sms43's Journal

Now I am on Tarceva.  I began taking it 3 days ago and this morning I awakened with severe abdominal cramping followed by diahrrea which left me feeling as if I was on the last stage of preparation for a colonoscopy!  During this brief period, I had a little nausea, but it went away once my bowels moved.

From those who have been on Tarceva, I'd like to hear your experiences.  What side effects did you have and how long did they last?  Did you get the rash and if so, when (how many days into treatment), and how long did it last?  What did you treat the rash with?

I know to look for the rash as a sign that this treatment is working, but I don't know when it typically appears or how long it typically lasts.  Of course, like everyone else who uses Tarceva, I am praying for the rash.  If you have followed my story, you know that my chemo (Alimta and Carboplatin) did not work; in fact I had 2 additional tumors in my liver after 2 rounds.  So naturally, I am anxious for Tarceva to work!

Don't hold back.  Give me all the info you can.  There's no such thing as too much information when you are fighting this damned disease!  Thanks!