Hi – I am sorry to hear about your husband. I too have stage 4 Non Small Cell lung cancer subtype adenocarcinoma diagnosed in April 2014. I am 62 years of age and now 118 pounds. Fortunately I am EGFR positive and started Traceva at 150 MG BUT that dose was too high for my body; FATIQUE, diarrhea (lost 8 pounds in 2 weeks), rashes head to toe, cracked bleeding skin, dry eyes with stys, hair loss. My doctor reduced dose to 75 mg per day and I have taken 75mg for 7 months now.
It took about 3 months before the side effects became less intense. I still experience dry skin and rashes which I manage with creams and lotions. My hair stopped falling out and is slowly growing back. The fatigue has reduced – I still need an hour nap in the afternoon. My dry eyes are managed using OcuSoft lid scrubs and Refresh eye drops and a gel at night. My appetite has returned - small portions are best.
Diarrhea is a constant problem. I take Imodium as directed on the package. My diet is very plain now; no spices, little dairy, no rich foods of any kind.
I understand Tarceva is currently the best drug to take for this cancer. I like the convenience of taking a pill – your quality of life is important when facing this disease.
The good news is I had a CT scan last week that indicated the cancer has not grown and the fluid in my pleura is almost gone.
I have included a listing of tips for side effects that I hope you find useful. May God bless you both as you walk out this journey together.
Skin Rash – Cortizone -10 plus has a moisturizing component in it, and a prescription of Clindamycin Phosphate 1% for the cracked areas. You also need to apply a moisturizing lotion – ALL over your body – it will likely sting but you must.
Moisturizing your skin – for my face I use Lancôme SPF 30 face moisturizer – lotion, followed by the cream version – day and night. If my face gets tight during the day I apply more lotion. For the body I found OLAY QUENCH Ultra w Shea butter body lotion worked best. I tried others but they fell short on keeping up with the drying effect of the drug.
Finger tips – you may notice small cuts- like a paper cut appearing on your fingertips. This is dryness and is hard to avoid. I make use of the latex gloves when in the kitchen preparing dinners and clearing afterwards. Use a good hand cream OFTEN and frequently apply ‘Moroccan Oil ‘ to the fingertips and around the nails – it is non greasy and will work into the skin.
EYES – to combat and sooth the dryness ‘Refresh Plus’ lubricant eye drops and a gel at night, Ocusoft lids scrubs. Apply a warm wet compress or ‘Bruder’s microwave activated eye hydrating compress’ for 3-5 minutes – this eye hydrating mask really works. It can travel easily with you too.
Eye STYS – these are small white sore spots that develop at the base of the eye lashes. It is the result of blocked eye glands. Warm compresses a few times/day over 6 – 10 days should clear them up. They can be bothersome – so keep up the compresses. They are not usually an eye infection but if in doubt see your doctor.
EYE Lashes – I wear glasses so I use an eyelash curler everyday to ensure the growing lashes are trained to curl out and up – not in your eyes or on your glasses. You can also apply a clear gel like mascara to keep them in place – men too. I also had to trim the lashes.
HYDRTATION – Drink more water than you think you need, at least 8 to 10- 10oz glasses per day. I recommend filtered – the chlorine in drinking water will upset your stomach. I moved to non-flavored electrolyte water – it is smoother and apparently our body absorbs it easier. Use a straw it helps your lips.
Diarrheas – use Imodium immediately after the first event – don’t wait for another event – and drink lots of water.
Stomach upset – try ginger teas and chocolate covered ginger
LIPS – mine are so dry! I use ‘Vichy intensive care for dry lips’. I drink all liquids using a straw.
Feet – Sally Hansen’s Cracked Heel Repair Crème’ all over my feet after a shower and before sleep. If you can put cotton socks on your feet at night it helps to intensify the treatment.
Nails – mine are drying and brittle. I use Sally Hansen Complete Care treatment. It is clear so men can use it too. Ladies – you can use it as a base coat and apply color as usual.
Hair – before too long my hair became dry and the scalp was flaking. My hair is thinning too. I switched to a natural shampoo and conditioner – Original Sprout for babies and up. Daily, I work Moroccan oil onto my scalp and through my hair. It is non-greasy and helps my hair to look natural.