Greybird

Thanks everyone for the information! I've started reading the posts from the links that Ned sent. Wow - it is so nice that someone took the time to compile all of those posts in one spot. I already use the Olay cleansing cloths on my face but it sounds like I'll need to give the Dove products a try. I am bothered more by the rash around my nose right now (can you say Rudolph?) and never really thought about the Tarceva affecting my eyes. I'll definately keep Janet's advice in mind and go easy on the eye shadow. And mascara won't be a problem for now anyway as I still do not have any eyelashes. And, I must confess that one of my biggest concerns was how I was going to get all of my daily snacks in if I have to take this medicine on an empty stomach! For now, I've settled on taking the Tarceva mid afternoon and it seems to be working out well. Wendy - Do you take any medicine for the acid reflux? I've been on prilosec for over two years and, when I read that you shouldn't take prilosec when taking Tarceva I called my doctor to see if I should stop. He told me to just be sure to take them at least 2 hours apart. I'm not sure I'm comfortable with that advice and I plan on talking to him tomorrow at my next appointment. Sorry..I'm rambling again. Thanks again!! P.S. SandraL - How was your vacation?

A recent biopsy of a lymph node in my neck confirmed that the cancer continued to grow in spite of the radiation and chemo treatments I'd received, so my doctor put me on Tarceva (150 mg) about a week ago. I have a couple of questions and I am hoping those of you with more experience can help me. First, what is the best time to take Tarceva? I know it should be taken on a empty stomach but is it wise to take it just before bedtime and then not eat until the morning? Or, is it better to take it between two meals that are spaced apart enough to meet the "empty stomach" requirement? I guess my real question is are the side effects any more or less severe depending on the time of day and length of time between meals? And, what kind of lotion is good for the rash? I've heard that Eucerin is good but it contains "cetyl alcohol" and I thought products with alcohol were bad????? Also, regarding the rash, is it ok to cover it up with make-up? I need to cover for my boss for the next few weeks while he takes a much needed vacation. Although I generally try to maintain a low profile when I'm at work, I will be required to be more "visible" while he is gone. I've started developing a pretty good rash on my face and I don't really want to deal with the staring and the questions that will arise when people see me. Sorry for the long post - I'm just trying to make these side effects manageable so that I can tolerate this medicine for a very long time. Thanks! You guys are the best!! Sharon

Good morning. I was just wondering is anyone had experienced an increase in pulse rate after undergoing carbo/taxol treatments? I've alway had a higher than normal pulse (90's) but it began to increase once I started treatments and is now averaging in the 120's and sometimes reaches as high as 135. My BP also fluctuates but frequently is close to normal. My primary care doctor has me hooked up to a 24 hour heart monitor and I am also scheduled for an ultrasound of the heart next week. I am just curious if this increase is related to the chemo treatments and if so, will it go back to normal as time goes on? I received my last chemo on 8/18 and am scheduled for a CT scan next Tuesday to see if the treatments are working. I am not scheduled to see the oncologist until 9/8 and will definately talk to him about it then but, in the meantime I thought I'd check with all of you to see what your expepriences were. Best wishes to all! Sharon

Thanks for the warm welcome! I'll be sure to check out the cancer grace.org site for additional information. Sharon

Hi everyone, I have been "lurking" for a while now and have decided it is time to introduce myself and tell my story. My name is Sharon and I was diagnosed with nsclc, stage IIIb, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma a few months ago. It started with a "pain in my neck" and in a matter of about three weeks turned my life upside down! I was told that this stage of cancer is inoperable and incurable and the best I could hope for was a long term remission. My doctor proposed a treatment plan that included daily radiation concurrent with weekly chemo (carbo/taxol) followed by two rounds of three-week chemo doses. I went to two other doctors (including the Karmanos Institute in Detroit) for second opinions and they concurred with this plan. So I started both treatments on April 24. I received my last weekly dose of chemo on June 24 and my last radiation treatment on June 27th. Other than some skin burns from radiation and the usual fatigue, I didn't have any significant side effects - no nausea or vomiting and I didn't lose my hair! After a 4 week reprieve (during which I went on a much needed vacation!), I received my first three week dose of chemo on July 28th. I experienced some minor side effects such as fatigue, achy joints, funny taste in mouth, minor tingling in fingers and toes, but no nausea and so far, I still have my hair! My second and final dose is scheduled for August 18th. Two weeks later I will have a CT scan to see if the treatments are working. So that's my story. Finally, I would like to say thanks so much to everyone that posts on this site. I am the type of person who needs to understand what is happening to me. I have spent countless hours on the internet trying to do research and have come to the conclusion that there are very few reliable sites out there. This is definately the best site I found. I am so grateful that I found this support group. I believe that I can handle anything if I understand what is going on and I know what to expect. This site provides the information and encouragement I need to keep my spirits up and to continue fighting this dreadful disease. Thanks to all of you!! Sharon