fight Posted August 3, 2007 Share Posted August 3, 2007 Hello All, I had a Ct Scan early July and it showed that I had some slight progression with increased plueral effusion. The doc I see in Denver started me on Tarceva. I have been taking it for 9 days and have developed the infamous rash. I have it on my face, chest and back. I saw my local doc today and he wants me to stop taking Tarceva for a few days to see if it will back down the rash. I have also been using a topical ointment and an oral drug to help with the rash. I'm okay with the rash because I hear typically the people with the severe to moderate rash do the best. I'm hoping like heck that Tarceva is working for me! I go back to Denver at the end of the month and follow up with a chest x-ray to determine if the Tarceva is working or not. If Tarceva works and alleviates the fluid then my doc wants to see about doing a pleurodesis. If the Tarceva doesn't help then I will need to have a thorocentesis. I have been feeling good although a bit tired. I have been enjoying my summer and will continue to do so. I live in the moment and enjoy each beautiful moment of my life! Take Care, Rachel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teriw Posted August 3, 2007 Share Posted August 3, 2007 Rachel, Hoping and praying that you get the Tarceva miracle. It's wonderful to hear how you're enjoying each day. That's a true inspiration. Stay strong, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelley (MLC) Posted August 4, 2007 Share Posted August 4, 2007 Rachel, I am sorry to hear about your tarceva rash, but I have also heard that the rash can be a sign that the drug is working. I am hoping that this is true for you. Love your picture. Your kids are just adorable! Shelley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gail Posted August 4, 2007 Share Posted August 4, 2007 I hate, hate, hate seeing pictures like yours--young mothers with kids! You have a great attitude! Keep it up! gail Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nova Posted August 4, 2007 Share Posted August 4, 2007 I too, just read an article stating that the folks with the worst rashes, did the best! I hate to wish rashes on you, but if it means you're getting better, then I hope you stay bumpy! !! (as long as it doesn't make you uncomfortable, of course) Take care, and nice to "meet" you, Nova Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nushka Posted August 4, 2007 Share Posted August 4, 2007 Can't help with the question about Tarceva but can tell you that you are in my prayers. Glad you found us and welcome. Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted August 4, 2007 Share Posted August 4, 2007 I've been thinking about you, Rachel. Hopefully the rash may be a sign of better things to come. Sure hope this is your ticket to remission. Keep that positive attitude......hard to do some days ~ maybe most days......I know. I'll keep one for you on the days it's too hard! Keep enjoying every moment this summer! Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiredmom959 Posted August 4, 2007 Share Posted August 4, 2007 My mom took her first Tarceva pill on Tuesday. No rash yet (although they say it takes a week or so), but even the doc said if you get the rash, it's a sign it's working. So I hoping she gets it really bad, but tolerable enough to keep up the dose she's on (150 mg)! She already has had diarrhea from it. Hope you do great on it too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaffie Posted August 4, 2007 Share Posted August 4, 2007 Well, here's to the rare wish for a rash... I hope the Tarceva does the trick, you are too young to be going through this Kathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy Posted August 4, 2007 Share Posted August 4, 2007 Rachel, Hang in there, I am hoping that the Tarceva will work it's magic for you! Wendy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kamataca Posted August 4, 2007 Share Posted August 4, 2007 Glad you are enjoying you summer. Mom was on Tarceva for a long time, and it was a godsend for her. Good luck to you--lots of prayers. Kelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raneyf Posted August 4, 2007 Share Posted August 4, 2007 Hi Rachel, Happy to hear you're feeling good and are rashing out. I'll be looking for a good report sometime soon to hear that the Tarceva is working. Keep fighting. Raney Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolhg Posted August 4, 2007 Share Posted August 4, 2007 Praying that the tarceva rash will produce excellent scan results. Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted August 4, 2007 Share Posted August 4, 2007 Studies have shown that tht erash is an indicator of success wiht tarceva. It is not the severity of the rash but the presence of the rash that is a good thing. Prayers for good news about that... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trish2418 Posted August 4, 2007 Share Posted August 4, 2007 Hi Rachel, As nasty as the rash looks at first, if you stick with the prescriptions and keep your skin super moisturized (I use regular grocery store Cetaphil lotion), the rash will eventually go away. If you're not suffering too much from other side-effects, I wouldn't go off Tarceva. I hope you have as much success with it as I have. Hang in there. Trish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wendyr Posted August 4, 2007 Share Posted August 4, 2007 Hi Rachel: hate to hear about your rash, but it seems the presence of a rash is a good news/bad news thing. Good news in that it is probably working, bad news you have to suffer the rash. Lotsa hopes that tarceva will be your magic bullet. Maurice has been on tarceva since the beginning of the year and only has a minor rash but he has been stable so I think tarceva may be doing it's magic. Good Luck & God Bless wendyr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fillise Posted August 4, 2007 Share Posted August 4, 2007 Rachael, Here's how crazy lung cancer world is. I read about your rash and my first thought for you was "Yippee!" I guess this is what the call the "new normal." At any rate, I'm thankful for any sign that the Tarceva is working for you. I will pray that it will continue to work. Susan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted August 4, 2007 Share Posted August 4, 2007 Hi Rachel. I am enjoying my summer too, just hanging out at my little country house. I hope the pleural effusion goes away. I have heard of some people who have had their tarceva dose reduced to 100 mg to manage the rash. Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted August 4, 2007 Share Posted August 4, 2007 You have a great attitude Rachael keep it going. I pray the Tarceva works for you. Maybe they can lower the dosage to reduce the rash. I don't have any of my own advice as that was not a treatment my husband had to deal with. I know you will keep us posted. Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dscherer Posted August 5, 2007 Share Posted August 5, 2007 THis is one time I can say, I AM SO GLAD YOU HAVE A RASH!!!! and not get in trouble. I am sending prayers your way. Have faith! Prayers, Dana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted August 5, 2007 Share Posted August 5, 2007 Rachel, Just want you to know that I'm wishing you the very best results with the Tarceva. It has been a miracle drug for many. Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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