Treatment Day - - again.

I had another Erbitux treatment today and so far all is well. The doctor told me I would have this rash as long as I am getting the Erbitux, but it may get a little better from time to time. Right now it is on my eyelids, as well as directly under my eyes, so I was prescribed some drops that go in the eyes and on the eye lids. They also prescribed a special mouthwash to ease the sore mouth. Also, the rash is not spreading any more, so that is good.
If I didn't previously state it, they tell me the rash means the Erbitux is working; I sure hope I am getting some benefit from this discomfort.
Oh well, until next week...
Sherri

Those ain't just rosy cheeks folks...

I know that many of you haven't seen me in a while, most of you prior to the hair loss and definitely not since the rash, so I thought I would share some pictures with you.

Now what does the rash feel like? Well, it is tight like a bad sun burn, it itches like you would expect a rash to itch, it burns and stings and it is drying my skin. I have a topical antibotic, some green tea facial serum, special face wash, plus an organic moisturizer to use. They help to relieve some of the itching, burning, etc., but nothing lasts very long.

Is it going to go away? From what I have read, most likely not, unless the doctor stops using the Erbitux, which probably won't happen. She may reduce the dosage, that remains to be seen.

Is it any where besides my face? Yes, it is traveling downwards, it is on my neck, some on my chest and it keeps moving south. The corners of my mouth are affected, as is the inside of my mouth.

So, like I said, those ain't just rosy cheeks...

Sherri

Veteran's Day 2008

God Bless our Veterans and God Bless America!

http://www.emotionscards.com/trivia/fourthofjuly/veteransday.html

Catching Up...

A friend pointed out to me that it has been quite a while since I lasted posted here, and she was wondering if I am doing okay. So I will try to bring things up to date.
1. CT Scan results: largest tumor on the dome of the liver is stable, the cancer has not spread anywhere else, there is a new smaller tumor and the previous tumors have slightly enlarged.
2. New course of treatment: I will still be getting the Camptosar every 3 weeks, but on the weeks in between I will be getting Erbitux.
3. I will be going to the cardiologist on 11/21 to start an evaluation for Avastin (which I am still not convinced about).

I had my first Erbitux treatment on Monday 11/3 and by Thursday I was getting a rash. By Friday, my face looked a mess. I have a rash all over my face, down my neck and have some on my chest. The nurses tell me, that even though the rash is ugly, it indicates that the Erbitux is working. All I know is that the rash generates heat, itches and burns. And there isn't much to be done about it. I hope subsequent treatments don't make it worse. I had the 2nd treatment of Erbitux today.

I have been feeling rather well, considering. I do get tired for a day or 2 after treatments, but that is pretty much it.

Nothing else much to report at this point. Sherri

www.Cancer.Net for info on Erbitux and Avastin