Mom's second treatment of Erbitux is tomorrow

fatmomma
fatmomma Member Posts: 95
in Colorectal Cancer #1
Mom had her first treatment of Erbitux last Thursday. Her next one is tomorrow. She is experiencing some of the side effects. She doesn't have the rash yet but she said her skin feels tight and itchy and she has some sores in her mouth. Whoever has been on this chemo how long does it take for the rash to appear? I also heard that if you get the rash it means the chemo is working.

I talk to her everyday and she says she feels OK. She has a good attitude about all this. She knew I was very upset the other day (not only about mom but other things also) and she told me not to worry about her because she will be fine not matter what happens. She's a strong person. My sister-n-law told me that she is doing great that she talks and laughs all the time. I live 120 miles away from her and I hate that I can't be with her.

I love this site because I really don't have anyone to talk to about my mother. I guess some people just don't know what to say to you in this kind of situation.

Thanks for listening.

Comments

  • marqimark
    marqimark Member Posts: 242 Member
    #2
    Erbitux
    I didn't take erbitux so I know not of the rash.
    I do know that chemo of any kind affects all people differently.
    Your mom might get the rash earlier than others or not at all.
    I know that my treatments kicked my butt and there were some patients at the clinic that had no side effects. I was so jealous....

    Here's hoping that your mum is one of the lucky ones that aren't affected as severely as others.

    Mark
  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    #3
    Hi FM
    I have been on erbitux for a very long time, over 4 years. That's because it's done a great job with shrinking the tumors and/or stabilizing them. The side effects really vary from person to person and also from the beginning (rash on face, torso, scalp, finger splits) to what I have now (hardly anything but some fatigue and a little rash here and there.

    I've heard both things about the rash, that it means it's working and also I heard that if you don't get the rash it still might be working. You Mom's positive attitude is a great thing for her to have. Believe me, it goes a long way with getting through this. The rash and other side effects will very likely get worse before they get better but one other good thing with erbitux is when you do stop it, things improve quickly.
    Hang in there
    -phil
  • pepebcn
    pepebcn Member Posts: 6,331 Member
    #4
    PhillieG said:

    Hi FM
    I have been on erbitux for a very long time, over 4 years. That's because it's done a great job with shrinking the tumors and/or stabilizing them. The side effects really vary from person to person and also from the beginning (rash on face, torso, scalp, finger splits) to what I have now (hardly anything but some fatigue and a little rash here and there.

    I've heard both things about the rash, that it means it's working and also I heard that if you don't get the rash it still might be working. You Mom's positive attitude is a great thing for her to have. Believe me, it goes a long way with getting through this. The rash and other side effects will very likely get worse before they get better but one other good thing with erbitux is when you do stop it, things improve quickly.
    Hang in there
    -phil

    FM I got not experience about Eribitux , but praying for
    little side effects !.
    Hugs!
  • sasjourney
    sasjourney Member Posts: 395 Member
    #5
    Rash
    Hi,

    I have had 9 treatments of erbitux and was put on an antibiotic prior to starting treatment so I didn't have any rash, but then my oncologist took me off the antibiotic because of potential side effects. I have a mild rash that showed up a few days after treatment, but mostly I have very dry skin.

    I hope she does well with this medication.

    Hugs,
    Sara

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