Topotecan Advice

[renerum601]

Hi! new to this site. In my 4th year of ovarian cancer. Have had 1 remission of 15 mths, had numerous chemo treatments, last which was carbo/doxil, for 5 cycles; then 5 maintenance treatments. Unfortunately, CA125 started rising and new evidence of disease, along with the old. I'm being treated in NYC, MSKCC.  I now start on Topotecan/3 weeks on, 1 off. Would like to know how it is tolerated? Any side effects? Loss of hair (not so important, but my daughter is getting married in Nov of this year)? Tiredness? ETC.?
The maintenance doxil has been pretty good, only skin problems. God Bless you all. Rene

[jane65]

Hi Rene,
Unlike Gail I was on Topotecan for 9 months and found it the easiest chemo for me.

My hair thinned a little, my blood counts stayed within normal range, and I had no skin problems.

My biggest side effects were fatigue, and constipation.

I'm on Doxil alone now, and I have several skin issues, no appetite, fatigue and sleepiness.

Like Gail said, it depends on your dose as well as how much chemo your body has been subjected to.

Take care and feel well,
Jane

[gah_70]

As you know, not every person is going to have every symptom each type of chemo can cause.  But for me, Topotecan was the one that caused me the most problems as far as being hospitalized for blood transfusions.  I had four five-day treatments over 12 weeks, and I had five transfusions during that time.  You also need to remember a lot has to do with the dose as well.  Have other chemos bothered your blood counts?  By starting it soon, you'll know what to expect by November.  If you see it is going to be highly symptomatic for you, perhaps you and your doctor can work out something else to ensure you'll feel the best you can for your daughter's wedding.  

Best wishes to you!

Gail