Ascites and Doxil

Hello Ladies,

I'm new to the forum and looking for someone who has dealt with persistent ascites during treatment.   My mother had 9 rounds of Taxol/Carboplatin which worked well, but then she became platinum sensitive and the ascites returned.  She recently started Doxil a few weeks ago, but has had to have the ascites removed several times since.  My question is whether anyone knows whether Doxil takes several treatments to work on the fluid or if this is a sign that the chemo is not working?  Has experienced the same scenario?  Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks and the best to everyone,
Amanda

[gah_70]

Hi Amanda,

I'm sure there is a more scientific answer to your question, but the ascites is there as a reaction to having cancer....sort of like a inflamatory response to it.  As chemo kills the cancer cells, the ascites also begins to disappear.  Doxil works by splitting the cancer cells up, and eventually causing them to die.  Therefore when a CA 125 is taken after the first couple of treatments, there actually appears to be more cancer (since one cancer cell might split into many pieces).  That's why many women see an increase in their CA 125.  Now, here's where my guessing comes in.  I'm wondering if perhaps the many pieces of cancer cells present could also cause more ascites.  That's just a thought you might want to ask her doctor.  In the meantime, hopefully some of the other ladies will come along with some ideas for you, as well.

How is your mom doing?  I hope she is doing well with chemo, and feeling as good as she can under the circumstances.  It's a good thing she has a daughter like you to watch out for her.  Best wishes to you both!

Gail