anyone on Tykerb, Carboplatin, Gemzar?
 

Just back from my Onc's office. My pet/ct showed more progression. He wants me to stay with the Tykerb, back up to 5 pills if I can tolerate it and stop the xeloda.

On July 16th, I am supposed to start Carboplatin with Gemzar. Does anyone know the REAL side effects? My onc says it's a little nausea and IF I feel bad it will only be for a day or so but he always minimizes the truth. Or in Flori-land I get every side effect and then some. I cannot take decadron (steriod) so that will make it tougher on me. Carbo once a month, Gemzar every 2 weeks. It sounds awful.

I am terrified. I don't even know if I want to do this. I'm glad my kids are away - it will give me some time to think. I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks a bunch.

Flori, I haven't had Carbo so don't know about the side effects, especially in combo. I HAVE had Gemzar earlier this year in combo with Herceptin. Side effects were very minimal, I found it very tolerable. I had Zofran IV before each(weekly) and had no problems with naseau. Tiredness was so-so. I felt it would have been very doable for me, but unfortunately the "unseen, unfelt" side effect was that it was too hard on my counts and I could never get two weeks in a row under my belt. Always had to skip a week before I was able to get another tx, and for that reason it wasn't very effective for me so I had to move onto Tykerb/Abraxane.
Hope you get some feedback on the Carbo, and hang in there; give yourself time to think this through. It's never easy starting a new treatment, it takes some "mind bending" to adjust, that's for sure.

<3 Lolly