maryjo

I need someones help desperately with possible side effects from the Alimta. Last fall I began chemo on Avastin but after a small TIA my onc doc changed it to Alimta. I just had round seven (getting them every three weeks). I also get Zometa, folic acid, B12. Initally I was getting extremely fatigued with frequent dizzy spells, to the point of needeing a wheel chair to shop or an arm for support. These symptons lasted about 16 days ... went away just in time for the next treatment. My doc reduced dosage by 25% but still the symptons persist (sometimes lasting all day) and now go away after about 8 days. I've seen a neurosurgeon, had a CT, PET, MRI and MRA scans and all seems to be okay. The Alimta has worked very well, my brain mets, spine mets and bone mets are gone and the spot on my lung has "improved significanly" but I'm very frustrated Can anyone help. Mary Jo

Bone mets at T12 is new diagnosis. On Tarceva, 100 mg daily. Will begin treatment with Avastin, Zometa and 15 rad treatments. What other treatments are being used for bone mets. Want to be in remission!

Just told last week the adenocarcinoma is back in a walnut size spot on the outside of my rib cage. PET confirmed and also indicated very small speck on my lung. Will see onc doc Thursday. He wants eval for radiation ... already had 40 to that lung and didn't think I could have any more. Any ideas from anyone? Also wants to start me on Tarceva again. I'm reading all the positive results from the Tarceva and they are very encouraging. Along with the 40 rad treatments I did chemo of carbo and taxol and then started the Tarceva six weeks after completion. Had to stop Tarceva after only seven weeks due to extreme fatigue and weight loss. Anyone else experience these symptons?

I've had a portacath since Oct. 2004 and it was used for chemo until June 2005. Only worked about half the time, couldn't get a blood return, so we'd use a vein. Due to the ongoing problem I get a "flush" every four weeks and the last four times there has been no blood return but I get the saline and heprin anyway. Asked my primary about having it removed and she said no, keep it in. Anyone else experiencing problems with their port and any suggestions.

I also kept losing weight thru and after chemo and got greatly concerned cause I was down to 113 lbs. (I'm a 5ft female so its within my weight range but I've always been 120 to 140). I asked my doc about something to stimulate my appetite and he gave me megace (not sure on the spelling) but it definitely worked for me. I haven't gained any weight in two months but I haven't lost any more either and that's a great relief.

Doc started me on Tarceva three weeks ago and after reading several posts here am feeling blessed, only a few pimples around my nose and occasional running to the bathroom but I am concerned that I have no appetite. It still hadn't come back after completing chemo in June and now this ... I can't afford to lose any more weight. Anyone else experiencing this same problem and any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Frist of all my very best and prayers to you as you deal with this next challenge ... the process to remission can be just as overwhelming as the process to get to the point of trying something else. Can I ask why, if things were stable on the Iressa, he was switched to Tarceva? Did the docs think it would be more effective or what was their thoughts. I'm trying to gather as much info as I can because my doc has given me the choice of Tarceva or Taxotere and I'm just not sure what to do. Thanks and again you are in my prayers.

Thank you to everyone for your information. Now I'm going to show just how stupid I am when it comes to computers and chatting on a web site ... I'd like to get in the thread but don't know what it is or how to get there. Help. Thanks.

Second DX of lung cancer last September. Had 35 radiation treatments and five of Taxol and Carboplatin. Last week learned I still have a "hot spot" in the same area. Just completing eight more radiation treatments. Onc Doc gave me the choice of Tarceva or Taxotere next. Anyone been on Tarceva? Onc Doc is leaning towards the Tarceva but I need to hear from someone who has been on it and it worked. I really need help with this decision. Thanks.