Hi All,
I know many of you are on Tarceva and I appreciate all that has been posted on it so far. My mother started about 3 months ago. She has the usual side effects of diarrhea, pimples/rash. One very concerning side effect is on the wound on her head where she had a tumor removed almost 3 years ago. After the surgery, she also had some intense whole head radiation. Last year, the wound started opening up, and we were told that it was an after-effect of radiation, that the skin is not the same so it doesn't heal normally. Luckily, the wound started to close again on its own. But now, after starting Tarceva, the wound is opening again, but with a lot of puss. We are getting it checked out of course by both an oncologist and neurosurgeon. I'm just curious if anyone else has had wound healing issues with Tarceva?
Other background info:
My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 in June 2006 and is going strong. Tarceva has been very effective so far. Side effects haven't been too pleasant and the rash/pimples on her head have been very pussy. She's lost her hair again, which is weird because I didn't think that was a side effect of Tarceva.
God bless all,
Wendy
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Tarceva, radiation and wound healing issues?
- By wendyslam
- Posted June 25, 2009 at 6:10 am · 3 replies
- In Non-small cell lung cancer - General
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- By Flynn
- Posted June 25, 2009 at 11:21 am
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Wendy,
I just went through something similar with a wound not healing, I went to a general practioner who gave me some cream that is used on burn patients, it is 1% Silvadene Creme and started working as soon as it was put on me, they also had me take antiboticis for 14 days. Best of luck, this cream was wonderful!
- By wendyslam
- Posted June 25, 2009 at 5:30 pm
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Thanks so much for you reply Flynn. We will ask about this. I'm curious if your wound was from surgery and if the healing issues were due to Tarceva? You can respond to my private email wendyslam@yahoo.com if you wish. My mom is looking for anyway to avoid (plastic) surgery again if possible...4 times was enough!
- By nmonreal
- Posted June 26, 2009 at 12:26 am
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Wendy - I have been on Tarceva since December 2008. My rash was really bad on my face at first, but the use of cleocin 1% gel twice a day really kept it under control. I also used it on my arms and legs. I have not lost my hair, but it thinned considerably. Especially when I was taking 150mg/day. I am now on 100 mg/day and feel like I am getting some of my hair back.
I do have a friend that is on Tarceva and her hair has thinned considerably also. So, I would guess it's not unusual.
Don't have any experience with surgery wounds (I was diagnosed as Stage IV, so never got the surgery).
Good Luck!
Nannette
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