No more options?

[ron6847]

My wife was dx aug, 2005 with stage IIIC ovca.  Had surgery for optimal debulking and Hysterectomy, followed by 6 carbo and taxol IV treatments, and 6 months of maintenance with Hexalen.  Was dx with recurrence Jan, 2008, followed by another optimal dx with typical resections of small and large intestines, bladder, and liver. Gall bladder removed.   She was found to have an alergic reaction to carboplatin and not a candidate for the carbo. Six treatments with Taxol were ineffective.  In Aug, scans indicated too much disease for more surgery, as the cancer has now spread to her pelvis, abdomen and chest cavity.  She tried 4 treatments of Gemzar, and shown to be ineffective.  Her Oncologist now wants to treat with Doxil.  Question is have we reached the point of deciding a quality of life vs. quantity of life?  Today, the onclogist indicated she (the oncologist) was running out of options.  Thanks for replying.  

[SAB400]

A related discussion, Ovarian cancer and resistant to Platinum treatment was started.

[alanpvegas]

Doxil is pretty standard...it should be combined with another drug for some effectiveness unless she is really worn down by chemo already.  Doxil and Eloxatin (or Doxil and 5FU) are good options.  There is an old thread about that here:  http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/307219    ;

Doxil and Eloxatin showed Anticancer response in 54% of patients, 67% of patients who had achieved an anticancer resp;onse for at least 6 months following prior platinum-based thereapy, 29% for those who experienced cancer progression within 6 months of platninum based therapy.  Overall survival was nearly 16 months.  Medium time to cancer progression was 7.3 months.  Most side effects were mild and manageable

[memphisjayhawk]

First,  I'm sorry for both you and your wife.  No one should have to battle this demon Cancer.  Unfortunately, too many do.  When my sister was battling brain cancer, I met a Dr. at the University of Alabama who treats all types of cancers, even late stages.  He said he can cure all cancers, even in late stages.  His only criteria in accepting patients was a personal interview.  He believes that all cancer can be cured, if the patient is willing to be persistent and wants to live, more than anything else.  The problem is, the cures, right now, are very tough, and sometimes more horrific on the body than the actual disease.  So many patients give up on the treatment because their bodies just can't handle it, they just don't have the stamina, and they just want to rest.  Certainly understandable.  Sometimes, the battle to live is just too tough.  But, for him, those patients who want to live more than anything, and are willing to try everything and anything, and work through all the medications, treatments, etc., eventually beat whatever cancer is plaguing him/her.  He finds that most often, these patients are mothers with young children, interestingly enough.  My sister was not treated by this doctor, but I know that her treatment also became too much for her, and eventually, pallative care was used.  There are people who beat it.  It's a personal choice on whether you have the stamina and will to push forward and keep trying.  Remember, whatever she chooses, it's the right choice.  God Bless you both.

[jlock]

I agree with all the ladies,there are so  many more drugs out there to try. I had 6 cycles of Doxil and it then gave me a 13 month remission.  As stated above you have to follow the rules to a T on Doxil to perserve the side effects. Also if you do find a chemo that does reduce her disease volume are the Dr. thinking of having another surgery then?? I'll keep you both in prayer ~~~Joanne

[vegas2cr]

Ron I have to echo all of the ladies above... only your wife will know when to say WHEN.. Please have her ask about Avastin... it also has brought some good results in late stage spread... I wish from the bottom of my heart peace for both of you.. Ronni

[Jan214]

There are so many drugs out there and I have seen miraculous things happen.  Some women in late stage do amazingly well on chemo for long periods of time.  If your wife still has some fight in her than I say go for it.  Do listen to all the instructions for Doxil as it can have some nasty side effects.  I am on Doxil and Carbo now as a french study has shown this to be a good combo for us late stage people.  I am sorry your wife can't take the carbo.  I have only had one Doxil treatment and the worst of it is fatigue but that isn't really all that bad compared to some side effects.  Good luck to you both and I will keep you in my prayers.
Jan

[nyc lady]

The decision of it being enough is between your wife, you and her doctor.  She will know when she can no longer fight the battle.  But, until she says stop....keep pushing.  There are many options for different chemos...hopefully your doctor will offer choices if necessary....in the mean while, lets hope that the doxil does give her some hope and relief.

All the best,
Pam

[JC145]

Try not to give up yet ... so much out there to try.  Abraxane w/Avastin has helped a friend of mine when they thought there was nothing left and decided to give it a try.  Hoping and praying for good results with the Doxil.  I personally have never been on it.  Judy

[crecco]

My prayers are also with you and your wife. I too have been on doxil and it held things steady for me for several months. It wouldn't hurt to try. But I do not understand her oncologist saying she is running out of options. I was dx In Nov 05 and I have been on chemo ever since. I am currently on my 6th regime. I have questioned my onc agbout the possibility of running out of chemos to try and he just tells me that there are hundreds of drugs out there that we can try.
  Maybe you could suggest to her onc about trying Avastin combined with another drug. I know that some women have a hard time getting it approved by their insurance companies , but then a lot have no trouble.
  This is entirely up to your wife and it is a big decision to have to make. But I think I would want to try what ever I could first.
   I wish you both the very best in what ever decision that she makes.
    Chris

[gma718]

My prayers are with you and your wife....Please know that we are all here for support during this time...Whatever your wife chooses to do ....we are always here to help.  Positve prayers and positive thoughts being sent your way...Gia

[Steve H]

My wife went through the list as your seems to be doing, she took small breaks, extra couple of weeks, odd month, then when SHE was ready, asked to start off the next chemo. What I am trying to say, only your wife knows whewn she has had enough, my wife fought to the very last breath, amazed her doctors of he will to survive, that they also wanted to assist and help. She unfortuneatly lost her battle in Jan this year, but stayed in ICU for 3 months when she was told she had the max of 2 weeks! Fight the good fight! Steve H

[Janet535]

I am so sorry you and your wife are going through this. I personally haven't had Doxil but I do know of some ladies that have had it. Most have had very good results but the side effects were quite varied from person to person. The only real way of knowing how your wife will respond to it is by giving it a try.

Or she may want to consider other chemo options before deciding on a treatment plan. There are a number of other chemo's that she may be able to have or she may be suitable for a clinical trial. Her oncologist will be able to advise what other options there are. Mine did, and then I went away and did some research on the side effects ect and then went back and discussed it with him and then decided on the treatment plan.

In regards to quality of life versus quantity, that is such a personal choice. I feel the only person that can make that decision is your wife. She knows how she is feeling and what she can cope with and when the time is right for her she will make that very hard decision and have the support and love of her family. But I'm hoping that isn't for a very long time to come and that she exhausts all her other options first.

I wish you and your wife the best of luck and hope a new chemo will be successful. Kind regards...Janet    

[Brownie3321]

Hey there. That is not a question we can answer, that is ENTIRELY up to your wife. I was on Doxil and it did work for my tumors but I had to be taken off due to the side effects it gave me. I would suggest trying Doxil and then re-evaluating after 3 treatments. Please tell your wife to ice her hands/feet during the infusion and to use bag balm or Udderly smooth cream for her hands/feet on a daily basis. Please don't give up hope. I'll be praying for your wife. Best of luck, Deandra