Tarceva/Xeloda? Nutrition?

shedevil · New User Joined: 17 Feb 2006 Posts: 2

Hello all!!
My uncle was diagnosed with rectal cancer about three weeks ago (I've no idea which stage though). The doctors advised him radiation for 5.5 weeks in combination with oral chemo, either Xeloda/Tarceva. After the 5.5 weeks, the surgery will take place. I know Tarceva is pretty new, [b]could someone tell me which one might be better for my uncle, Tarceva/ Xeloda[/b]? It's up to him (my uncle), but the doctor sounded like as if she would prefer him to 'try' Tarceva, probably for medical research. But if he would choose for Tarceva, he'll have to do two more medical examinations: Pet-scan&colonscopy. My uncle refused to do the colonscopy because he had it done 3 weeks ago (in another hospital but they have sent over the info) and besides that, he has lost 7 kgs already, he might lose another 3 kgs if he agrees with it (his weight is only 57 now!). But in the end they told him, the second colonscopy is not necessary!
Another thing I would like to know is about nutrition: In the morning he drinks a veggie juice
(6type of veg: cucumber/paprika/apple/carrot/sellery/bitter gourd, very yummy Smile

!) He heard from a friend it's really good. And it works, It improves his bowel movement, at least he goes to the toilet every day now(Before, the constipation made him really sick). Besides the veggie juice, he eats fish once a wk, doesnt eat any meat at all and eats a sweet potatoe (big one) every day (his friend told him this one is good too).
[b]Is there any other food he should eat more or any food he should avoid?[/b] I read in some magazine that people with colon cancer shouldnt eat soy products at all, and should also avoid dairy products, is that true?
I hope you're able to understand my questions as my English is really crappy.
Last but not least, this forum is very informative and useful for me as there isnt much info of this kind in my own language available. Thank you all, and May God/Buddha Bless Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllll of you and your family!!!Muah!
Oioi

Msalley · New User Joined: 11 Mar 2006 Posts: 4

I know there is a physician in Chicago that is becoming very well known at Northwestern Hopsital that specializes in the treatment of these rashes. He leads the research and the special clinic there called the SERIES clinic that treats these reactions....

Call or e mail him asap
His contact information is below:

nurse:

Melissa Parrilli at 312-695-2898 or mparrilli@nmff.org,

Mario E Lacouture, MD
Department of Dermatology
Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center
Northwestern University
645 North Michigan Suite 520
Chicago, Illinois 60611

Phone : 312-695-8106
m-lacouture@northwestern.edu

rush · New User Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Posts: 1

Sometimes people get chemotherapy and radiation therapy to prepare for surgery. This makes it easier to remove the tumor. I would go with his doctor on this one but Tarceva is very new, and it is not yet approved for colon cancer....but it has, combined with other drugs, shown promise in trials for colon cancer.... and you are concerned your uncle's doctormight be trying to push him into doing a trial, so I would get a second opinion.

A lot of things depend on what your doctor would prescribe though, such as your uncle's overall health, the size of the tumor, and the kind of cancer it is (there are different types of cancer, and they respond to different drugs), whether or not the cancer has spread, and the side effects, especially considering his weight.

Xeloda is basically the same thing as a standard treatment (fluorouracil), only in pill form.

I don't want to give you bad advice of course. I'm not a doctor (obviously). My mom has colon cancer and I've just been looking up drugs all day. I think your uncle should either ask his doctor why he thinks Tarceva is better, or he should get a second opinion and ask that doctor why the first one thought Tarceva was a good choice. That way you will know for sure! He could even ask his doctor to compare them for you.

That's what I would do if I were him, and what I'd tell my mom. Especially if the doctor hasn't explained the differences well enough. It seems strange to me too since Xeloda is well established as treatment for colorectal cancer. Either ask his current doctor for more info, or go to a different doctor and get a second opinion.

Good luck to your uncle! And your English is fine. The person who responded above my post must be some sort of spammer Rolling Eyes

Msalley · New User Joined: 11 Mar 2006 Posts: 4

No, I'm not a spammer... Dr. Lacouture is wonderful and will help you as much as he can! Let me know if you have any questions Smile

shedevil · New User Joined: 17 Feb 2006 Posts: 2

Hi all,
My uncle's already started with chemotherapy (Tarceva) and radiation. The only side effect he experienced from Tarceva is an very itchy rash all over his body, included his face. It scared the hell out of me! he looks scary...It started abt 4 days after his first pill, which was 21 days ago. He is still covered with rash, but at least it doesn't feel itchy anymore, and it's getting better everyday (also thanks to the gel the doctors gave him).
According to Chinese doctors, people who suffer from rash should eat/drink more 'cold' stuff, like watermelon/(?)etc etc. and should avoid 'hot' food/drinks, like spicy food/fried food. Because these will heat up your body and make the rash worse. I don't think this isnt scientifically tested or anything, but it works! You can also use it to wash your body/face. If someone is suffering from rash too, you should go to see a good chinese doctor and ask him to give you this herbal tea that 'cools down' your body, i think he will understand. It tastes a bit bitter but not that bad at all.
Ok back to my uncle, he's not suffering from constipation anymore, probably due to the chemo pills+radiatherapy, which is good!
The doctors plan to remove the tumor in June....I really hope everything will go well~
thx

Take care all~~

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