The appointment in the LOC clinic went as well as can be. The oncologist reviewed the new and the old X-Rays and noticed a reduction in fluid. However, this did not prove conclusively that the Tarceva has had any affect.
The overall view was that if my father was feeling better, his night sweats had reduced, the tumor had not increased in volume and the fact that my father had experienced quite a bad rash on his face and head, the Tarceva has had a positive affect. That said, the LOC oncologist reiterated our local oncologist’s view that a CT scan will give us a more conclusive answer.
In the interim, the LOC oncologist had prescribed another month of Tarceva. It is better to be receiving a treatment than nothing at all. At least while we wait for the CT scan on the 29th of November.
abdulazizuk CT Scan, London Oncology Clinic, Tarceva
The past 11 days have flown by. We have finally completed the sale of my fathers business and he has now ‘properly’ moved in with us. It has been a tough two months for all of my family. After 20 years my father has finally retired. It is so sad that in retirement he is facing the greatest challenge of his life.
The Calaxane injections stopped last Saturday and the physiotherapists have also stopped visiting. The GP and nurses are very happy with dad’s progress and are astonished at how clean the infection free the wound is. There is however still a chance of DVT and infection so it is prudent that we look out for the tell tale signs.
Over the last 10 days my father was doing well, he was eating more and as sleeping well. The last 3 days have been rather different. He has slowly developed a rash on his face. This was expected as it affects 75% of Tarceva users, but we did think it would develop earlier on. The pain in his stomach has returned and his entire leg is in pain. I spoke to the emergency nurse this morning and she said that the switching of co-codamol to paracetamol may be the reason he is experiencing more pain than he is used. We were forced to do this as the capsules had run out and dad can’t swallow the tablet form. She suggested taking Tramadol which was prescribed by the hospital on discharge. Dad decided to carry on with the round tablet form of Co-codamol and so far his pain has eased.
What’s concerning me is the level of pain he felt as the Co-codamol wore off. He tail bone was hurting, stomach paining, leg paining and lower back. The lower back and tail bone is probably due to the prolonged time he spends on the sofa. Still, I will mention this to the GP next week.
Last week, my father underwent some blood tests that I requested. His LFT figures are abnormal and he still has a high white blood cell count. The GP wanted to find out if there was an infection in the knee. I’ve asked the GP to compare the results of the old bloods with the new ones. My fathers hemoglobin levels are now at 9.1. I have informed my fathers GP that Tarceva has affected LFT’s. Once we have the results I will contact the LOC and ask for some advice.
abdulazizuk Clexane, GP, London Oncology Clinic, Stomach, Tarceva
I was quite hesitant in starting the Tarceva today as my father still has problems with his stomach and digestive system. I just didn’t want to exacerbate the issue. However, this morning as soon as dad got up he said he wanted to start the Tarceva. We had to start it someday and today was a good a time as any, and besides it would really make him feel better mentally.
Tarceva should be administered one hour before food or at least two hours after food. As it was 8am in morning and dad had not had breakfast yet I decided to give it to him.
I closely monitored him all day today. Besides the stomach pain he is not reacting adversely to the Tarceva. It’s the first day, and when we spoke to the Oncologist, he did say we would know within 48 hours whether it is working.
abdulazizuk London Oncology Clinic, Stomach, Tarceva
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