My father (82 years old) was given 6 treatments of TAXOTERE/GEMZAR for non-small cell lung cancer but had severe diarrhea. Now, the doctor has cut out TAXOTERE. He says that if he responds well to GEMZAR alone, he may do radiation and later IRESSA. Does anyone have any idea whether this plan makes sense? His tumor is 4X3 cm (stage III/IV) and the latest scan showed about the same tumor size.

Because of the sever side effects he had with GEMZAR/TAXOTERE, I'm wondering whether the benefits of all these treatments are really worth it. It is putting a lat of strain on my family, as my dad has no where else to go but stay with us in my home during his treatment.

What are the usual side effects of radiation and IRESSA?

Hello rhd Welcome to the board.

Mom used the Gazmar/Taxotere treatment as her last chemo. She then did move to radiation as the cancer tumours started cutting off her oxygen supply to her brain. During this time, she was able to get the Iressa. She recieved it as part of a study, so it became free. Also there was no side effects to the Iressa, and I think or at least I would like to think that it decreased her syptoms as she moved through this journy. Talk to him Maybe he is only fighting now for the family. He might be willing to stop all treatments.
Also check with his cancer doctor, you may be eligiable to receive hospice care. You can then decide wether or not to put him in a home, or wether with the care of a nurse he might be able to stay home. Has the cancer invaded any other sites in the body?

Leisa,

Thanks for your reply. I'm glad to hear that IRESSA had no side effects and that it helped in your mom's fight against this dreadful disease.

My father wants to continue in whatever treatment his doctor recommends. He also doesn't want to go to a nursing home/hospice during his treatment. I would like to proceed according to his wishes (albeit it's difficult for the rest of the family), but I don't want the remaining years of his life to be spent in and out of the hospital and be in constant misery from chemo.

To answer your question, his cancer has spread from his lungs to his lymph nodes and lower back area. The oncologist mentioned early on it was incurable but that the treatments may alleviate the pain he has from the main tunor.

RHD...... Then with my knowledge, your father has reached stage 4 in lung cancer if it has invaded other sites within the body. If he wants to stay with you, then see about getting a nurse in to help you and your family cope. Mom had a hospice person start coming in after she was declared unsafe to be alone. This happened about 8 months before her death.

You do not say where you are but in Canada once you are declared to be in need of a hospice, all your meds are covered by the gov't. This would include the Iressa. I am not saying there were no side effects from Iressa, there may as well be for some people...... Yes, it did help mom in the last stage of life.

I would also like to suggest that you read the book
"Final Gifts" I would also ask the doctor about time lines, to give you and your family time to adjust to the incurable nature of this cancer. Talk to him about his wishes, make sure that his will is all in place. Get a video tape and tape him now! Get voice recordings. Yes, you may have years yet, but it gives all who know him, time to adjust, and value the time here and now.

Leisa