No more carboplatin...only alimta. Is that OK?

• By Granny888
• Reply 431540
• June 21, 2009 at 3:01 pm
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I just start alimta tomorrow. I have heard up to two years. I was on carbo/taxol and 6 months earlier and may or may not go back later, had good luck with it but haven't been off it long enough according to my doctor.

I think most of these stop acting after a while or are more likely to stop acting after a while and do better when there's a break. I need to see what is an exception -- I know tarceva is oral and can go on and on and I know so far alimta can, I am not sure what else so I'll be watching your answers.

• By june_b
• Reply 431652
• June 21, 2009 at 5:36 pm
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I had a course of Alimta only for mesothelioma. I had already had Ciplatin and Carboplatin, and the doctors were concerned about giving me any more of the platin drugs. Have to say that the Alimta alone was successful in beating back my recurrent meso, and did not produce the joint and neurologic problems that I had from the platins. I know several meso patients who also have had Alimta alone - it is a viable treatment option in meso at least.

• By terryl
• Reply 431668
• June 21, 2009 at 6:08 pm
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I had carbo/gemzar ( 6 cycles) that I finished in Feb 2008. In October 2008 had progression and have been on Alimta, alone, ever since. Got my 10th treatment only 2 days ago. I have been NED since January. I don't think anyone knows for sure how long one can be on Alimta. I have read of one person who has been on it for more than three years. I have talked to 2 oncologists ( neither who knew the other, and were from different States) who said what they typically see is people are able to be on Alimta alone for about 8-10 months before progression. But everyone is different of course. I have been on it 8 months now and get a ct in 2 weeks....keeping my fingers crossed!

• By pinkib
• Reply 431671
• June 21, 2009 at 6:12 pm
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Terry,
That is amazing news!! I hope it works for my dad as well!!! Good luck with your CT!!!! You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Amanda

• By pw
• Reply 431776
• June 21, 2009 at 7:58 pm
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My husband has been on Alimta only since Oct '08, 8 months or so! He is doing great on it and it has caused things to either shrink or remain the same! I hope you have good luck as well!!

• By jr1
• Reply 431914
• June 21, 2009 at 10:27 pm
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I am waiting to hear if I am going on Alimta (second line treatment for me); may also need radiation again. I have heard a lot of good things about it. There have been some people on this site who have been on it for years.
Janet

• By mare
• Reply 432252
• June 22, 2009 at 9:33 am
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I have had one treatment of Alimta. I was on CarboTaxol/Avastin for my first line treatment then stayed on Avastin alone for as year. Last scan showed minimal growth but growth just the same. My oncologist added Alimta to my treatment. I have read some studies that show extended survival times when Alimta is continued after First line treatment is finished. Google Alimta studies and hopefully you will find them.
Alimta gave me fatigue and mild nausea. I was a bit stressed out before the first treatment, so I expect to do a bit better with side effects now I know what to expect.
Good luck and God bless.
Mary

• By claires
• Reply 432390
• June 22, 2009 at 11:02 am
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You can't continue with carboplatin indefinitely. Alimta is somewhat easier to take. I've been on it fosr a long time.

• By claires
• Reply 432393
• June 22, 2009 at 11:03 am
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Please delete above. I misspelled for.