Neratinib Clinical Trials

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  • cbm
    cbm Member Posts: 475
    edited May 2011

    geewhiz--I also had a complete bone scan and two CAT scans, one of my lower body and one upper.  I think I got extra because during chemo I developed BPPV and balance problems that have since resolved and they wanted to make sure I was really Stage 2a.  I was told they were being extra careful; my study doc is extraordinarily meticulous.  I was glad for the extra tests, but I do think that's unusual because the study nurse later told me that it was.

    I get ECHOs not MUGAs.  They also do lots of liver bloodwork.

    Warmly,

    Cathy 

  • shelclaire
    shelclaire Member Posts: 55
    edited June 2011

    Oh my goodness. Ihave one month oleft and finally relaly read this post. I have had one bad D each day for the last year but my big concern waas acne and sores in my nose that would not go away and I just read someone else say the same thing. Is that a side effect. Has anyone heard how the study is doing and are there any other studies after this you gals know about.

     I was on the board to share my invention that is just on the market . I invented before cancer and got motivated after. So here is that post too but really interested in feedback on the trial.

    Anyone know how cinrae from the TCH board is doing? I also wanted to share that I have loads of easy recipes to go with so anytime you need to know what is for dinner pop over and look something up. When I had my surgery I could not or was afraid to move my arms for fear of ripping a stich and using bags to do everything was a huge help and as a chef I had always used them but invented The Bag Holder to have a container to help me to everything that a bowl or plastic containers did. I hope you love it, share it and show some support. I was a TCH girl and currently in the neratinib trial with 4 weeks left. Since I thought I would be dead by now I moved quick and wanted to make things hapen, do any of you feel that way. Praying for a cure each day> http://www.thebagholder.net/  see me on face book too:)

  • leighannmarie
    leighannmarie Member Posts: 100
    edited June 2011
    I checked out your site.  This is how the meal assembly places (Dream Dinners, Super Suppers ect...)  do it!  It is really a great way to work especially when putting together freezer meals. Your hair looks very cute.  I have the same style Wink I was diagnosed 4 days after you with the same diagnoses except ER-/PR-.  I have 3 months of the trial left.  I had some delays with taxotere due to neuropathy problems.  On this trial, I have had mild side effects for the most part.  I didn't have any SE's on Herceptin so ???  Adriamyacin and Taxotere were BAD!  Good luck with The Bag Holder!
  • RKR
    RKR Member Posts: 10
    edited June 2011

    Thanks so much to everyone for your input.  I love the moose image!!  I feel like a fly on the wall, just watching and reading about everyone's experiences before I make my decision to jump into the study in August.  Keep being strong, ladies! 

  • KakaCathFreeSpirit
    KakaCathFreeSpirit Member Posts: 100
    edited July 2011
    Hello, to anyone reading this, ! I am new to this sight and getting the hang of how conversation happens ! When I first looked it up I thought I saw the last postings being a few years old, but of coarse, Der, dates where when some women, like myself had been Diagnosed... I am currently preparing for the beginning of the Neratinib Trial here in Melbourne, Australia. I am interested to find out whom is about to start also, or already started, as I can see ! Has anyone got some tipps to what else I should be asking my Oncologist ! as I have a small list of questions happening, maybe confusing myself even more, still got Chemo Brain 8 mths later, ThanksSmile
  • gramma23
    gramma23 Member Posts: 640
    edited June 2011

    Hello everyone. I am one of the ones who could not take this. I had 5 days and I called it quits. I would throw up every time it was in my stomach a short time. anyway I do know some that have posted here and finished. I got a call from the chemo nurse that was my study nurse and they want me to sign some more papers which some of which I have already signed but then they asked me to postpone my onc appointment so match their schedule and I said no because I still have problems and need to speak to my onc. Also the fact that they want me to have a mamo every year which is what I will be doing next year. Up till now it has been every 6 months. I can't believe I would be almost finished by now had I stayed with it but I still have problems with my blood counts so I still go every month for blood tests and a Procrit shot. I think I could not take this because my stomach is so sensitive and I have problems with TCH too. When the nurse called I was afraid they were wanted me to try something else. I just can't do it. I am proud of you that have been able to do this. I hope you can but don't feel bad if you can't. Good luck everyone.

