tjc

We (a fellow stage IV neversmoker patient, Terri Hunziker) have launched a website, http://www.neversmokers.com, to act as a repository for gathering information about never smokers with lung cancer. In that the singling out this sub-group of lung cancer sufferers is a fairly new phenomenon, it is essential for those medical professionals working to find better treatments and a cure to have as much info. as possible about us probable mutants. The hope is that this database of individuals and info. can then be used to see what we have in common and to be available for consultation and perhaps involvement in studies and trials that may offer continued success at controlling and curing this disease. In that an ever-increasing number of those diagnosed with lung cancer are never smokers, it is hoped that a link can be found among us that may help determine the causes and lead to strategies for prevention. It’s very gratifying to be able to direct my energy into such a cause that holds so much promise for so many (and me too.) If you know of anyone with lung cancer that is a never smoker, please convey the info. about this impending website to them. We are also in need of help from those with contacts to the media to announce this venture and bring to light the great strides – and tangible hope – that are taking place to better fight lung cancer. The site has been constructed with the help of leading specialists at major cancer centers and is receiving major media coverage over the next few monthes in light of the recent discoveries involving mutations and treatment responses and relapses in neversmokers. Folks, amazing progress is being made that will benefit ALL lung cancer sufferers. Please pass the word. Feel free to check things out further at: Never Smokers lung cancer site: http://www.neversmokers.com My cancer survival journal site: http://www2.caringbridge.org/fl/tomcross/ My art and business site: http://www.tomcross-artist.com/

New info released today about Tarceva may be of some help? Tarceva Extends Survival of Patients with Relapsed Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer -- Only HER1/EGFR-inhibitor to Show Survival Benefit in a Randomized, Controlled Phase III Trial -- MELVILLE, N.Y.; SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.; and BASEL, Switzerland -- April 25, 2004 -- OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:OSIP), Genentech, Inc. (NYSE:DNA), and Roche (SWX Zurich) today announced that a Phase III study of Tarceva™ (erlotinib HCl), an investigational HER1/EGFR-inhibitor agent in previously treated patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), met its primary endpoint of improving overall survival, with patients receiving Tarceva™ living longer than those in the placebo arm of the study. The trial also met secondary endpoints including improving time to symptomatic deterioration, progression-free survival and response rate. OSI will work with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to complete the New Drug Application (NDA) for Tarceva™ during the summer. SEE URL's below: http://nocache.corporate-ir.net/ireye/i ... _id=518844 http://www.gene.com/gene/news/

I've had two infusions so far and it has caused pretty intense bone aches and muscle aches for a day or so. Nothing else. Good luck.

Hello all- Big news here. First, the tarceva news is great. Secondly, my first bone and CT scans after 3 cycles (7 weeks+) of carbo/taxol + Iressa showed a 50% or more shrinkage of the lung mass (down to less than .5") and mediastinal lymphnodes, as well as bone mets in check. This new combo for "never smokers" is working so far. An email from my Dr. at Sloan-Kettering in NYC hinted at big stuff coming: "…STAY TUNED FOR MAJOR PRESS NEXT WEEK ON THIS GENERAL AREA. LUNG CANCER IS BEING TRANSFORMED BEFORE OUR EYES. GREAT WORK!!! Tarceva Extends Survival of Patients with Relapsed Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer -- Only HER1/EGFR-inhibitor to Show Survival Benefit in a Randomized, Controlled Phase III Trial -- MELVILLE, N.Y.; SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.; and BASEL, Switzerland -- April 25, 2004 -- OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:OSIP), Genentech, Inc. (NYSE:DNA), and Roche (SWX Zurich) today announced that a Phase III study of Tarceva™ (erlotinib HCl), an investigational HER1/EGFR-inhibitor agent in previously treated patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), met its primary endpoint of improving overall survival, with patients receiving Tarceva™ living longer than those in the placebo arm of the study. The trial also met secondary endpoints including improving time to symptomatic deterioration, progression-free survival and response rate. OSI will work with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to complete the New Drug Application (NDA) for Tarceva™ during the summer. SEE URL's below: http://nocache.corporate-ir.net/ireye/i ... _id=518844 http://www.gene.com/gene/news/ Everyone hang in there. Help is on the way!

All the advice about communicating with the insurance company, the pre-certification company (if you have one) , the prescribing Dr. and even the manufacturer of Iressa is good advice. It is an approved drug and should be covered either as RX or under major medical by your insurance. I contacted all the above for help as well as the following drug company helpline. They made calls and were helpful. For information about health coverage, AstraZeneca (the maker of IRESSA) has created the Cancer Support Network. All you need to do is call the toll-free number, 1-866-99-AZCSN (1-866-992-9276), to speak to someone who can help you. Your nurse or doctor can also call this number to discuss health coverage issues. I also contacted Walgreen's Pharmacy Corporate Headquarters, Special Rx since my Rx was being treated as a reimbursement and I was looking at the prospects of shelling out almost $2000 per month up front for these pills. Walgreens contacted my insurance company and worked out a deal so they'd fill the Rx, bill the insurance co. directly. What a relief! Walgreen's # 888-782-8443 option 1, x3748 Tracy. I started a triple threat regime of carbo, taxol + Iressa on 3/3/04 as prescribed by Dr. V. Miller at Memorial Sloan-Kettering who will be presenting his findings in May of improved responses with the addition of Iressa for those who have "never" smoked. In spite of other findings and even the Iressa web info., this information seems to be gaining acceptance for making Iressa a first line companion drug. Scans in a few weeks to see what's going on. Good luck.

I just wanted to introduce myself. I've been reading over the many postings and find it very helpful and encouraging. My profile: Diagnosed with Non-small cell adenocarcinoma on 1/9/04. 50 years old. Never smoked. 2.6 cm mass in left uppr lobe; mets to t3 vertebrae, right shoulder AC joint, subcardinal mediastinal lymph node. Radiation to t3 and shoulder for 15 sessions completed 2/20. CT scan then showed good response to radiation and no further growth of lung mass. Trip to mayo Clinic in MN and Memorial Sloan-Kettering resulted in chemo starting 3/3. Regime of taxol, carbo and Iressa (trials at Sloan indicated improved responses with Iressa added for those who have never smoked.) New scan due late April. Fingers are crossed. I'm married and the father of a wonderful 9 year old daughter. Understandably devastated by this diagnosis (and the terrible prognosis initially received locally of 10 month survival), I have found great hope and encouragement from going out of town and from folks like yourselves. I have no symptoms, have tolerated 2 cycles of chemo very well (including monthly Zometa for bones and neupogen shots for white count maintenance). I'd love to hear from any and all survivors, news about supplements, diet and exercise and anything else. You're all most inspiring and I look forward to joining the survivors club. Tom Cross www.tomcross-artist.com