I’m due to change onto Lomustine as TMZ doesn’t seem to be controlling my Astrocytoma recurrence but all I’ve managed to find is horror stories where it’s been unsuccessful or has made things worse. Does anyone have any positive outcomes from using Lomustine? I really need to hear them right now as I’m panicking. I don’t want to agree to proceed on it if it’s going to make things worse and I sense the NHS oncologists are only going through a checklist of options regardless of if they feel it’ll work or not…
My husband is to start it too , don’t know what to expect , consultant says it only works in 10% of patients - sorry not much help , wishing you best of luck x
HI
if you are panicking I'd strongly encourage you to talk to your CNS and voice all your fears and concerns about the proposed treatment. I'd offer the same guidance no matter what drug was being proposed.
Lomustine was never one my late husband was offered. I did look up some generic information from the webisite for you
Lomustine | Macmillan Cancer Support
It might also be a good idea to give the helpline a call.
It’s always good to talk so please remember that you can call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available. This service provides lots of cancer information, emotional support, benefit and financial guidance or just a listening ear.
love n hugs
Wee Me xx
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
I had Lomustine as a part of PCV treatment (along with Procarbazine and Vincristine). It was a rough treatment, but my body allowed me to complete 5 of the 6 cycles.
I lost 11st during this treatment because I could not eat much. I existed on only watermelon and marmite toast through much of it. Most of the weight that I lost was put on post-diagnosis while I was taking dexamethasone(steroid). I had bloodwork fortnightly to watch my platelets and red blood cell counts.
But, it did the trick, and I've had no evidence of disease for the past 3 years! I now have preventative MRI scans every 6 months to ensure that we catch any new growth quickly.
Best of luck!
Thanks so much for the response! So pleased it has worked for you x
Dexamethasone is the worst. I ended up with Cushing’s syndrome so I hope I never have to take that again - it made me feel worse than even chemo!!
Hi, I’ve just finished 4 rounds of this chemo (PCV).
Felt a bit ill at times during the first round but quickly learnt if I took the anti-sickness meds 30 mins before each procarbazine capsule I felt ok.
Also, I found eating something like a couple of sandwiches or a bowl of cereal an hour before taking taking the procarbazine helped.
I was supposed to do 6 rounds of this chemo but after round two I developed a rash, turned out I was allergic to the chemo, oncologist was against changing the chemo so I just had to keep going but the rash got progressively worse, kept coming back after every procarbazine capsule during round four so the oncologist agreed that I should stop, told me it’s rare people complete all 6 rounds anyway.
Next MRI scan next week on the 30th, last two scans have been stable.
Good luck with your treatment.
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