Maintenance Therapy started - 1255176

clemclem44
Posts:36

Mom's 1st round chemo (carbo/alimta) was completed with virtually no issue at all. Tumors stopped growing or spreading and the word "remission" was VERY lightly used.
Alimta maintenance therapy every 3 weeks and scans every 3 months is what we're facing. 2 treatments down and still no issues...

So it sounded as if this can go on for a while. My question is, if the tumors start to grow -would a change in the 2nd line drugs be considered since Alimta is the maintenance therapy and if the tumors grow then that would mean it's not working anymore?

Seeing her be able to tolerate the carbo/alimta combo makes me really never want to see any other drugs in the mix. How likely is that on this journey?

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Reply # - March 26, 2013, 09:57 PM

Dr West
Posts: 4735

That's great, but in general we'd favor trying new treatments rather than going with something on which the cancer is progressing in a clinically significant way (somewhat in the eye of the beholder, but more than just a few millimeters of change you need to squint to be convinced is really a change). The cancer that remains alive and now growing despite months and months of the same chemo has clearly become resistant to that treatment. However, a cancer that has responded well to one chemo will often respond well to a different one later.

-Dr. West

Reply # - March 27, 2013, 09:39 AM

laya d.
Posts: 714

Hi Carrie:

Just wanted to pop in to say that I'm so happy to read that your Mom's cancer has responded favorably to chemo. I hope that she continues to do well and continues to feel well. Please keep us posted on how she is doing. . .

Laya

Reply # - March 28, 2013, 03:08 PM

marisa93
Posts: 215

Hi Carrie,

Glad to hear your mom is doing good and tolerating chemo well. I hope that continues for her...and your family!

Best wishes,
Lisa

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