rebecca2015
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Posts:19
My boyfriend started taking 150 mg of Tarceva last Wednesday. He had several side effects including fever, rashes, and stomach and tongue pain. His tongue has white spots all over. This morning he went to the ER because of the inflammation to his tongue. He was told he has fungus bacteria on his tongue and was prescribed Amoxicillin. I was wondering if this prescription is a good call. Also, is the tongue fungus a side effect from Tarceva?
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stage 4 nsclc adenocarcinoma l858r egfr
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Reply # - April 24, 2015, 06:26 AM
Hi Rebecca,
Hi Rebecca,
As we discussed in your other thread, since Tarceva can cause sores in the mouth, that can lead to infection. While the Tarceva may not directly cause the infection, its effect on the mucous membranes can lead to it. Although we can't offer an opinion on which prescription might be best, an antibiotic such as amoxicillin would typically be used. When my late wife's Tarceva caused an infection in the mucous membranes in her nostrils, she was prescribed antibiotics as well. In her case they worked well to clear it up, and they can help with the rash as well.
If you haven't already seen it, Dr. Lacouture's podcast on skin-related side effects of Tarceva and similar treatments is quite thorough. We were lucky enough to have him as Liz's dermatologist while he was still practicing in Chicago; he's at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York now, so if you're anywhere near there it would be worth making an appointment to see him. He's the leading expert on the subject, and a truly wonderful person.
JimC
Forum moderator
Reply # - April 24, 2015, 08:12 PM
Thank you so much for the
Thank you so much for the podcast. The doctor does not give this much detail information so this information is very helpful. The medication seems to be working. He can speak now.
He got his blood drawn yesterday. The result shows a 5% lymph node. I understand that normal people have 21-49% lymph node, but is 5% consider very low for lung cancer patient? Would you be able to guide me to detail information on lymph node?
I really appreciate it.
Rebecca
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stage 4 nsclc adenocarcinoma l858r egfr non-smoker
Reply # - April 25, 2015, 05:48 AM
Unfortunately no blood counts
Unfortunately no blood counts can show with any confidence a link between what a cancer was and is now doing.
When lymphocytes are low it's usually attributed to one of the reasons below,
"Known as lymphocytopenia
Autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
Infections (e.g., HIV, viral hepatitis, typhoid fever, influenza)
Bone marrow damage (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation therapy)
Corticosteroids"
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/cbc/tab/test?gclid=Cjw…
Janine
Reply # - April 30, 2015, 11:48 PM
Thank you for the information
Thank you for the information. His doctor have just reduced his Tarceva dosage to 100mg. His weight has gone from 180 lb to 167 lb because of the tongue inflammation. His tongue is getting better with the antibiotic, but the rash is getting worse in his scalp and face. It itches at night and we are now trying to figure out how to reduce the irritation. He is using the lotion provided by his doctor, but it doesn't seem to be working very well. Would you have recommendation as to what type of shampoo, soap or anything to help him? May I ask how long the rashes usually last? Also, we have just discovered a lump next to his spine, should we worry about it?
Reply # - May 1, 2015, 07:40 AM
Hi Rebecca,
Hi Rebecca,
You will find some very good recommendations from GRACE members in this thread: http://cancergrace.org/forums/index.php?topic=8476.0
The duration of Tarceva rash is quite variable. My wife's rash would flare up then calm down after a course of Bactrim, only to flare up again within a few weeks. The prophylactic measures mentioned in the above thread may help to keep it down.
Good luck!
JimC
Forum moderator
Reply # - May 5, 2015, 06:46 PM
Thank you for your reply.
Thank you for your reply. The doctor referred him to the dermatologist.