Erbitux as a maintenace drug?

joyzee
joyzee Member Posts: 33
edited March 2014 in Lung Cancer #1
I was treated for stage 3b lung cancer from 4/09 thru 6/09(radiation and chemo,no surgery)afterwhich, I was told that the tumor in the left lung and lympnode in right lung had successfully been treated. I was told to take off 3 to 4 weeks, and then we will reasses. However, before the 3/4 weeks were up,I felt a knot on my right shoulder between the ear and shoulder. I was told that this is common with Lung cancer and I was again treated with radiation and chemo starting 8/09. I had my last radiation session 10/09, and my last chemo 12/09. I had another PET scan on 1/10/10, and was told all signs of cancer are gone. I was jumping for joy and thanking our Lord God. Now my doctor says he will be starting me on a maintenace program with Eribux once a week for about 8 weeks. My question, is this normal, should I be concerned?

Comments

  • joyzee
    joyzee Member Posts: 33
    #2
    has anyone heard of this drug (erbitux)?

    Erbitux maintenance or not?
  • stayingcalm
    stayingcalm Member Posts: 650 Member
    #3
    joyzee said:

    has anyone heard of this drug (erbitux)?

    Erbitux maintenance or not?

    Erbitux
    Well, I only know it is a targeted drug, like Tarceva (which I take), and I know that even tho I'm in remission I will continue to take Tarceva to keep the cancer wolf from my door - I'm assuming that is what is meant by a maintenance drug. Erbitux is usually used in head/neck and colorectal cancer, but I'm sure your oncologist has a reason to prescribe it for you. Please ask him/her - you have every right to have your treatment explained to you :)
  • joyzee
    joyzee Member Posts: 33
    #4
    stayingcalm said:

    Erbitux
    Well, I only know it is a targeted drug, like Tarceva (which I take), and I know that even tho I'm in remission I will continue to take Tarceva to keep the cancer wolf from my door - I'm assuming that is what is meant by a maintenance drug. Erbitux is usually used in head/neck and colorectal cancer, but I'm sure your oncologist has a reason to prescribe it for you. Please ask him/her - you have every right to have your treatment explained to you :)

    eributux

    Thank you for your reply.

    U were right "Stayingcalm". I did ask my onc nurse, and she said it is a drug used to keep the cancer wolf from my door, and i will be taking it for as long as he feels it is necessary. I asked how will he know when it is no longer necessary, she said he will request another scan after 3 months, if he doesn't have reason to before.

    Keep prayer and be Blessed hope to talk to u again soon.
  • stayingcalm
    stayingcalm Member Posts: 650 Member
    #5
    joyzee said:

    eributux

    Thank you for your reply.

    U were right "Stayingcalm". I did ask my onc nurse, and she said it is a drug used to keep the cancer wolf from my door, and i will be taking it for as long as he feels it is necessary. I asked how will he know when it is no longer necessary, she said he will request another scan after 3 months, if he doesn't have reason to before.

    Keep prayer and be Blessed hope to talk to u again soon.

    Hey!
    Nice avatar, joyzee :) I should have congratulated you on your good news, and I hope your 3-mos scan is every bit as good!

    Deb
  • joyzee
    joyzee Member Posts: 33
    #6
    stayingcalm said:

    Hey!
    Nice avatar, joyzee :) I should have congratulated you on your good news, and I hope your 3-mos scan is every bit as good!

    Deb

    Thanks Deb for your kind

    Thanks Deb for your kind words, hope all is well with u and I will keep you in my prayers.

    Be Blessed

Discussion Boards