cisplatin vs erbitux for treatment
Comments
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Hi ephaut54
Welcome to CSN, I am sorry to hear about your Cancer, there are a lot of us here with all different types of Cancer and we help and support each other from the start to the finish. One thing you need is to stay positive, listen to what your doctors will be telling you, and just have Faith that you will overcome this Cancer. There are a lot of us here that have been down the road you are just starting, we stay behind for people like you.
Take care and may God continue to bless you through this new year0 -
thank-you for taking theHondo said:Hi ephaut54
Welcome to CSN, I am sorry to hear about your Cancer, there are a lot of us here with all different types of Cancer and we help and support each other from the start to the finish. One thing you need is to stay positive, listen to what your doctors will be telling you, and just have Faith that you will overcome this Cancer. There are a lot of us here that have been down the road you are just starting, we stay behind for people like you.
Take care and may God continue to bless you through this new year
thank-you for taking the time to reply0 -
Cisplatin
ephault- I was given Cisplatin and Flourouracil twice for 4-day sessions by carrying pumps feeding into my Port. Have no knowledge of erbitux.
As for the experience- get your pain meds in order, as you will need. Your C is lower than mine supposedly was, Nasopharynx, but mine showed with two left-side neck tumors, and the lower was near my thyroid, so the rads included my neck. Went thru full head and neck rads-got zapped in 20 places/session. Would assume that swallowing will get difficult, and your throat will get very sore.
Did they say you'll only be getting the rad in the larynx area? And has the Primary has been found, there? And nothing about surgery?
kcass0 -
i don't know where i'llKent Cass said:Cisplatin
ephault- I was given Cisplatin and Flourouracil twice for 4-day sessions by carrying pumps feeding into my Port. Have no knowledge of erbitux.
As for the experience- get your pain meds in order, as you will need. Your C is lower than mine supposedly was, Nasopharynx, but mine showed with two left-side neck tumors, and the lower was near my thyroid, so the rads included my neck. Went thru full head and neck rads-got zapped in 20 places/session. Would assume that swallowing will get difficult, and your throat will get very sore.
Did they say you'll only be getting the rad in the larynx area? And has the Primary has been found, there? And nothing about surgery?
kcass
i don't know where i'll exactly be getting the radiation i went for the simulation last thurs. i'm very new at this and don't really know what questions to ask. i had a pet scan also last week i have an appointment mon. with dr. to discuss these results i have been informed over the phone that it is only in the neck. what the primary site is has never been brought up either. i'm getting a portacath jan.8th and will get the chemo (cisplatin) once weekly. yes surgery was brought up i decided to have chemo and radiation first then talk about surgery.i have already had to have a trach on dec 3rd.0 -
hopingephault54 said:i don't know where i'll
i don't know where i'll exactly be getting the radiation i went for the simulation last thurs. i'm very new at this and don't really know what questions to ask. i had a pet scan also last week i have an appointment mon. with dr. to discuss these results i have been informed over the phone that it is only in the neck. what the primary site is has never been brought up either. i'm getting a portacath jan.8th and will get the chemo (cisplatin) once weekly. yes surgery was brought up i decided to have chemo and radiation first then talk about surgery.i have already had to have a trach on dec 3rd.
Only in the neck sounds very hopeful, ephault.
Chemo wil be the drips. Combination of Cisplatin with somewhat-targeted Rad just might rid you of this. That combo does appear to have worked for me. Hoping you will be able to claim the same. Shrunk my two neck tumors into oblivion, and worked so well that I only had 34 rads, instead of 35, and the last 3 were only partials.
Keep us informed, ephault.
kcass0 -
ephault54
Very sorry to hear about your illness. This site has been good for information so please post your questions and thoughts here. I have squamous cell carcinoma of unknown origin (occult primary somewhere in my oropharynx, naso pharynx is suspected due to the presence of epithelial cells in the tumor of my neck).
I do not yet know what chemo drugs I'm getting but will let you know what I find out. In response to another thread of yours, typically surgery is considered for the removal of any known tumors, including areas that definitive radiochemotherapy is considered, at least that's my case. You are electing to not have surgery? Can you tell us what you process for coming to that was? Was it complications from the previous trach?
My understanding is if there is a known primary (your case) treatment can be better targeted and prognosis is usually good. it seems that there are a lot more people who survive this than not.
Warmly,
Mick0 -
that is the kind i have tomicktissue said:ephault54
Very sorry to hear about your illness. This site has been good for information so please post your questions and thoughts here. I have squamous cell carcinoma of unknown origin (occult primary somewhere in my oropharynx, naso pharynx is suspected due to the presence of epithelial cells in the tumor of my neck).
I do not yet know what chemo drugs I'm getting but will let you know what I find out. In response to another thread of yours, typically surgery is considered for the removal of any known tumors, including areas that definitive radiochemotherapy is considered, at least that's my case. You are electing to not have surgery? Can you tell us what you process for coming to that was? Was it complications from the previous trach?
My understanding is if there is a known primary (your case) treatment can be better targeted and prognosis is usually good. it seems that there are a lot more people who survive this than not.
Warmly,
Mick
that is the kind i have to squamous cell. i'm undecided on surgery. after the chemo and radiation i'll listen to what they have to say and hopefully it will be less involved than what they offered at first.this trach for live i don't know? ephault0 -
Erbituxephault54 said:that is the kind i have to
that is the kind i have to squamous cell. i'm undecided on surgery. after the chemo and radiation i'll listen to what they have to say and hopefully it will be less involved than what they offered at first.this trach for live i don't know? ephault
Hi E54,
I was given Erbitux for Epithelial Squamous Carcinoma in the tonsil. I gather it is relatively quite expensive and as you have probably read, works in a different way to Cisplatin. Cisplatin would generally be used for less aggressive cancers so it may have depended on your Biopsy result and how the cells look.
I would certainly ask your Doctor about Erbitux. The general idea I have is if Cisplatin fails, then they use Erbitux (more for if metastasis has occurred). THey can also be used in combination so as said - ask your Doctors.
I chose Surgery first as my tumor was fairly contained in the tonsil area and followed that up with the Erbitux and IMRT for 7 weeks.
Again you may wish to discuss further the implication of whether surgery is possible after Chemo/Rad treatment as I know some folks here had that option eliminated due to the effects of Chemo/Rads.
Don't just listen to your Doctors, you get in and ask the big questions. Make a list before you go in and write down the responses or have someone with you as this is not an exact science and there may be choices you have to make.
Wishing you all the best with your treatment.
Scambuster0 -
Erbitux
I had both cisplatin combined with Erbitux. I was diagnosed stage IVa tonsil and a few nodes on my right neck over 3 years ago. The Erbitux seemed like a very good thing at the time and I still feel that way. I fathered a beautiful baby girl two years after treatment so I can't complain:) One thing about Erbitux... if you end up getting it... it causes sever acne like rash over most of your body. I was given some meds by a dematologist that helped with the rash. I would seek another opinion if your doctor doesn't want to give it to you. Good luck!0 -
i want to thank every onejeff21 said:Erbitux
I had both cisplatin combined with Erbitux. I was diagnosed stage IVa tonsil and a few nodes on my right neck over 3 years ago. The Erbitux seemed like a very good thing at the time and I still feel that way. I fathered a beautiful baby girl two years after treatment so I can't complain:) One thing about Erbitux... if you end up getting it... it causes sever acne like rash over most of your body. I was given some meds by a dematologist that helped with the rash. I would seek another opinion if your doctor doesn't want to give it to you. Good luck!
i want to thank every one for replying. it really helped. as i said before i'm very new at this. and its very scary thank-you ephault0 -
Gold Standardephault54 said:i want to thank every one
i want to thank every one for replying. it really helped. as i said before i'm very new at this. and its very scary thank-you ephault
My chemoDoc told me Cisplatin was still the gold standard. I think erbitux is fast gaining ground on this and will someday be the new gold standard. They are both very effective and work in differrnt ways. One argument against receiving both is that in case of recurrence you may exhausted chemo options.0 -
surgeryratface said:Gold Standard
My chemoDoc told me Cisplatin was still the gold standard. I think erbitux is fast gaining ground on this and will someday be the new gold standard. They are both very effective and work in differrnt ways. One argument against receiving both is that in case of recurrence you may exhausted chemo options.
