CancerCompass message board discussion started by Med Trans on 8/30/2006 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,6680,0.htm Sun, 07 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT Sun, 07 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ My 8l year old mom has been on Tarceva for 6 weeks. Just started having side effect of feeling very tired or weak, food doesn't taste good. Feels like she has sand in her mouth. Getting depressed. Had been doing fine. Didn't get a rash, no diarrhea. Had one pimple and a cold sore on lip. Anyone have this side effect? Is it worth continuing the Tarceva? She has had four rounds of chemo already and it didn't shrink the tumors in both lungs. So we are trying this. Until now, its been going fine. No diarrhea, no rash. Does that mean its not helping. She has lost 3 lbs. already and at ll0 can't afford a lot more. Just had a shot of ARANESP to see if it helps energy level. Thanks. Med Trans Wed, 30 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT I have been on Tarceva for one year. I have found that it is best to take in the evening,two hours after eating. The pill will make you tired if taken during the day. You may sleep longer in the morning. However, you can still have an evening snack, one hour after taking the pill. Food does not taste that great, however, it is Very important to eat 3 good meals a day. Also, fattening snacks, I find that ice cream is great. You have to keep positive, and enjoy each day. I am a new grandmother, we all have something to live for. You are in my prayers. Vette Vette Thu, 21 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT Thank you for your encouragement, Vette. She is feeling a little better this past week. She is still working and hates to give it up, but with winter coming it will be hard to get out. She is a fighter, no doubt. They gave her some Megace to increase her appetite. It might work a little. She takes one day at a time. We will keep you posted. Thank you again for your answer. Rose Med Trans Fri, 22 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT