growing.  He added Alimta to the Tarceva. I have read a lot of postings about people successful on alimta.  How quickly do people see a response to this drug.  My wife has been on Tarceva + Alimta for about 8 months.  Except for one month where there was some shrinkage, she hasn't had any changes in tumor size (gorwth or shrinkage).  This is good, but a lot of people have indicated they've had reduction with Alimta.  When did that happen?How long have people been on Alimta?  Our doctor keeps saying that there is no clinical evidence to support treatment past 5-6 treatments but that doesn't want to take her off it since she is doing well. HopefulHusband Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hello.My dad will be starting the Alimta on Tuesday.He went for the B12 shot today and has to take 4 mg of folic acid every day.My dad's 84 and has end stage lung cancer.He has a mass the size of a baseball in his left lung.We are going for a biopsy within a few days and then will know for sure the type of cancer.The doc says he's almost sure it's non small cell.Good luck to you and your wife and I'm going to ask him about the Tarceva. Marie1973 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi,My husband has NSCLC.  It started in his left lung which he had completely removed two years ago.  Unfortunately, it returned in his right lung.  He is now on Alimta and is doing very well!  After only two treatments the tumor shrunk 30% from 9mm to 6mm.  He has now had 6 treatments of Alimta and the tumor has not shrunk anymore but it has stayed the same size.  Hey, we'll take it!!!  As long as it doesn't grow or doesn't spread, we're happy!!!  Prayerfully, they'll keep coming out with these drugs that may not cure but will add years to the lives of all those with cancer!!!Side affects are much easier also.  He gets a little upset stomach but has meds for this.  He does feel very fatigued for a day or two after treatment but it's no where near as severe as his first round of chemo.Hope this info helps!!  God Bless You and Your MOM!!!!!!  Ossipeegirl Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT