Shelley (MLC) Posted February 21, 2007 Share Posted February 21, 2007 My mother is a former smoker (she quit about 7 years ago) Is tarceva an option for her as a second or third line treatment? Shelley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trish2418 Posted February 21, 2007 Share Posted February 21, 2007 Hi Shelly, I'm also a former smoker taking Tarceva. I quit smoking the same day I was diagnosed. Tarceva is working well for me and I would think it could be an option for your mom. Good luck. Trish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelley (MLC) Posted February 21, 2007 Author Share Posted February 21, 2007 Thanks Trish! That's so good to hear. I was going to push for it anyway as I had read so many positive things about it. As long as there's no downside (or is there?) I think Mom's Dr. should give it a try. Shelley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ernrol Posted February 21, 2007 Share Posted February 21, 2007 Shelley, I was a former smoker and was given Tarceva as part of a first line treatment with Carboplatin and Taxol. Avastin may be a better choice today. Stay positive, Ernie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jyoung20 Posted February 21, 2007 Share Posted February 21, 2007 I was a former smoker and have been on Tarceva for 23 months now with much success!!! I fought the fight! I finished the course! I kept the faith! God Bless!! Jamie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelley (MLC) Posted February 21, 2007 Author Share Posted February 21, 2007 Hi Ernie, I thought that Avastin sounded very promising also. On our first oncology visit, mom's Dr. said that he wouldn't recommend Avastin for her because of the history of smoking and the fact that her cancer was squamous cell and one of the larger masses was cavitary...at least that's what I believe his reasons were. He said because of this, she would have a very high chance of severe bleeding. He said he would be happy to do whatever we wanted though. Did you have any problems with the Avastin? Shelley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hockeyma Posted February 21, 2007 Share Posted February 21, 2007 I will chirp in here too - as for Avastin our oncologists said the same thing. Large mass and around pulminary arteries could have bleeding complications. My husband quit smoking a month ago and just started tarceva....we are praying it shows results. Maybe avastin would be an option if tarceva shrinks the mass.....Heather Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelley (MLC) Posted February 21, 2007 Author Share Posted February 21, 2007 Thanks Heather. It always helps to see that others have had similar advice. Since everyone in the family is counting on me to get the answers, (I'm the oldest and also married to a Physician) I'd hate to miss something that could help her. Good luck to your husband with his treatment. It looks like he's been through quite a bit already. Shelley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ernrol Posted February 21, 2007 Share Posted February 21, 2007 Shelley, I still take Tarceva. I did not take Avastin, but my oncologist has told me that if I was starating treatment today that Avastin would be the choice. Stay positive, Ernie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tnmynatt Posted February 21, 2007 Share Posted February 21, 2007 Avastin is not used with squamous cell. There was a high incidence of bleeding like you said. Tarceva worked for my husband and he had been a smoker. Take care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted February 21, 2007 Share Posted February 21, 2007 Deb and I quit the same day and she had good luck for about 6 months on tarceva. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelley (MLC) Posted February 21, 2007 Author Share Posted February 21, 2007 Thanks so much everyone! For those of us new to this site, I'd like to say how much we appreciate all the great advice, thoughts and prayers that everyone gives. I have no doubt this will be a tough fight, but we will give it our best and thanks to all of you and this site, we have new hope. Shelley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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