Tarceva side effects disappeared

[Granscotland]

I was told if I had a rash Tarceva was working. Having been on Tarceva for nearly a year the rash and most other side effects have disappeared. I'm quite apprehensive now and wonder if that is an indication that Tarceva has stopped working?

[dizzie-wh]

Hi there. I totally understand your concern. I was on a sister drug of Tarceva called Iressa/Gefitinib and after a year the side effects passed and I was as concerned as you. However I then went on for over two years on the drug and it held things at bay & reduced growth by all subsequent scans. SO all in all I'd be really grateful the side-effects had lessened and just go by your scans. I assume and hope you're being checked by these regularly?? Congratulations and relax.

Love Diz xxx

[Granscotland in reply to dizzie-wh]

Hi Diz,

Many thanks for your words of support. Not having any side effects after a year on Tarceva really threw me and my mind went into overdrive. In the cold light of day and looking at objectively I realise Tarceva is not going to stop suddenly. I see my oncologist every 8 weeks and scanned every 3 months (my last scan showed further reduction in the spots) so I'm well looked after.

Once again many thanks for your support and hope everything is going well with you. Love and hugs. Irisxxxxxxxx

[dizzie-wh in reply to Granscotland]

No problem Iris. As long as you're still hanging on in there by your scans then there is nothing to worry about. Remember there is now a follow on drug called Gefitinib that may help if you test positive for the particular mutation. All the best and I'm very happy to hear the side-effects have calmed!! Love Diz xx

[Granscotland in reply to dizzie-wh]

Hi Diz, Thanks for the info. I'll look into it. Love iris. Xx