Gemzar
 

My tumors are growing and spreading. I will be taking Gemzar starting next week. Has anyone been on this chemo drug before? If so, what kind of side effects did you experience? Any information you can provide would be most helpful.

Thanks!
Hugs and Smiles
Angela

Re: Gemzar
 

Angela: I have been on Gemzar with Herceptin since November. I was initally given a lower dose (loved that, zero side effects). Now that my dose has been increased I do have some fatigue. My hair is still with me, it has thinned a little.

My onc says it has fewer side effects than Navelbine. I find it a walk in the park compared to Taxol/Carbo and Tykerb/Xeloda. I hope it is very easy and very effective for you!

I live in Virginia, but go to UNC for some of my treatment. I go down about every 2-3 months.

Good luck and I hope you post some positive results about being on the "Gem."

Darlene

Re: Gemzar
 

Gemzar link HERE

Scroll down to see some supplements that might help.

What was the issue with Tykerb?

Re: Gemzar
 

Hi Angela~

I have been on Gemzar on 2 occasions for recurrences to supraclav nodes and sternal nodes.
I tolerated it pretty well on both occassions, though did feel very fluish for ~3 days after the infusion, and I got a rash on my torso - hip bones, groin, shoulder blades. And you don't lose your hair.
The 1st time I was on this combo for ~4 mos, and the nodes resolved. Unfortunately, they came back about 6 months later, which we then addressed with 7 wks of Rads.
When I had the next recurrence in my sternal nodes, the Gemzar seemed to work initially, but didn't keep the nodes down for very long.

But remember, everyone is different and this drug could be The silver bullet for you. I've been on a bunch of different combos and found this combo to be pretty well tolerated. I hope this combo does the trick for you and that you tolerate the treatment well.
Keep us posted, okay?

ps-there's so much information to absorb about which supplements to take & when, on different treatment combos and how to manage all that. i have a very specific regimen that I follow, but under the direct instructions of a tcm. do what feels right for you and follow the advice that make sense to you.