Anyone try any of these meds?

[Tab]

I have Stage IV metastatic colon cancer.

- Cetuximab (acne side effect, others?)
- Zaltrap (sounds nasty)
- Vectibix (panitumumab)?

Anyone have any experience with any of these?

Thanks

- Tab

[sinkingfeeling]

1. Sorry, Tab, but I've had no experience with any of those. How are you doing?

[Tab]

2. I'm okay, but it's confused

I thought I was entered into Hospice, but my oncologist didn't know about it (a whole separate issue) but she suggested these three for consideration. None of them sound like fun.

I had already wrapped my head around stopping chemo, so it's a little confusing, but I thought I should do at least a little due diligence and see what these things do.

[Solly Mack]

3. Cetuximab, yes. My face looked like hives on top of acne for

several weeks. Bright red and bumpy. BUT - I didn't much care. Well, OK - I forced myself to not care. It was the treatment I needed, so...

Everyone told me I was experiencing a "mild" reaction.

It goes away. Though I had to limit the use of lotions due to the radiation treatments, Eucerin for dry, damaged skin helped a lot. It reduced the inflammation. After the treatment I had a raging case of "normal" acne to deal with. I'm still working to repair my skin as best as I can. Radiation is a lasting thing, as we know.




Thinking of you!

[Tab]

6. I've heard that

And I seem to get most side effects in full whack; not sure how much it'll clear up my condition - question is if it's worth it.

[Solly Mack]

9. My doctor told me Erbitux (cetuximab) is specifically for head/neck cancers and colorectal cancer.

That it works especially well for these cancers. It worked for me. (so far, so good)

I guess I should have said that first. I'm sorry.

I wish you all the best!

[wordpix]

13. head, neck---and colon? Weird

[Solly Mack]

15. I laughed when he said it.

[slipslidingaway]

4. Tab ...

glad that Solly Mack was able to tell you of her experiences. There are so many drugs for different types of cancer and I do not know of any of these drugs, but I hope that you can take a small amount of comfort from someone else who has experience.

[Tab]

7. Every little bit of information helps

Thanks

[2theleft]

5. I was just thinking about you yesterday

and wondering if you had made the decision to stop the chemo or not.

Still sending you good vibes, Tab, and hope that if you chose to continue the chemo you get one that helps. Keep us updated on how you are doing and what you decide. Hugs to you and your family.

[Tab]

8. Yes, I had

I was taken aback when my oncologist thought I hadn't, but I think she just didn't know it was official. I don't see any more drugs on the horizon I want to take, and the treatment's now worse than the cure. So, yes, for now I've suspended treatment.

Thanks

- Tab

[onethatcares]

10. my best thoughts to you Tab

any other words would be only filler.

[Tab]

11. I'm happier

I think that's all that matters. I appreciate your thoughts. But I am happier now not having to go through these agonizing chemos.

Note for newbies: Do not let this stop you from chasing chemo. I've had nearly 6 years of this stuff. But I went through most of the medication courses until I ran it out (no more good drugs, just nasty side effects awaiting). Don't take my story as a reason to stop treatment. That decision is yours, but I would hope you wouldn't enter into it prematurely on the basis of my web postings. I don't regret the first 5 years of chemo, it's only the last that seemed to have a point of diminishing returns.

Best to all,

- Tab

[wordpix]

14. good note to the newbies

I've only had first line chemo and I often wonder when I'll get to the point you're at if it recurs. It seems that it will be clear to me when the time comes, as it is for you. Check out this website: kriscarr.com. It might help.

[wordpix]

12. I also have St. 4 CRC, resected + Folfox & support your decision

currently I am off treatments and "cancer free" 6 mo. past end of Folfox 12 rounds. But I often wonder what I'll do if/when cancer returns. I am already on strict organic diet/low sugar/salt/fats + exercise and supplements including mmj. Have you read this news?

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/cannabis/healthprofessional/page4

I am getting mmj CBD strains at my dispensary (I'm a registered mmj patient). So far, so good, suggest you go there.