A New Journey Begins - Cetuximab ! Update .

Oh yes court , I was on continuous antibiotics and was able to up the dose if I had a flare up, I don't think everyone is told to do that though from what I've seen on other forums so not a total mess up!  Good she got through it OK, I hope the next round is kind to her.  

They also gave me hydrocortisone cream to use sparingly which I found helped and baby aveeno is good for a moisturiser. x

She most certainly did not use it sparingly and her eyes started looking like lizards . Piled on aveeno . I just bought an adult one and it has help but will switch to baby as that makes more sense . She is starting to look human again .

Lesson learnt .

Court

Third infusion completed .

Had a wee look at her blood numbers  and they are holding up .

She was just in the main clinic and not on a ward this week . All seems to be going well so far .

She seems a bit stronger .

Court 

I’ve been catching up with your mum’s story today. She really is made of strong stuff, possibly girders? Thank you Court, for continuing her story you really do give us all hope. I hope you’re takincare of yourself.

That's wonderful, so glad things went well. Have a wonderful weekend x

Scan results are in and it’s been working well . Some good shrinkage achieved and they seem pleased with the direction it’s heading in .

Got some birthday  celebrations in our family this weekend so intend to relax and enjoy !

Fabulous news court , cetux is brilliant stuff!  Enjoy the celebrations. Xx

Great News Court!  Best Wishes To You and Mum 

xx

Thats wonderful news   now enjoy the birthday party and celebrate the news with a bit of craziness xx

An observation I have on mum using Cetuximab on its own compared to chemotherapy. There is not the accumulating effects of treatment . Strangely each side effect seems to take a turn with a different one emerging per cycle then receding . Not completely going away just less pronounced. Just one person’s experience but might be of interest to those coming behind in the process . 

Cycle 1 Skin reaction  , then in no particular order , 

Nail bed issues ,  hair thinning but stopped after a few cycles and is returning to her own texture too , mouth ulcers , slightly breathless ,

pimples , magnesium deficiency, eyebrows growing , then the latest is dizzy spells . 
The side effects seem worse  around day seven to nine then ease .

THE oncologist deals with all the skin products and continuous antibiotics  attends to the skin rash . 

So far the GP gave a better mouth wash to attend to her ulcers .

Magnesium infusion was eventually required .

Wears moisturising cotton gloves as they are cheaper .

Keeps her hydration up .

All in all she has a much better quality of life on this .

Take care and we shall see how the next few cycles go all being well .

Court