cisplatin vs erbitux for treatment

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  • Scambuster
    Scambuster Member Posts: 973
    #22
    ForFreedom said:

    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.

    Glutamine Powder
    HI FF,

    Great to finally hear someone else suggesting Survivors and those about to go into treatment to look at using Glutamine Powder. I have posted the article from LEF.ORG into the thread on Glutamine (See main page).

    Have you regained any salivary gland function at all ?? My Oncomen said my Left Side I would never recover and I 'May' get some use back over time from the Right side.

    I had Cancer and in the Left Tonsil, surgery and then 7 Weeks of Radiation (IMRT) and Erbitux. I completed treatment October 9th 2009. Am eating Ok now but it is still hard work at times. I have lots of salads now and lightly cooked vegetable and I avoid meats, processed foods and sugars. I am on a hefty regime of supplements.

    Physically I feel pretty good and am doing light exercise now though finding it hard to regain much of the 44lb I lost during my treatment.

    Glad your are doing well 2 years out. Your refreshing and realistic approach is very welcome on the forum.

    Cheers
    Scambuster
  • micktissue
    micktissue Member Posts: 430
    #23
    Kent 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

    Kent
    Hi Kent. Just a question about why you did not choose surgery. My Dr said he could remove the tumors and biopsy them for a final pathology. This would accomplish removing the only known tumors in my body, give them a lot of tissue to work with to determine type, and reduce the amount of rads I'd need because we wouldn't be trying to melt the tumors.

    He also said there's a better chance of salvage if the primary returns if there has not been radiation (he suspects NPC, but still cannot find the primary).

    I'm just curious because your case and mine are so alike (TxN2bM0, right?). What options were you given and was your Dr an oncologist chem guy, radio guy, surgeon guy ??? Did they radiate the nasopharynx? Did they take any other gland, like a saliva gland?

    Thanks Kent and sorry to hijack this thread.

    Warmly,

    Mick
  • Clearblue
    Clearblue Member Posts: 186
    #24
    jeff21 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!

    erbitux acne like advice
    Hello Jeff,
    I am happy you wrote this.
    What meds did you receive for the acne rash?
    I am desperate to know if this helped?
    Thanks

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