Xeloda & Oxaliplatin w/Tarceva possible addition???

I’m on Tarceva. From what I understand, it isn’t really a chemo drug. Dr. Javle told me they don’t really know how it works, but it could help. I have been on it almost 4 months. No side effects other than a face rash. I take it while on chemo too. It was hard to get our insurance to pay for it. We were lucky someone donated us some while we were fighting insurance because its almost $5000.00 for 30 pills! OUCH!

hi,
my sister is just starting the xeloda-oxiliplatin regimen. we went to fox chase cancer centers last week and were told about tarceva. it is something that from what i was told would not be used while she was on chemotherapy. the oncologist told us to have her complete the xeloda-oxi regimen and than come back and they will see where she is and will discuss tarceva. i dont know what this all means but here is more of what the dr told us. tarceva is a protein blocker. if the tumor is found to have the certain type of protein that tarceva works on than it is helpful in keeping tumors from growing. there is a test called a EGFR test that can be done on a previous tumor that was removed. the results of this test will tell if tarceva is a viable option. we were told that this test usually isnt done in most hospitals and you will have to discuss this with your dr. i hope some of this helps.