No more Tarceva, just waiting

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clanqc
clanqc Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Lung Cancer #1
My girlfriend was diagnosed with stage IV nsclc 7 months ago. Since she has had 8 rounds of Taxol and from that treatment, doc says she is in remission, started her on Tarceva. Her face broke out within 3 days so badly that you couldnt recognize her. She went to her onc and he gave her antibiotics and when done, suggested she start a 1/2 hour chemo of sorts, every 3 weeks. She saw him today and he told her there is no evidence that this 1/2 hour chemo program will even work, so she isnt going to take it, she is taking nothing now and will have another pet in November. I am really worried about her. Does anyone know about this 1/2 hour chemo program and if it does or does not work. How can 8 rounds of chemo cure my friend? I, myself, had my breast removed had 6 rounds of Taxol and 6 rounds of another cocktail for Stage III 5cm estrogen based tumor and in my nodes on the left side; mastectomy and 6.5 weeks radiation. I am still on the Tamoxifen and no sign of cancer in 3 years. Please help me to understand this approach. If she takes nothing more, what are her chances, fortunately the tumors were in one lung and pluera and no other mets. Thanks Sue

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  • stayingcalm
    stayingcalm Member Posts: 650 Member
    #2
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    What's the deal with the Tarceva?
    My face broke out horribly, too - my eyelids swelled up so I could hardly see - all the oncologist has to do is reduce the dosage. Why would he give up on it when your girlfriend had such a definite response? If she was taking 150mg, he should bring it down to 100.
  • cabbott
    cabbott Member Posts: 1,039 Member
    #3
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    Different cancers, different meds
    I have both breast cancer and lung cancer. Even though both fall under the big umbrella of cancer, they are different kinds and therefore need different meds. Unfortunately breast cancer gets sympathy and money. Lung cancer, even though it hits more folks and is more deadly (mostly because it is usually discovered a lot later and has fewer good treatments), gets little sympathy and considerably less funding.

    One good medicine for lung cancer is Tarceva, at least it is good if you are responsive to it. Those folks that break out the most tend to be the most responsive to it. Some folks are not responsive and it is not worth the cost of the pills to try it. I beleive I have read about a genetic test that can also tell if your tumor may be responsive to it, but I'm not sure whether it is a blood test or a tumor tissue test. It is worth asking about, especially if future problems arise.

    Of course, the amount of suffering we go through is not the measure of how deadly a treatment is to cancer. So consult with the best oncologist you can get. One that works at a center for lung cancer that is attached to a university hospital is usually the best. Sometimes you can consult over long distance via phone, fax, or mail. The experts can let you know what else could be done to determine if the Tarceva might work and what to do about the break outs, or if another chemo would work best and which one. Most doctors welcome second opinions. Cancer treatment is one area where you are working with the art of medicine. Some artists will be better than others. Good luck!

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