SBeth Posted August 21, 2005 Share Posted August 21, 2005 Bill has decided to give Alimta a try and so we begin our journey with this chemo on Tuesday. He's had a B-12 shot and we will start the Decadron Monday for three days...but I was wondering how long the infusion on Tuesday will take? When he first began chemo with the Carbo/Taxol he was receiving it thru his port and it took about 5 hours per week. Then he switched to the Gemzar and the infusions were only about 2 hours per week. Is there a "standard" amount of time to expect to be at the center for Alimta, or does it depend on the dosage? Thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tnmynatt Posted August 21, 2005 Share Posted August 21, 2005 Beth, It is given with a syringe (through the IV) and only takes about 10 minutes. Of course, there are drugs given before such as anti-nausea, steroids, etc. that will add to the time. Below is a link I found that gives more information. http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic3/alimta_ids.htm The administration seemed really easy for Charlie. It did make him very tired. Praying for you guys. Take care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leslie221 Posted August 21, 2005 Share Posted August 21, 2005 Beth, Fingers, toes, and everything crossed that Alimta will do the trick! Will do extra thinking about you both on Tuesday! Tina, Thanks for the link -very informative. Alimta added to my Tarceva is the next proposed step if Tarceva ends up not being enough, so I was really curious about it. Leslie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieD Posted August 21, 2005 Share Posted August 21, 2005 Hi Beth, My Alimta treatments took about 20 minutes total, which included the anti-nausea medication and decadron. Good luck with it. It worked for me. CharlieD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stand4hope Posted August 21, 2005 Share Posted August 21, 2005 Beth, Don got his Alimta through an IV drip. It took longer to find a vein and get the IV started than it took for the infusion. They gave fluids with it also. The infusion only takes about 10 minutes, but he was also getting Zometa, so it took a little longer. We usually there for about an hour. Don didn't get any anti-nausea meds with Alimta, he just took Decadron the day before, the day of, and the day after (8 mg.). That will be a lot better than 5 hours! Love, Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted August 21, 2005 Share Posted August 21, 2005 Beth, Bill, We are praying that the new chemo will be easy to recieve and effective. We continue prayer and support. Blessings. Brat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inkerdoodler Posted August 22, 2005 Share Posted August 22, 2005 The Alimta is amazingly short compared to other chemos... actual drip only 10 minutes, then add time for any other treatments if needed (Jim needed shots to build red blood cells because they were so depleted he required transfusions twice). HOpe it works for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted August 22, 2005 Share Posted August 22, 2005 Hi Beth, Everyone has already given you the information about the short time on infusion. I just want to let you and Bill know you have my prayers for the best. Love and Prayers, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted August 22, 2005 Share Posted August 22, 2005 Beth, Bill, We are still on prayer patrol. We are thinking of you!! Brat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimblanchard Posted August 22, 2005 Share Posted August 22, 2005 Like others have said...no time at all, I had very few side effects....piece-o-cake. jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flacrakr Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 Hoping and praying all goes well with Bill today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 It is Tuesday........... We are rooting for resounding success with Alimta and an excellent tolerance for the assault on Bill's system. Bill, we join all of our family here in sending our strongest possible energy for good results. Love you Pat and Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bunny Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 I just caught on to this thread, too. I hope and trust Bill's experience with Alimta will be like jimben's, and will get great results. I'll say a prayer, just know that I am thinking of you. And I swear, I don't think about the airport security thing everytime I see your picture, really, I don't. xoxo amie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBeth Posted August 23, 2005 Author Share Posted August 23, 2005 Thanks everyone for the prayers. We're off to get the Alimta in a few minutes. It's been a long week for Bill on the fence about taking the path less travelled, or continuing to fight. He's got his boxing gloves on and I'm in the corner of the ring with the spit bucket...hopefully we wont need one. Thank you Amie...I needed a good laugh this morning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamasbabygirl Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 Bill, Good luck with Alimta. Has kept mom stable for 8 months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Treebywater Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 Praying, praying, praying. Kick cancer butt Alimta!!! Kick cancer butt Bill and Beth!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darci Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 Best of luck to you! I hope that the Alimtra works! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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