Does anyone else do Avastin, Erbitux and CPT 11 (irronitecan)?

Erinb
Erinb Member Posts: 293
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Irronitecan, Avastin and Erbitux sounds a bit much to me, but since my husband had a 6 week break the cancer grew 6mm and the doctor wanted to switch therapies. Compared to what's been going on around here, I was thrilled it was only a small growth! Nothing New! The side effects of bad rash, loss of hair, infected nail beds, inconsistent diareah and constipation weren't enough...now nose bleeds. But we are very fortunate therapy is an option and it continues to work.

We don't have to deal with the pump while he is on this regimen. I was just wondering if anyone elso does all three or has done all three at one point or another? The doctor doesn't think he will need a nuelasta shot either. He has always had a nuelasta shot in the past and the one time he didn't he broke out with severe cold and mouth sores. Maybe the side effects won't be as bad without the 5FU. If anyone else has experience with this combo I would greatly appreciate the feedback. Thanks! I hope you all have a good week.
Erin

Comments

  • damama24
    damama24 Member Posts: 174 Member
    #2
    chemo
    I am currently on Iriontecan(CPT-11) and Vectibix(similar to Erbitux) no Avastin. Before this I was on FOLFOX with Avastin. The Iriontecan has been much easier for me than the FOLFOX was. The rash from both Erbitux and Vectibix has been very mild for me and hasn't been an issue. My oncologist did have me on an anti-biotic before starting the Vectibix though.
    I was also given Atropine as a pre-med to help with the diarrhea and stomach cramps that sometimes come with the Iriontecan. Dr stopped the atropine after 4 treatments because it caused the oppisite problem for me, constipation. I never really had diarrhea just loose stool and Imodium took care of it. I sure don't miss the little 46 hour pump of 5-FU though.
    Hopefully if your husband starts this combo he will tolerate it well and have few problems.
    Deb
  • chicoturner
    chicoturner Member Posts: 282
    #3
    Hi Erin, I had the
    Hi Erin, I had the irronotecan and avastin, but not the erbitux. Had hair lost, diarreah, contip. and some nose bleeds. I did take atropine as a pre-drug. The worse for me was 5FU. I don't think I could do that again! Best to you. Jean
  • Erinb
    Erinb Member Posts: 293
    #4
    chicoturner said:

    Hi Erin, I had the
    Hi Erin, I had the irronotecan and avastin, but not the erbitux. Had hair lost, diarreah, contip. and some nose bleeds. I did take atropine as a pre-drug. The worse for me was 5FU. I don't think I could do that again! Best to you. Jean

    Great to know! Thanks for
    Great to know! Thanks for both of your responses. It sounds like my husband will appreciate being off of the 5FU!
    Erin
  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    #5
    Hi Erin
    I have done all three, Irronitecan, Avastin and Erbitux at various times. I started on FOLFOX with Avastin and it worked great for me. It (Avastin) made tumors that were inoperable operable by causing significant shrinkage. I did that for 5 months. The first month I wasn't on it because it was not released for use until one month into my chemo.

    I have been on Irronitecan and Erbitux for four years or more, I am currently on it. I did do a couple of months of just Erbitux because I was having some nasty cramping from the Irronitecan.

    I have few complaints with this therapy. It's been keeping things in check for the most part and when small tumors appear in my lungs, I have them ablated.
    Hope this helps
    -phil

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