Your response to my last posting included the question of whether or not I chose to have surgery. I was the one who brought-up the possibility of surgery, and my Oto said that he could do that and remove my two tumors, but he thought the better option was to let the c&r take care of them- which they did. I'm unknown primary, NPC. My Oto told me there was the chance that my C would return in the same area, but didn't regard it as probable. Got Cisplatin and Flourouracil while getting full h&n rads. It never came down to my making a decision on whether or not to have surgery. My Oto advised that just the c&r would be enough.
Ratface- glad to hear your Onco told you Cisplatin is still the gold standard, as that is what I had. Thank you.
kcass0 -
Erbitux
Hi, there! I felt compelled to let you know my experience with Erbitux. I have had three weekly treatments and have another three to go. I haven't been horribly sick to my stomach and, although my hair has thinned, it hasn't fallen out. That's not to say that it won't, but so far, so good.
The acne-like rash is something to really steel yourself for if you get Erbitux. In my case, it is almost more like a very severe case of chickenpox. The first week I had just a couple of spots pop up, but by the second week, well, let me say that I do not remember puberty ever being so painful or embarrassing. I really suffered with the rash over the Christmas holiday, but thankfully, my chemo doctor prescribed an antibiotic that has halted the progression of the rash. The rash is not nearly so painful now, but it still is very visible.
My chemo doctor said that in severe cases, the rash will spread over the palms of a person's hands and soles of their feet. I am sure glad that has not happened to me. I hope this information helps.
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KentKent Cass said:surgery
Your response to my last posting included the question of whether or not I chose to have surgery. I was the one who brought-up the possibility of surgery, and my Oto said that he could do that and remove my two tumors, but he thought the better option was to let the c&r take care of them- which they did. I'm unknown primary, NPC. My Oto told me there was the chance that my C would return in the same area, but didn't regard it as probable. Got Cisplatin and Flourouracil while getting full h&n rads. It never came down to my making a decision on whether or not to have surgery. My Oto advised that just the c&r would be enough.
Ratface- glad to hear your Onco told you Cisplatin is still the gold standard, as that is what I had. Thank you.
kcass
I too never did the surgery it was an option only if the rad/chemo did not work. The lymph node in the right side of the neck still sticks out a little but the PET showed nothing there but scare tissue.
I am starting to have a lot more problems with the numbness and pain in the tongue, its starts right under the Jaw in the neck possible nerve damage. Pain is sometimes worse then a bad Charles horse. I am going to start looking for someone who can do disease management acupuncture
Take care0 -
Hi MomMomOfThreeGirls said:Erbitux
Hi, there! I felt compelled to let you know my experience with Erbitux. I have had three weekly treatments and have another three to go. I haven't been horribly sick to my stomach and, although my hair has thinned, it hasn't fallen out. That's not to say that it won't, but so far, so good.
The acne-like rash is something to really steel yourself for if you get Erbitux. In my case, it is almost more like a very severe case of chickenpox. The first week I had just a couple of spots pop up, but by the second week, well, let me say that I do not remember puberty ever being so painful or embarrassing. I really suffered with the rash over the Christmas holiday, but thankfully, my chemo doctor prescribed an antibiotic that has halted the progression of the rash. The rash is not nearly so painful now, but it still is very visible.
My chemo doctor said that in severe cases, the rash will spread over the palms of a person's hands and soles of their feet. I am sure glad that has not happened to me. I hope this information helps.
Glad to have you here with us on CSN, thanks for your post. I too remember the rash problem but it did not last too long. Had it only for a few weeks then it went away, can’t remember what I did, it was something the Chemo doctor gave me.
Take care of the Girls and may God take of you0 -
Thanks, Hondo. Have aHondo said:Hi Mom
Glad to have you here with us on CSN, thanks for your post. I too remember the rash problem but it did not last too long. Had it only for a few weeks then it went away, can’t remember what I did, it was something the Chemo doctor gave me.
