David A Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 Hi Friends, I went to get chemo yesterday(gemzar), and the oncologist and I decided to stop treatment with it because of all the side effects I've been having, this last week has been one of the most diffucult, just generally run down, then my calves, ankles and feet have swelled up huge, have actually put on like 10 lbs in weight in the last week and a half, I'm hoping it is all fluids. So as soon as my pharmacy gets Iressa in I start that, which is supposed to be monday 3/01, I'm hoping I have as good of results as some of the others on the board have had. If anyone has any tips for me on iressa please share them with me. praying for us all. David A Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 David, are you on a diuretic, like Lasix? Lucie had to use a diuretic during treatment, and even now, occasionally she starts swelling in the legs and we put her back on temporarily. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandyS Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 David - Sorry it's giving you a run for your money. Hopefully the Iressa will be in on Monday and work well for you! Hugs and prayers, SandyS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David A Posted February 28, 2004 Author Share Posted February 28, 2004 Thanks Sandy, I want a ride on the back of that Bike! Don, yes my doctor put me on lasix yesterday, looking forward to relief also gave me many refills on the scrip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margaret Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 David, I am not on Iressa now, but I would say do not panic if you develop a rash shortly after starting it...mine did not itch and subsided after the first three weeks. My doctor told me that only about 10% of the patients develop extreme rash problems and that the rash usually peaks at about 3-4 weeks. I did have diarrhea, but my prescription for Lomotil kept that in reasonable check. I pray that Iressa proves to be a blessing of healing for you. When it works, it works! I'll be watching for positive results! Peace, Margaret Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe B Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 David, Praying that Iressa does the trick for u with minimal or no side effetcs. Is it just me, or do you all get the feeling as well , that there are going to be huge breakthru's with this class of drug very soon...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 Hey David~ Wishing and hopoing Iressa does it's thing for you like it has for us. I see your sister on today (hey dede please tell us all the childhood stories on David). I'm sure you and John can share info some time. Rochelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeanCarl Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 David, Sorry you had so much trouble with the chemo. Here's hoping the Iressa knocks the cr** out of the cancer and doesn't nail you so bad. Dean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginnyde Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 David, Earl's onc took him off his chemo in early Jan due to the overwhelming side effects. He started on Iressa right away. One word - Imodium. The dr. told Earl to take 2 every morning - just because. The diarhea has been a pain in the - um - neck but it really is manageable. The only problem Earl has, that with his right leg in a cast, speedy trips to the BR are next to impossible. Very little rash, tip of nose and index finger (weird), but they disappeared quickly. Here's hoping you are on the Iressa Does Good list. Ginny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted February 29, 2004 Share Posted February 29, 2004 Hey David, I'm sending my POSITIVE VIBES in hopes that the IRESSA is the magic bullet. So sorry to hear you had so many side effects from Gemzar. Will continue to PRAY LOUD AND CLEAR for you! ((((((((((((((((((((DAVID)))))))))))))))))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa O Posted February 29, 2004 Share Posted February 29, 2004 Hi David, I am obviously a huge believer in Iressa (having been on it since 10/02)! For me, the most helpful tip was to take it at 4:00 in the afternoon. It kept the main side affects to the hours when I would be likely to be home or sleeping. The worst of my problems was the ITCH so I would take benedryl at bedtime. It wouldn't matter as much if I got tired that way. Quality of life wise Iressa has been great - and it has kept me pretty stable for almost a year and a half. I will pray for great results for you. I hope you are one of those patients who acheives the major shrinkage!! I thought U of M stocked Iressa all the time? Good luck Lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobmc Posted February 29, 2004 Share Posted February 29, 2004 Hey Buddy!! Sounds like a real good move, be prayin the Iressa does it's magic with you. You certainly need a break. Gog Bless and hang in there, it's gettin better from now on !!! Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 MRI's taken 12/18/03 - 2 brain mets found- named em Frick &aFrack PET taken 1/5 - hot spot in mediastinum May be cancer?? "Absolutely insist on enjoying life today!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nancy O. Posted February 29, 2004 Share Posted February 29, 2004 Hi David. Hoping that iressa works wonders for you. I an really hoping that we are close to finding new and better treatments. I hear that when iressa works it really works. God Bless and you are in my prayers. Nancy O. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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