Tag: Zolinza

Saturday, May 23rd, 2009

Reactions – PB, Tarceva, Zolinza, Xeloda

My hands are red and tender and the skin is very dry.  Have the first signs of Hand-Foot Syndrome, some dry blisters on the palm and index fingertip of my right hand.  Also, a quarter-sized blister on the bottom, outside edge of my right foot.  This is from the Xeloda.

Chemotherapy-induced acral erythema (also known as “Palmoplantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome”) is a swelling and numbness of the hands and feet that occurs with certain types of chemotherapy”

More info with photo here and here and here.
Those are extreme cases, mine have not, and Hopefully will not, get to that stage.

Also, my poor lips, so very dry and chapped.

But this is NOTHING compared to chemo.

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Friday, May 22nd, 2009

Financial Assistance – Drugs

Now that we are sure that I can tolerate the drugs and reactions, I can go forward with applying for financial assistance from the drug manufacturers.  The reaction from the Zometa put me back several days, I hope I can make up time…

For the Tarceva, I will need to contact Genentech Access to Care Foundation (GATCF) @ 888-249-4918.

For the Zolinza, I will need to contact Merck Patient Assistance Program (PAP)

For the Xeloda, I will need to contact Roche Patient Assistance Foundation @ 800-443-6676.

For the Zometa, I will need to contact Novartis Oncology Patient Assistance Program (PAP) @ 866-884-5906.

For each request for assistance, I will need to download the required paperwork and it fill out completely and properly, provide my last year’s tax return (for proof of income, cuz it all depends on how much money one makes) then get Dr Deleon and Dr Weaver to provide their authorizations, DEA No/State License info and a prescription request for each.

It’s up to me to coordinate all this, and my life literally depends on it, so I’d better get on the ball!

I’ve provided the info in case someone out there, who might happen to be reading my blog, either has need of, or knows someone who has need of this info…  If you do, it’d sure be nice to know I helped someone!


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Friday, May 22nd, 2009

Reactions – PB, Tarceva, Zolinza, Xeloda

It has started…

Diarrhea, some rash/pimples on my face and neck, Major dry lips, skin feeling dry, very dry.

Better than chemo though, and feeling like I’m being better to my body, working With vs Against it.

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Monday, May 18th, 2009

Reactions – PB, Tarceva, Zolinza, Xeloda

Ok, so nothing more… nothing noticeable anyway…

This is the beginning of the 2nd week, so I’m prepared.  At least I Think I am.

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Sunday, May 17th, 2009

Reactions – PB, Tarceva, Zolinza, Xeloda

Ok, so nothing more… nothing noticeable anyway…

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Saturday, May 16th, 2009

Reactions – PB, Tarceva, Zolinza, Xeloda

So reactions have started?  I had a shot of diarrhea last night.  Just one shot though… I’m sure there is more to come, all these new drugs in my systems are bound to mess them up some…

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Friday, May 15th, 2009

Reactions – PB, Tarceva, Zolinza

Ok, so nothing yet… nothing noticeable anyway…

Have been told that reactions will most probably start to show up the 2nd week – which is next week.

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Thursday, May 14th, 2009

Zolinza

Today I started on Zolinza, an oral HDAC inhibitor which prevents DNA transcription and gene expression in some tumor cells – typically Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas.  I’ll take one 100mg pill per day.

The most common side effects associated with Zolinza include:
• Stomach and intestinal problems, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation and weight loss
• Tiredness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Changes in the way things taste and dry mouth
• Muscle aches
• Hair loss
• Chills
• Fever
• Upper respiratory infection
• Cough
• Increase in blood creatinine
• Swelling in the foot, ankle and leg
• Itching

More Joys of Cancer

Another very expensive drug at $2217/month.  I can, and intend to,  petition the manufacturer for financial assistance.

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