Today I was told by my Ocologist that Tarceva is not working (I had been taking it for 2 months) as the Scan showed my Adrenal Gland met.had grown from 2m on 1 April to 9 cm on 1 July - scary. He suggests I start Alimta on 15h July after have a B12 injection one week in advance.
The Dr at the Scanner Clinic told me that he saw inflammation on the tumour and I wonder is this the same as a tumour? Sorry if I sound vague but I live in France and only have a limited French - I am from London, and get frustrated not always knowing what is happening although I know I am lucky to be living in a country with exceptional medical facilities, especially when it comes to cancer.
I would be extremely grateful if anybody could throw any light on my situation. My original tumour which was 10cm was exterminated with Taxotere and Radio 3 months ago leaving a malignant lymph gland and right adrenal gland.
Kind regards
Jenni J.
Already a member? Sign in
Welcome to Inspire!
What - Inspire is a place where you can connect with people who share your health concerns and find information and advice in groups sponsored by organizations you know and trust.
Why - As a member you can use Inspire to let friends and family know how you're doing, contact others who share your health concerns, receive personalized updates and information about participating in surveys and clinical trials, and more.
How - Joining Inspire is completely free and usually takes less than a minute. Join now!
HAS ANYONE TRIED ALIMTA
- By JenniJ
- Posted July 2, 2009 at 3:05 pm · 31 replies
- In Non-small cell lung cancer - Stage IV
- Shared with the public
Explore topics in this discussion:
Exercise Cancer Surgery Acid reflux Avastin Meditation Taxotere Constipation Tarceva Carboplatin Lung cancer Diarrhea Folic acid
31 replies
- Oldest first
- Newest first
- By salgal
- Posted September 13, 2009 at 4:38 pm
- Report post
I have started on a maintenance course of Alimta and Avastin. Side effects are not as bad since carboplatin in no longer in the cocktail. Does anyone on one or both of these drugs experience a strange taste? It's hard to describe, it's not exactly metallic but is not pleasant. Also how about acid reflux Much of the time I feel as though I have a tummy full of acidic bubbles.
- By JenniJ
- Posted September 13, 2009 at 6:09 am
- Report post
Hi Mike, Thanks for the encouraging response, I have now had 3 sessions Alimta with Cisplantin (the side effects of which are awful) but will have a scan on the 18th and hope to get similar results of which you have received.
Take good care of yourself.
jenni
- By Mike39
- Posted September 12, 2009 at 8:11 pm
- Report post
Hi Jenni
I wass one of the first to get Alimta,This was back in
oct of 2004. I had 6 rounds of it , That was Iast chemo.
I had.
I have been geting checkups ever 3 mouths for 3 years , now I get then ever 6 mouths.
I hope it works as good for you
Mike
- By JenniJ
- Posted September 10, 2009 at 4:23 am
- Report post
Val, Thanks so much for being so helpful in putting me in touch with Cognachai who I will search for on this site.
Take good care of yourself.
Jenni
- By ValS
- Posted September 9, 2009 at 2:06 pm
- Report post
JenniJ,
There is a member of Inspire here with lung cancer named "Cognachai" who lives in La Belle in France, is from England and fluent in French. He has posted here about his care in France. Maybe you could contact him and he could talk with you about the care (and terminology) in France.
Good luck.
- By mako
- Posted September 8, 2009 at 11:51 pm
- Report post
I'm new here. My husband dx NSCLC large cell carcinoma July 10,2009. Tumor size is 3.9 cm but due to its location which is attached to Aorta and outer rim of left lung, it's surgery unresectable. He chose not to take chemo and has been on Tarceva for 31 days. He also takes Chinese medicine Pien Tze Huang and red reishi mushroom essence. His worst side effect is diarrhea. Next CT will be on Oct.9. What is helping him is meditation which keep his state of mind calm and happy.
- By leslieking
- Posted July 5, 2009 at 10:25 pm
- Report post
My previous reply was for everyone's info but especially for "lsmr" whose mom is starting Alimta.
- By leslieking
- Posted July 5, 2009 at 10:19 pm
- Report post
Hi:
I just finished Tarceva less than two weeks ago. I had heard good things about it and was a good candidate, fem/white/non-smoker. I liked taking a pill rather than going in for IV chemo but hated the rash/dry skin. Just before I was to have my CT to check progress I developed a dry cugh and shortness of breath. My onc
told me to stop the Tarceva immediately. I had my CT and it made no difference the cancer grew. I was so disappointed. My doctor never said the Tarceva caused my new breathing issues which have progressed but I feel that it did.
At any rate, I start on Alimta and Carboplatin tomorrow. I'll keep your mom in my prayers. Hopefully, we'll bother have good results and very little side effects. BTW, my onc gave me a B12 shot and has me taking 1 mg of folic acid to minimize side effects. ( =
- By Truelove71
- Posted July 5, 2009 at 6:26 pm
- Report post
Jenni,
You are very welcome and thank you for the kind words.I hope they can cure this monster so we can all enjoy life once again.
God Bless,
Deanna
- By JenniJ
- Posted July 5, 2009 at 4:13 pm
- Report post
Thanks for the good news Kat, hope I will have the same reaction to the drug as you. I am a litle unsure what you mean by "blood work", how can I keep up my red blood cells? I try to eat healthily and exercise a little - reduced as I am always so tired.
Wonderful to hear you have no side effects - your post has encouraged and reassured me and helping to put thoses negative thoughts and doubts, ie " how long do I have" on the back burner.
Keep in touch,
Jenni
- By kitkat4ever
- Posted July 5, 2009 at 12:46 pm
- Report post
Hi All and Jenni:
I am on Alimta / carboplatin just started June 26. I have not ever felt better.
My blood work was "Fabulous" as my Oncologist put it. I believe the key to prevent fatigue is the red blood cell count which dictates your hemoglobin. If you can keep that up whether it be with injections of procrit, or food DO IT!
I am asking myself: Is this Alimta working because it has caused me NO side effects that has interferred with my life. My red and white cells went up in fact.
There are numerous articles out on how well Alimta is working and many on this site receiving it for maintenance for years.
I love this stuff. If my CEA blood test values go down, my doc will drop the carboplatin and keep me on a maintenace dose of alimta.
YEA!!!!
kat
- By JenniJ
- Posted July 5, 2009 at 5:10 am
- Report post
Wow Mike, you have just MADE my Sunday morning when I was thinking a little negatively although the sky is blue, the sun shining and the birds singing.
Thanks so very much for responding, Did you do anything else apart taking the Alimta? eg diet, exercise, etc?
Once again thank you for the uplifting news and I wish you all the very best.
Kind regards
Jenni
- By Mike39
- Posted July 4, 2009 at 10:13 pm
- Report post
Hi JenniJ
After takeing 3 differance Chmo. & Rad. my lung cancer was still growing, I then was put on Alimta
I had 6 rounds one ever 3 weeks. That was 4 1/2 years ago since I finisked . It did me good I hope
that it will work will for you also.
Have a good day
Mike
- By JenniJ
- Posted July 4, 2009 at 3:02 pm
- Report post
Thanks Claires - hope I am as lucky as you.
Kind regards
Jenni
- By JenniJ
- Posted July 4, 2009 at 3:01 pm
- Report post
Thanks Adrian, I hope the same happens to me.
Really appreciate your input.
Regards
Jenni
- By JenniJ
- Posted July 4, 2009 at 2:59 pm
- Report post
It really seems that Alimta is the drug to take. When I see the Oncologist, my husband, who speaks fluent French comes with me but we still come away feeling bewildered and unsure of what is happening, all the internal organs have different names as well as the general termonology. That God for this site which has been such a great "insight" for me.
Thanks for taking the time to respond.
Kind regars
Jenni
- By JenniJ
- Posted July 4, 2009 at 2:55 pm
- Report post
Thanks so much for responding to my plea, I do hope your husband remains well, and I can understand what relief it must be to be off the chemo, just having 2 days free of Tarceva has made me remember what it is to be "normal".
May God be with both of you.
Jenni
- By JenniJ
- Posted July 4, 2009 at 2:52 pm
- Report post
Thanks so much for the information, sounds like a bumpy road, and I now have an idea what to expect but all in all sounds like Alimta very much worth a try.
Take good care of yourself.
Jenni
- By JenniJ
- Posted July 4, 2009 at 2:49 pm
- Report post
Thanks for the "good news" Nikki - its been a tremendous help to me. I hope things remain stable.
Best wishes
Jenni
- By JenniJ
- Posted July 4, 2009 at 2:47 pm
- Report post
Thanks John for this encouraging news, I hope your wife remains well and you can both enjoy life together.
Kind regards
Jenni
PS Sometimes this illness gets in between my husband and I - we are like two lost souls.
Add to the discussion