    Carolyn

  • suemed8749
    suemed8749 Member Posts: 1,151
    edited June 2011

    Hi Carolyn! I remember you from the TCH thread - we did chemo at about the same time. You're always so supportive!

    You're so right - "don't feel bad if you can't (participate in the trial)". I finished in January, but had no real noticeable side effects, so I assume I got the placebo. But I might have pulled out too if I had thrown up 5 days in a row.

    I also had to sign new papers a few weeks ago. My onc's PA said that I could "graduate" to appointments every six months, but the trial requires me to come in every 4, so I guess graduation day will have to be postponed.

    Sorry to hear you're still having blood count problems. Other than that, I hope you're doing well.

    Sue

  • geewhiz
    geewhiz Member Posts: 1,439
    edited June 2011

    Started the trial today. It's funny to sit around hoping to have diarrhea. Geewhiz.

  • negirly
    negirly Member Posts: 318
    edited June 2011

    Geewhiz - I thought I had the placebo bc my diarhea didnt start until day 4/5.  I was dose reduced and am doing well on 5 pills - still have diarhea but its much better.  Bananas work the best for me - I eat 1-2 daily

    Karyn

  • gramma23
    gramma23 Member Posts: 640
    edited June 2011

    Suemed8749,it is good to hear from you. I do remember you and so many here and on the TCH post. there are so many new ones but a few old ones too. I don't post much nor do I read alot. I got my papers signed and returned but I swear I had nightmares the night before I could get back to the study nurse. I am so glad they did not want me to take anything else. I am 3 years past surgery by a few weeks but still have my port. He said indefinitely.

    I wish every the best here.

    Carolyn

  • leisaparis
    leisaparis Member Posts: 587
    edited July 2011

    I have a question for you all. I'm now 6 months into this trial. I have ANOTHER infection. This makes #4 since I started. Things that would have never bothered me before (ie. bug bite, scratch, etc.) seems to give me an infection and they're not like a normal infection. It's like a pussy, red hot, round, boil type of infection. I think I've been on anti-biotics more in this 6 months that I ever was before in my life. Starting to get a little frustrated. Needed to vent, but if anyone else has had this issue please let me know. Thanks all.

  • Shellusea
    Shellusea Member Posts: 55
    edited July 2011

    Leisaparis,

    Don't have the infection problem, but I think will all the s/e cause by the Neratinib (like bad acnea), I won't be surprise your infection would be from it.  Keep me update, what your onc told you about it?

    .................... 

    I'm presently seriously questioning myself if I stay in the protocol.  I'm at the lower dose (3 pills) since one month now and still have problem dealing with:

    Diahrea :  have to take immodium everyday then one day off (or two) to have a break, then back on it cause liquid D. (sorry for the crude words).  Really boring cause I have to drive by car to work (highway and brige), and when this kind of D come , it's really an emergency!

    Abdominal pain : Tylenol or advil, it comes and go.  Also have bloating (maybe because of immodium on and off)

    Nausea : Like while in pregnancy, mostly in the morning and not at the point to throw up.

    Stomach: Now taking pantoloc everyday - had more and more burning.

    Nose bleeding & itchy : salted spray, doesn't help much now its constantly pain.

    Acnea : bad, but can do with it.

    Headaches: They come fast, are terrible, but don't last long.

    Legs cramp:  Lot less problem with this since at 3 pills.  When it come and hurt bad, I use Voltarin cream.

    Hope this will help the newbies.

    Suzanne

  • negirly
    negirly Member Posts: 318
    edited July 2011

    My side effects:

    I'm on 5x pills daily

    Nose sores (like pimples inside)

    No acne

    Occasional mouth sore

    Diarrhea - daily but only an emergency 2-3x a month - Usually I know because I'll have a lot of "rumbling" leading up to it.  Immodium doesn't seem to make a difference but I promised the research nurse I would try and take it.  

