Nexavar - how effective?

Brian83 · Regular Joined: 04 Jun 2008 Posts: 10

I've seen this medication mentioned here in several places.

How effective is it, really?

I've got a 14 cm tumor in the liver. 99% chance it's HCC. Surgeon says she thinks she can get it all in a resection, but I'll lose over a third of my liver.

She mentioned Nexavar. Oncologist/hematologist didn't. He's all for surgery.

I'm weighing options. Try Nexavar, have surgery or leave it alone.

I'll be 83 in August. I'm in good condition, no pain, eat anything I want. Some constipation and body covered with welts that itch, but otherwise, i feel fine and have lots of energy.

The mass was first noticed four years ago when it was 9 cm. Biopsy then resulted in benign. New biopsy last month resulted in an "iffy" diagnosis of HCC, but other significant markers were noticeably absent.

I don't want them opening me up unnecessarily, or starting a downward spirl of events that will just accelerate the dying process.

I think I've done virtually everything I've ever wanted to do and could pass on this afternoon with no regrets. Life has been good to me and if it's time to go, it's time to go.

However, like everyone else, I have some loose ends I need to finish up. I don't care to spen whatever time I have left in hospitals or in lengthy recovery,

What's the experience with Nexaar? Does it truly work in extending the QUALITY of life. Or does it make one sicker than the disease itself?

(Transplant is out because of my age. Other chemo or radiation is out because of the tumor's size, Only options are major surgery or Nexavar.)

I need to make a decision soon. All advice based on experience is appreciated.

Thanks.

brainman · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 2:37 pm Post subject: Re: Nexavar - how effective?

Hi Brian83. I am very sorry about your HCC. I do not have an answer for you about the Nexavar... just more questions. Does the surgeon want to use it pre surgery or post surgery? I think that surgery is probably your best option in terms of longevity... take it out. There might be some benefit in pre surgery chemotherapy if there are major arteries involved in the tumor.

This is a difficult decision. Keep asking questions to your medical team and researching all that you can. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Brian83 · Regular Joined: 04 Jun 2008 Posts: 10

Thanks for the reply.

I don't think my "team" is very cognizant of an awful lot. Saw my GP, who started all this mess yesterday, and he'd never heard of Nexavar. In earlier conversation with the oncologist, he claimed there was no "pill" for liver cancer. The surgeon mentioned it only as a possible treatment. What I know about it is just what's published by the manufacturer, Bayer. I'll be seeing the surgeon again on Monday and will try to get more insight. She did mention that it makes you feel lousy. And the manufacturer's data, if I read it right, says that in a controlled group, those who got placebos lasted 7 months and those who got Nexavar lasted 10. Big deal!

I've lost numerous relatives and friends to cancer in its various forms. It's nothing to take lightly or un-sympathetically. Dealing with death is very personal to many people and each has his/or her own way of doing it.

For me, I've always been in charge of and responsible for my own life so in this process I want to remain in charge and responsible. I don't panic. Be assured I'm asking questions and doing as much research as I can, not just to save my life, but because I'm curious.

I find it rather satisfying to ask the M.D.s about something that makes them think instead of being dogmatic. Too many times, especially recently, they've not come through with any provable diagnoses for the rash and itch I've had since January. Eczema is one diagnosis, allergy to something is another. Out of 10 doctors it would seem that one could pinpoint the cause.

Well, nobody's perfect.

It would be nice to hear from someone who's actually used the product and benefited from it - or not. I understand it's a pretty expensive medicine.

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