RandyW Posted May 9, 2005 Share Posted May 9, 2005 Deb and I came from the onc today and I know it is monday. We wre told that her tumor has grown about 20% to about 2.5 Inches She has been on tarceva since december and apparently it doesn't work any more or any less. The onc has put her on Etoposide the pill. We know of the side effects but not the odds. (Think Kentucky derby winner here 50-1) He says 1 in 5 survival rate. been crying all day. HAd to wear shades to work cause eyes are bloodshot. Does anyone have any experiences with this drug? We would apperciate the advice. Always praying and reading but not always posting. Thanks everyone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SDianneB Posted May 9, 2005 Share Posted May 9, 2005 I took Etoposide in capsule form for my initial rounds of chemo with the Carboplatin. Other than the fatigue that seems to just go along with chemo, I didn't really have side effects from the chemo. Since I was taking the Etoposide for 10 days after the IV Carbo, I would assume that I might have noticed a difference in the two and how I felt, but I didn't. I would start the Etoposide the day after the IV Carboplatin - one 50 mg. capsule, then 2 - 50 mg. caps the next day, then 1, then 2, alternating for 10 days -- a total of 750 mgs over a 10 day period. I'd heard concerns that the caps weren't as good as the IV, but was shown research data where the absorption rate is very good with the caps -- actually a little above that of the IV, because it sort of happens once, runs through your system, and it's all over. Taking the pills 10 days in a row keeps some of it in your system, or so they said. Keep in mind that everyone reacts to chemo/radiation in a different way. Because I had such good results and almost no side effects doesn't mean that the next person who comes along will have the same experience with it. Much luck to you, and many good thoughts to both you and Deb. Remember too that the "survival rate" only counts for her. No reason she should care about everyone else's, just hers. Try to survive as long as she can, and that is her rate. Di Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbays Posted May 9, 2005 Share Posted May 9, 2005 I'm so sorry the Tarseva didn't work. I will be praying that the Etoposide destroys that beastly tumor. God Bless you, Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john Posted May 9, 2005 Share Posted May 9, 2005 Etoposide is often used for Small cell. I am not sure how often in nsclc. You could ask the Dr about this or post on "Ask the Experts" about the effectiveness of VP-16 on nsclc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calintay Posted May 9, 2005 Share Posted May 9, 2005 My mom had Etoposide IV form and it killed the tumor. She had surgery and the surgeon said the tumor was dead. She also was taking Cisplatin IV also with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nancy c Posted May 10, 2005 Share Posted May 10, 2005 hang in there and take care; don't give up--be strong --god will take care of you; and it's ok to cry--we all have to do it sometime. it cleanses our soul!! God bless,nancy c Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pammie Posted May 10, 2005 Share Posted May 10, 2005 haven't had epotoside. Hopefully this will work well. praying for your family. pammie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted May 11, 2005 Share Posted May 11, 2005 I have had no experience with Etoposide. I would just like to extend to you by best wishes and hopes that the new drug whacks the tumor. Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LynneH Posted May 11, 2005 Share Posted May 11, 2005 Jim's 1st chemo treatments were Carboplatin & Etoposide (IV) and he had excellent results. When Jim decided to do the WBR for his brain tumor, the doctor put him on the oral Etoposide for his lung and adrenal tumors. Everyone is different, but he didn't seem to have any ill effect from it. He was on it for 14 days before being hospitalized due to neurological symptoms, unrelated to Etoposide. His oral regimen alternated between 1 pill one day, 2 pills the next, 1 the next.....etc. I wish I could provide more info but every little bit helps. I'm hoping Deb tolerates it well. Lynne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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