    Karyn

  • KakaCathFreeSpirit
    KakaCathFreeSpirit Member Posts: 100
    edited July 2011

    Wow, Thank-you for all your insights ladies, for relaying your experiences on your most recent of our journeys, It helps me to know what may or may-not happen !!! Please keep them coming, and how ever the graphic details, I for one don't mind at all,

    Big cyber hugs to you all Smile

    ps: Geewhiz, I can relate to the sitting around hoping & waiting for the diarrhea, as I know I will be in the same boat, Anxiously !!!

  • leisaparis
    leisaparis Member Posts: 587
    edited July 2011

    Wonderful news (NOT), all my infections are from all the hair growing back in. Some of it is getting caught under the skin and causing these infections, creating boils. They can't make it to the top of the skin and are creating a boil type of sore. The last one is of all places on my butt. Right by my tail bone. Makes it hard to sit down at times. Thank God for anti-biotics. I getting a little sick & tired of them those. Thanks for listening.

  • cbm
    cbm Member Posts: 475
    edited July 2011

    Hello, friends.  I have been on the neratinib trial since November; my research nurse and oncologist believe I have the neratinib and not the placebo based on a surge of neuropathic symptoms right after starting.  Predictable diarrhea followed for a few months, but I had had that with Herceptin, also, and the farther I got from the herceptin, it seemed to resolve.  And finally stopped.  I've been practically symptom free since around February.

    Until about ten days ago.  I ate a turkey burger, and about an hour later had an indication of food poisoning--sudden onset diarrhea, mild cramps, over.  I had been taking a course of Keflex for a chronic ingrown toenail infection, so I figured it was either the burger or the Keflex.  However, it hasn't let up, and has kind of morphed into a routine.

    I had a colonoscopy about eight weeks ago and it was fine.  I am a very regular kind of gal--no constipation or diarrhea during chemo, but both the oopherectomy and the Herceptin increased "regularity."

    Has anyone else had a later onset symptom like this?  I recently returned to work after many years of semi-retired self employment and my diet is all over the map now, whereas it was kind of more controllable before.

    I don't feel sick or nauseated.  I am resisting the Immodium because I hate it.  I see the doc at the end of July and I'm resisting calling him because of work (I call, he calls back, secretary is alerted, I close door, I leave to go to doc....it's a new job; I'm trying to stay under the radar).  So far this is not of the OMG get out of the way variety of Big D.

    Thanks for your help.

    Cathy 

  • negirly
    negirly Member Posts: 318
    edited July 2011

    Cathy - you should call or email if the symptom is different.  Email is great if you have the capability or perhaps you could ask your onc to call you at lunch on your cell.  My diarrhea is pretty manageable but every few weeks I have a day or two that is "extreme"... I don't think immodium does anything immediate and often notice it will cause constipation a few days later rather than helping immediately (thats just my experience). 

    Hope you are feeling better...

    Question for all the ladies: do you have "loss of appetite:? I've lost 15 pounds (did on herceptin too) - just not very hungry (or I get full faster)

    Karyn

  • leisaparis
    leisaparis Member Posts: 587
    edited July 2011

    For me, it's not really a loss of appetite, but more of being afraid of what's going to set off the diarrhea. So I really try to watch what I eat when I'm at work. At home I eat whatever I want. Even though I know in advance it will give me diarrhea. I'm just so tired of not being able to eat things I want, so I indulge at home. I was told that loss of appetite was one of the side effects. I just haven't had that problem. Sorta wish I did, a little, wouldn't hurt me to loose a few pounds.

  • annamari
    annamari Member Posts: 82
    edited July 2011

    cathy:  your diarrhea can be due to many things since you were doing well on the drug trial.  food poisoning is nothing to sneeze at and canlast longer than what you think.  Also the fact that you had recently been on antibiotics can destroy normal intestinal flora and cause very bad diarrhea.  Stool cultures should be able to pinpoint the cause andmedication that is specific for the problem might help.  Probiotics might also help restore normal flora   I would consult with the study nurse before beginning that kind of regiem.  They might not be allowed on the trial.  I finish the trial in January.  Wishing you the best.

