Tarceva Rash

**Graphic rash pics**

Today I went to see the Dr’s because of the terrible rash I have from the medication. A common side effect is what is known as the “Tarceva Rash” among patients taking Tarceva. This usually occurs around the sinus cavity and across the forehead and the sides of the nose and can be found on the upper torso also. When I went into the office, I had the entire team in the oncology department come into my room. The Dr’s knew I was in pain but they were excited as well because they knew the medication was working because of the way my rash was. They informed me that this wasn’t the worst rash they had ever seen, but it was one of the worst. I have attached some pictures and the best way that I can explain it would be, imagine the absolute worst sunburn that you have ever encountered and add 100’s of the painful infected pimples that you cannot get to pop on top of that sunburn and that is what the rash felt like. I had it on top of my head, all over my face, on my back, on my neck, and my chest and arms. I couldn’t lay down on a pillow because it hurt to even touch my hair. I don’t think of myself as a vain person, but I felt like a monster. People would try not to stare but I could see them looking at me as I walked by. There was absolutely nothing I could do to cover it up, so I had to make peace with it. The Dr’s told me to stop taking the 150 mg Tarceva and they were rushing a 100 mg order to be delivered within the next day or so. I asked if this was going to effect my chances of beating this disease and they said everyone starts on 150 mg and then they reduce if necessary and that by going to 100 mg, it would not effect my system. They also suggested Aveeno cream in the blue lid to help with the burning and itching of the rash and they prescribed hydro-cortisone cream 2.5%.