Gita,

I'm sorry I didn't see your post until today. I'm so sorry things aren't going well for your sister. If you get a chance to read this before the appt., along with the Erbitux, I would also ask about Iressa, Tarceva and Irinotecan as possible treatment options.

I believe the first 3 are non-chemo drugs. I know Iressa and Tarceva are considered sister drugs so there's probably not a lot of difference between them. Irinotecan is a chemo drug. I mentioned it because Irinotecan and Docetaxol worked for Heather for awhile and your sister's recurrence sounds somewhat similar. I think some of the alternative drugs are much easier on the body than chemo, which would be a plus since your sister has already suffered so much. You might also want to ask about adding one of the Cox 2 inhibiting drugs like Vioxx or Celebrex to the mix.

I am so sorry your sister has to go through this horrible time. I wish you strength in the days to come.

Rainbows & hugs,
Rosie

Was primary caregiver to my daughter Heather who had stage IV base of tongue SCC w/ primary recurrence. Original diagnosis August 21st, 2002. Primary recurrence March 18th, 2003. Died October 6th, 2003.