Cyramza

ltackitt
ltackitt Member Posts: 4
in Esophageal Cancer #1

Hello...My 84 year old father was diagnosed with EC stage 4 in March 2017. HER2 negative.  He has other health problems so surgery was not an option. Had radiotherapy in July 2017 and started Xeloda in August 2017. Is able to eat most foods and had little side effects from both. We got results from Pet/Ct scan this week and the Xeloda is not working...cancer spreading to nodes on and between lungs. He goes for a port next week then starts a new drug Cyramza. I am scared of side effects and whether this new drug will slow down progression. Because of other health issues (diabetes, COPD, Chronic Kidney Disease) he doesn't have many choices for Chemo. I am looking for info from anyone who has tried this drug. My dad lives with me and looks to me to make decisions for him. Very scary for me. His doctor thinks this targeted therapy is the best choice for him. Hearing from other people is so much more informative than reading about response, side effects ect...Thanks for listening. Lisa 

Comments

  • CancerEclipse
    CancerEclipse Member Posts: 15
    edited February 2018 #2
    Hi. So sorry to hear about

    Hi. So sorry to hear about your father's fight with esophageal cancer. I don't know much about the differences in chemos for this cancer. I did use xeloda but my cancer morphed into a HER-2 positive cell which it helped. The one idea I do have for you, however, is for you to work on strengthening the immune system so your father is stronger going down the track he's on. Food, juicing, etc. is the way to do that. There are stories of people who only had that option and actually defeated cancer. I've written much of how I handled my cancer down and would be glad to connect you to the info if you want that. <Content removed by CSN Support Team>. I've got a friend with stage 4 cancer and he's having a quality of life yet without the operation as well.

    Dave

  • ltackitt
    ltackitt Member Posts: 4
    #3
    Thanks for your response Dave

    Thanks for your response Dave. Fortunately, my dad is still able to eat most foods and hasn't lost any weight for which I am so thankful...when he was first diagnosed he hadn't been able to eat for a couple of weeks and when he finally could (after raditation) I was blending up food for him.I tried to blend healthy foods to keep his strength up. I am afraid of the effects of this new drug. According to his pet scan the tumor in his esophagus is not growing and is stable. The Xeloda worked well for him for several months. He is coughing more this past week and doctor says it is from the mets to lung area. I don't really feel like we have a choice other than to try this new drug Cyramza or do nothing. He wants to try the drug but at 84 years old and with his health problems I know it is a balancing act to keep him going. I just hate what he is going through. Thank you so much for your response and suggestions. Lisa

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