Started dab and tram yesterday!

Hi Sophie0037481

I'm sorry that no one who is currently taking dab/tram has been able to pop on and answer your questions, although it may be that they have seen your post but don't know the answers.

I'm sure by now you've spoken to your CNS and got your answers and it would be really useful if you could update this post with what they said in case anyone in future has the same questions.

Take care

x

Dear Sophie, Latchbrook speaks wisely.  Maybe you haven’t yet got hold of your nurse helpline, so in the interim I hope it’s helpful to suggest that you speak to a Pharmacist, preferably your regular Pharmacist; and to read the leaflets which come with your medication.  I wouldn’t think that Paracetamol counts as a food, but your specialist medication might be extremely specific.  I wouldn’t risk coffee, if I were you, but stick to water for the prescribed period.  Best wishes, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Hi Sophie, I started my med 6 weeks ago and always take paracetamol at the same time. My consultant also confirmed this is OK when I spoke to them today. I have been told only to have water during the hours around taking the meds. Hope this helps.

Phil

Thanks Phil, that’s really helpful. How are you finding them so far? 

LIfe changer. After having a Lymph node removed in February two months later the cancer had returned and also to my liver and lungs. My health had deteriorated considerably. It is now 6 weeks later and I am feeling so much better. The only side effect I have had is "chills". I have had these twice now and they last about two to three days. I get so cold and shaking I go to bed with eight layers and a hot water bottle and I am still cold. It can last up to 2 hours. Then I get hot and gradually cool down. This repeats every 12 hours (or 3.5 hours after having the meds). My consultant has put me on steroids but they don't seem to have had any effect and on the last occasion, he told me to come off dabrafenib for 24/48 hours, which did the trick. He also told me today that I should be drinking plenty of fluids 2.5lt per day especially after taking the meds. So I am now drinking all day to see if that helps.

That’s amazing, great that they’re making you feel better after such a short amount of time. My nurses said the first three months are usually the worst in terms of side effects so fingers crossed the chills you’re getting ease off a bit soon. I’m feeling tired but other than that not had any noticeable side effects.. every time I’m taking them I’m dreading it wondering when all the bad things are going to start happening. That’s good to know about the water! 

Hi Phil5, Hope you don't mind me asking but how did you find out the cancer had returned, was it through a scan?

Hi MW7, My surgeon examined me and detected the return of lumps in my left armpit. I also had 6 bumps on my scalp which apparently is a common sign. He then sent me for a CT scan and the results confirmed it had returned and also spread to the other areas.

Thanks for the reply. Good luck with the treatment and hope you continue to improve. 

My Doctor is quite clear, nothing other than water for 2 hours before pill time, and nothing for one hour after.