CHEMO REGIMENS OVER AGE 65

• By pattyp1
• Posted October 4, 2008 at 12:20 pm

hey, Tony,
what you look for with age is your ability to handle the side effects - some chemos are pretty fierce and can kick your heinie no matter what age you are - some have been found to be tolerated well by people that are in their 80+ years. the platinum based drugs in particular are prescribed by how old you are. carbo is one of those given to senior seniors.

the second part of your concern is "what happens if a chemo is a little strong for me?" - easy answer there - they either will dial back your dose to make the side effects more bearable, or they'll try something a little different, or they'll give you some medicines to help with the side effects. their absolute goal is to not kill you off while they are trying to kill the cancer off. that didn't sound good, but I hope you got my drift...

actually, if the doses get smaller, the time generally gets longer.

I hope you improve all over the place!!!
hugs
Pat

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• By Tony590
• Posted October 4, 2008 at 12:46 pm

Hi Pat: I hear you about some chemos being fierce and kicking your butt!! I guess Alimta/Carboplatin is a combo for seniors? Alimta? I hope you're right about them toning down the dose or alleviate it with meds. I'd rather get doses as mild as possible but this will, as you said, increase the time. With a chemo regimen, you either take it or you'll be killed off by the cancer. I'm seeing a final opinion onc on the 13th. Montefiore/Einstein. Director of Oncology. Compare Notes. Since my last operation for my adrenal was on 09/09/08, the NYU onc said we have about a month to play with before chemo. Thanks for all your help and info. Hugs Tony590

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• By pattyp1
• Posted October 4, 2008 at 12:57 pm

hey, Tony,
My daddy didn't have any experience with alimta - but there are a ton of people on the site that do have it. I don't honestly remember many people having bad words to say about it. Hey - www.chemocare.com is a great source of info - might be worth looking into.
I'm sure you're gonna do just wonderful!!!
more hugs
Pat

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• By Tony590
• Posted October 4, 2008 at 1:03 pm

Hi Pat: Thanks for the website. I sure hope so.
Hugs Tony590

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• By spondee
• Posted October 5, 2008 at 2:23 am

Being newly diag, AND 62, AND somewhat debilitated by other illness; I found this info extremely helpful.

I will be starting on Carb & V (something) on 10-13-08 and I'm so worried that it's gonna make me too sick!

Now I'll go follow that link to chemcare that was posted...

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• By MARIET
• Posted October 5, 2008 at 7:49 am

I am 62 and have been on evry drug avaiable. Tarceva, alimta, carbo, taxol. taxatere, Avastin. I My worst side effects were fatique and hair loss, twice. Some mild neurapathy in feet and fingers. Some muscle weakness in the legs. Worked throughout. Will probably have to begin a fifth line of treatment soon. Tumors are still growing. Navabine / gemzar/ and -or a platin drugs.

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• By GAC
• Posted October 5, 2008 at 8:26 am

My husband is 68 and they just took him off of Alimta as he was having severe side affects, eg extreme exhaustion, anemia and had to have blood transsfusions. They put him on Vinorelbine a milder chemo which he seems to be tolerating much better. Of course she said it was less potent and less affective. This is his second line treatment, last year he was on VP 16 & CIS Platin which kicked his but along with radiation treatments.......... but did give him 4 mos or so of 'remission'. It's just all in how the individual person takes it. We were told there were minimum sides to Alimta and it was horrible for him.
Best of luck, prayers and hugs,

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• By rdeegee
• Posted October 5, 2008 at 8:44 am

I'm 69 just started carboplatin/taxol ..going to have 4 rounds ..3 weeks on and 1 off. The first one I have done fairly well on...

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• By Tony590
• Posted October 5, 2008 at 10:01 am

Hi Sponee: I know how you feel. I have a herniated disc in my lumber with everything else going on. But hang in there. I found the link to chemocare very helpful. God Bless Tony590

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• By Tony590
• Posted October 5, 2008 at 10:05 am

Hi Mariet: You're a brave lady. I hope these other drugs work for you. God Bless Tony590

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• By Tony590
• Posted October 5, 2008 at 10:09 am

Hi GAC: I read up on Alimta and found the same side effects. If I may ask, what kind/stage of cancer does your husband have? I hope these other drugs work for him. God Bless Tony590

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• By Tony590
• Posted October 5, 2008 at 10:11 am

Thanks for your reply. What kind of cancer/stage are you dealing with, if I may ask? Tony590

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• By GAC
• Posted October 5, 2008 at 10:25 am

Hi Tony, Art has state 4B, matastized to liver and lymphs in chest cavity earlier this year......He has a catscan tomorrow and we see dr. on Thursday for results. We are praying all the time.........and will include you in our prayers...........Hugs

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• By Tony590
• Posted October 5, 2008 at 11:41 am

Thanks GAC: I have Stage IV lung cancer that has metastais to the adrenal gland. I surgically removed both tumors. The lung on Feb.8,08 and the adrenal on 09/09/08. I will be taking a pet scan this coming week to see if there is any more evidence of disease.
My prayers are with you too. Tony590

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