JoyceH Posted May 24, 2004 Share Posted May 24, 2004 I had the talc procedure for 2 pleural effusions I had last September, now I'm regretting it. There is a clinical trial for GVAX going on at the University of Colorado here, and I meet every single qualification (and there are many!) except for the fact that I need to have a rather large amount of fluid in my chest. I had that talc thing done, so i probably won't have a pleural effusion. is there a way to reverse this procedure? Does it work long-term? Does anyone know a website I can find out about this procedure? Thanks for your time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john Posted May 24, 2004 Share Posted May 24, 2004 I would consider looking into Iressa or Tarceva or maybe even CI-1033. Maybe there is a way to check if you have the gene that has been identified as indicating who responds to Iressa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoyceH Posted May 24, 2004 Author Share Posted May 24, 2004 I asked my oncologist about Iressa. First he said he didn't think Medicaid would cover it, then he said it only works well with people with BAC. He is one of those very "pro-chemo" types. I don't think he's too interested in trying Iressa. I don't know why. He's never really been open to anything I've asked about, and it's frustrating! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hebbie Posted May 24, 2004 Share Posted May 24, 2004 Hi Joyce, Are you comfortable with your doctor? Did you ever go to another doc for a second opinion? If he isn't open to any of your suggestions, maybe it is time to look elsewhere? Just a thought! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john Posted May 24, 2004 Share Posted May 24, 2004 I agree with Herbbie. I think that it is true, Iressa seems to work better for BAC. But BAC is a form of adeno. I have heard the same thing about GVAX that it works better with those with BAC. I am not sure what the percentages are per cell type Maybe there is a way to get tested for the gene that is found in people who respond to Iressa? http://www.klkntv.com/Global/story.asp?S=1827745 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAnn Posted May 25, 2004 Share Posted May 25, 2004 Joyce, I know how you feel. I did not have the talc procedure done, however I did have a Denver Catheter put in last month in order to drain the fluid that had completely encased my right lung. Then I found out that I would qualify for GVAX with 6ml of fluid, which I no longer have. My fluid may come back, we are not sure. For now I've been put on Iressa and hoping it does me some good. Unlike your dr. , my dr. says it works best for never smoking, females with adenocarcinoma. I also think you should seek a second opinion if you are uncomfortable with your dr. Good Luck, TAnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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