  • geewhiz
    geewhiz Member Posts: 1,439
    edited July 2011

    I think there is no question I got the real drug. It took about 5 or 6 days, but diarrhea kicked in. There is no nausea, but the stomach pain feels like I am being punched in the gut!

    The trial now gives loperamide, which I am supposed to take at the first sign of the big d, but like others here, it causes constipation and does nothing for the cramping.

    I'm not so sure I can handle a year of feeling so badly. I am on 6 pills...have others here been dose reduced?

  • Shellusea
    Shellusea Member Posts: 55
    edited July 2011

    Hi Geewiz,

    I had the abdominal pain and D at 6 pills, one week off then 5 pills, up to the lower dose, 3 pills. 

    I finally quit the protocol last week, cause even after a month at 3 , I was always on loperamide most of the week, and too much other bad side effects. I decided my quality of life was too much affected.

     But I know some can manage it without those heavy symptoms.  Hope you will be in the group to made it through.

    Talk to your research nurse and onc., they will lower the dose.

    Sue 

  • Shellusea
    Shellusea Member Posts: 55
    edited July 2011

    GWiz, For the abdominal pain, try Tylenol or Ibuprofen...

  • geewhiz
    geewhiz Member Posts: 1,439
    edited July 2011

    Thank you for the info!

    I am not terribly excited to keep adding more drugs to the mix! I think Im going to see if we can dose reduce. I HATE the way the pain comes on. I was perfectly fine all day, then out of nowhere driving today....I got a cold sweat and had to fly into a Quiktrip bathroom with terrible stomach pain. GEEZ!!!

  • kathleen1966
    kathleen1966 Member Posts: 793
    edited July 2011

    I don't think this trial is in Pittsburgh, PA.  I am unable to find it and my oncologist knows nothing about it....urghhhh.....

  • negirly
    negirly Member Posts: 318
    edited July 2011

    Gee whiz,



    I know they will reduce the dose if you have 4 or more episodes of diarrhea in a day. They call it grade 2 I think which qualifies for a reduction. I couldn't handle six but I'm doing pretty well on 5.



    There may be other things that cause a reduction but I know this one for sure



    Karyn

  • Shellusea
    Shellusea Member Posts: 55
    edited July 2011

    Gwiz, they reduce me at the beginning due to the abdom pain - I was managing the D with Immodium (loperamide).  But was still getting terrible abdominal pain. I suppose it depend of your onc.  but for what I understood, they know very well that 6 is very hard to endure.

  • leisaparis
    leisaparis Member Posts: 587
    edited July 2011

    I'm on the 6 pills, have been since the beginning. The only problems I have are the ones stated above. Otherwise I'm doing fine. As fien as can be that is.

  • geewhiz
    geewhiz Member Posts: 1,439
    edited July 2011

    Yep, you guys are right. They dose reduced me to 5 today. My onc said the same, everyone knows 6 is too much. He said 4-5 seems to be much better tolerated. Fingers crossed!!

  • negirly
    negirly Member Posts: 318
    edited July 2011

    Geewhiz - my onc mentioned also, that the dose is more than what they think we need.  A few women started that 3 seems to be the "magic" number for a lot of people.  I have to admit my symptoms seem better each month I'm in the trial.  Hope this stuff is as good as they think it is.

    Karyn

  • KakaCathFreeSpirit
    KakaCathFreeSpirit Member Posts: 100
    edited July 2011

    Thanks Girls, I am meeting with my Onco and the research team tomorrow for the first time after having just finished one year on Herceptin 5 weeks ago and already I am feeling like some one has taken my security blanket away !!!  I will go in armed with a Brain full of  Information I have learnt from you guys, and of corse this wonderful web site..  Thank You so much for your giving and sharing with each and another, and will no doubt have some Karmic returns in some form I'm sure.  Cyber Hugs to you all, regards

    Catherine, Melbourne AustraliaSmile 

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