Cyclophosphamide and Avastin

Just wondering if anyone has done either one of these drugs, or both. Looks like this will be the next combination for me starting in the new year. I'm just wondering what kinds of side effects I can actually expect (as opposed to the list of a million that go along with every chemo drug!)
Thanks for anything you can pass along....
Becky

[Helmar]

Hi Becky... A couple of years ago I had CAP which is Cyclophosphamide, Adriamycin and Cisplatin. As there were three, I don't know how the first one would be alone. I did have some fatigue and hair loss with this combination, and although it did bring the numbers down a little, it didn't set the my world on fire. :-)  I've heard that Avastin is very good in a lot of cases though, so I can only wish you all the best Becky, and hope that this is the one to do a good job for you. hugs...Helen..
Here is a site that will tell you about Cyclophosphamide.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a682080.html

[Brownie3321]

Hi Becky - I don't know about those drugs, but I wanted to let you know I am praying for these to work for you! Good luck and happy holidays. With love, Deandra

[crecco]

I have also been curious about Avastin as that will be my next chemo when the Topotecan quits working. My onc mentioned something about Avastin and taxotere or maybe Abraxane. I am not sure if he meant the Abraxane instead of the taxotere or instead of the both of them. I have read a lot of positive things about the Avastin working pretty good, but haven't heard much about the side effects. Chris

[rmarie]

Becky, just did a search on chemocare.org and for Cyclophosphamide and for avasitin and it basically is the usual problems.  Nausea and or vomiting, may or may not have joint pain with Cyclophosphamide, hair loss 3 to 6 weeks after starting.  I know jatoo's wife is on Avastin, Cyclophosphamide has not been identified as used in OVCA.  It sounds like they are being aggressive with your tumors, that is good.  Thinking of you.  Lots of love being sent your way.  Marie

[freshair]

Hi Becky,
Yes I am on this drug by itself. The short name is cytoxan. I had that drug resistant test and this came up as being better than others. I have had two treatments so far. Once every 3 weeks. It is not that bad. I do it on Thursday and then Sat and Sun I feel lousy---quesy stomach and being really run down and depressed so I try and sleep it off. Then by Monday I am feeling better. Overall it does cause fatigue as other chemos do. It is a drug that they used before taxol came about. It has side effects of mouth sores but that hasn't bothered me.

On thing is that you really have to drink alot of fluids cause it seems to affect the bladder by getting bladder infections. They will tell you about that. I will have a CA125 in a week and a half so I'll know if it is doing something. Unfortunately, I don't know if it is doing anything for me because my incontinence has gotten worse. I am not a candidate for Avastin because of the brain surgeries I have had.

I am praying these drugs work well. Good luck. Love, Helen

[vrw520]

I obviously don't know about the  chemo drugs, but just wanted to say I think about you a lot and pray for you and your son all the time. I am hoping so much that this helps you. Take care of yourself.

[Tybear]

Helen, why would your previous brain surgeries prevent you from having Avastin? My doctor has me really concerned about the potential side effects (says I'm at moderate to high risk)...I'm just trying to learn all I can before I jump in.
Also wondering what Axbrane is? I've never heard of it before and I'm wondering if this is a better drug to use with Avastin or not.
Thanks everyone, for your comments.
Becky

[SimplyStar]

I am wondering what they say about you having the kidney problems and taking this drug  cyclophosphamide??  Seems like that is one of the things they worry about. cannot find anything on axbrane.

[freshair]

Becky,
I have checked with a good oncologist besides my good one. They are worried abourt hemouraging (sp?). And then when I read my brain mri report it always says no hemoraging. So that certainly tells me stay away. After brain surgery you are never the same (just as any other surgery). But it's a very delicate area. Simply Star may have a very good point about the Cytoxan. Tell your doctor if you get a bladder problem from Cytoxan, you are worried about it going up into your kidneys. I believe Abraxane is an easier form of Taxol they use mainly for breast cancer. Lots of luck on your next choice Becky--highest gambling, right.  Hugs, Helen

[Helmar]

Re Avastin... I've recently read that it can cause bowel perforation in about 3% of patients, but I guess it's like most chemos... there are unwanted risks. I've had Ulcerative Colitis 'off and on' for many years, so I don't think this would be a good drug for me. Apparently it works really well for some, and seems to be better if coupled with another chemo. All the best to those who are taking this drug. I hope it works well for you....hugs...Helen..

[MickeyVickiNumber1]

You might not remember me, especially since I had to re-register with a modified name...but I am the same old "MIckeyVicki" from years past.    I have been away from the site for about a year now, and decided to stop by, to see how things are.

I have no information to offer you regarding your questions, but I am so very  glad to see that your treatments have given you  more time.   I pray that you find a treatment, whatever it may be, that works to control your disease.  

Best wishes for a happy Holiday season and may you have a Happy New Year.