Hi, I'm new to the boards. My father was diagnosed with nsclc, stage IV October 2002, with mets to brain, spine and adrenal glands. His prognosis is poor, but I am ever hopeful-miracles do happen! So far he has gone through radiation and chemo with little effect on the tumors. He responded well to chemo and radiation with little side effects except for mild weight loss, radiation esophogus and mild appetite loss. However, he hasn't had chemo or radiation since the end of November. He has recently been going through change in taste, naseau, severe weight loss, and dry skin with erruptions. He decided to sign up for the clinical trials for the drug Iressa and started the drug on 1/21/03. Has anyone else decided to try this? I am concerned about side effects and the bad hype it has been getting in Japan.
Also, Dad has been having severe hip pain-to the point of tears-and the doctor cannot find a reason for it, despite testing. He was diagnosed with arthritis in his hips a few years ago and since he is skin and bones I'm worried this could be a cause for his pain. I am desperate to help him any way that I can. I have thought about accupuncture and Dad is willing to try ANYTHING to stop the pain. He is currently on 60 mg of oremorph twice a day and lortab in between with little effect. His doctor is of little help. He wants to change oncologists, but is now afraid to since starting Iressa.