Take care of the Girls and may God take of you
Thanks, Hondo. Have a peaceful night. 0 -
lymphHondo said:Kent
I too never did the surgery it was an option only if the rad/chemo did not work. The lymph node in the right side of the neck still sticks out a little but the PET showed nothing there but scare tissue.
I am starting to have a lot more problems with the numbness and pain in the tongue, its starts right under the Jaw in the neck possible nerve damage. Pain is sometimes worse then a bad Charles horse. I am going to start looking for someone who can do disease management acupuncture
Take care
Hondo- mine is on the left side, and I can see and feel it. Not like the initial mass, though. Been there at the same size for a number of months. My last PET showed nothing there, also, and I was aware that it existed, so maybe it is just scar tissue.
Brother, I hope you find the solution to your nerve problem. As is, my tongue sensitivity is large, but is not pain. I am getting a kick out of cutting-up onion and red bell peppers and putting on my salads, with French dressing. And the roadhouse chili in microwave cans I eat at lunch during work- oh, I do feel that meal, but so far is only a semi-agreeable sensation. Hear/read about the wonders of acupuncture, and what it can do for symptoms, but I would urge you to focus on the cause of said symptoms. I know where you are in regards to treatment, Hondo, and I don't want this thing to go south on you- though with your recent PS it would seem all is okay. You know the mass is still there, though not growing, but I would advise you to be wary of it creeping, on the molecular level, elsewhere. I sure do hope is only a phase, Hondo, and will pass.
Believe.
kcass0 -
Erbitux
Hi, The Dr. In Boston said that the reason I recovered so quickly (by their standard), was directly related to the erbitux. I am out of treatment since the end of October. The rash wwas very painful for 2 weeks and then subsided. Used doxicycline and clindimycin cream to control it. I heard that cisplatin has long term kidney ramifications? Today I feel glad I used it. Look into it further. good luck, fight hard and win. Alex.0 -
KentKent Cass said:lymph
Hondo- mine is on the left side, and I can see and feel it. Not like the initial mass, though. Been there at the same size for a number of months. My last PET showed nothing there, also, and I was aware that it existed, so maybe it is just scar tissue.
Brother, I hope you find the solution to your nerve problem. As is, my tongue sensitivity is large, but is not pain. I am getting a kick out of cutting-up onion and red bell peppers and putting on my salads, with French dressing. And the roadhouse chili in microwave cans I eat at lunch during work- oh, I do feel that meal, but so far is only a semi-agreeable sensation. Hear/read about the wonders of acupuncture, and what it can do for symptoms, but I would urge you to focus on the cause of said symptoms. I know where you are in regards to treatment, Hondo, and I don't want this thing to go south on you- though with your recent PS it would seem all is okay. You know the mass is still there, though not growing, but I would advise you to be wary of it creeping, on the molecular level, elsewhere. I sure do hope is only a phase, Hondo, and will pass.
Believe.
kcass
I know what you mean this stuff is something that must be watched everyday, you can never let your guard down.
I want to tell you what the doctor said about the numbness but I can’t put it here on the post I will send you and e-mail as you will need a good laugh0 -
Erbitux
I was diagnosed with SCC stage 4 with a primary tumor at the base of my tongue. One oncologist gave me a copy of a study of the standard drugs, but for other reasons, I chose another doctor who recommended Erbitux. This was partly due to the fact that I'm deaf in one ear due to a childhood accident, and the standard chemo has a good chance of hearing loss. But my research also indicated that Erbitux was a more targeted drug, so wasn't so hard on the rest of the body. My treatment ended 2 years ago, and my cancer is still in remission. Relatively speaking, I responded very well to treatment (my better half works in the hospital as an interpreter and has seen several patients who've not done as well as I) and my lasting side effects include loss of saliva and damage to my teeth. But I can eat anything (some things, e.g. a peanut butter sandwich, still require a drink to swallow) and am doing well.
I'd also recommend you look at using glutamine. And after treatment, I recommend using supplements (you'll have to research this as most doctors just aren't aware since they aren't "educated" by the pharmaceutical reps). You might take a look at the info on lef.org and search for the specific type of cancer you have.0
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