BTW does anyone know how long you have to be finished with Erbitux before they do any scans? Can they tell immediately if it is working or not? Jim has 6 more radiation treatments and 2 more Erbitux....I just am getting very "antsy" to see how long it will take before we know if we have tamed the beast.

Paula,
A hint to save your back and energy. You could use rolling carts to bring those bottles and other groceries from the car. I have 2 I got from Big Lots for $15 each. They are about $20 -25 at the office supply stores where they are called rolling file boxes. They are hard plastic and fold up to a briefcase shape. I also use the new "green" shopping bags and load the carts and sling my purse and bags with lighter stuff over the handle and can pull 1 cart with each hand. This is even easier than when I used to use the grandkids' wagon to bring groceries in. If I am tired or have something that needs to be done I put away what needs to be refrigerated, take a break and the rest is waiting in the carts and not all over the kitchen. Sometimes I leave non-perishables in the car and cart them in later.
Malka

Paula- My husband had a PET four days after his eight Erbitux treatment. We were also told at a follow up that the stuff keeps working for awhile after treatment is finished. The oncologist told us that he likes to get at least eight in before the do another scan. He will be stopping Neil's treatment because it did not work and hopefully Sloan can so something for him. I think he had this &*#$ disease for too long before diagnosis. He had three different doctors tell him it was a virus. A simple biopsy would have changed everything.
Sue

OMG, she would be in heaven. Most stores and malls know her by first name !! True story, she and her mom would go shopping and come home and while my wife (her daddy's little girl) would get her father to join her in the back yard, her mom would rush and put all the new clothes into their closets. Then when the poor unsuspecting father would ask if that dress was new, they would exclaim "oh, this thing, I've had it for years. Don't you ever notice what I wear!" The poor man died not knowing what he was up against. My wife says that "shop to you drop" saying is for wimps.

Well the rash is horrible - Jim has a very fair complexion, so the blistery pimples look very uncomfortable - he doesn't complain, just notes that he is miserable...for him that is complaining. I do have a question abou the Aquaphor Healing Ointment...is this a prescription or OTC....We have a prescription of Metronidazole...Dr. Barker also suggested using Benadryl spray as well....before I go spend $100 on this, I would love everyone's advice on what worked for their loved ones. I'm not tight with $, but Jim certainly is....I'm the one that went out and spent $48.00 on bandaids at Thanksgiving and the clerk made the comment "wow - looks like the turkey won at your house and suggested that I remove the knives from my home"...I just laughed - so, before I embark on another venture and buy a bunch of OTC creams, just need your opinions...thanks so much everyone!
Paula

Hi Paula,
Aquaphor is sold OTC, here in PA it sells for approximately $15.00 for the larger container--well worth it! She also used the minicyclene(not sure of that spelling, it is a prescription)they(the MO office) merit the combo together for healing.
I have also used the aguaphor for me and the kids, it's terrific on chapped lips, dry skin, a wonder drug in my opinion.

Erik was told to use Head and Shoulders shampoo to help with the pain of the rash, it has a numbing agent in it.
Jennie

Erik was told to use Head and Shoulders shampoo to help with the pain of the rash, it has a numbing agent in it.
Jennie

Hi everyone,
I just got home with Aquaphor, more benadryl and tylenol...Jim's rash is very bad and today he looks very swollen and he feels like he has the flu...he received his 3rd Erbitux treatment on Monday so today is Wednesday and he seems to always feels worst on this day....thanks for all of the advice - I hope that Aquaphor will give him some relief...it feels very much like the Mary Kay Extra Emollient night cream that I use on my face at night - Thanks again everyone - We'll try the Head & Shoulders to see how it goes, too.
Paula

Hi Paula- My husband had great relief with the Head & Shoulders.
He felt fluish after the first treatment but not with any of the others-he just felt tired. He has not had a treatment for 2 weeks but still has the rash and tiredness. The dryness of the skin has eased up a bit.
Sue