Need Some Advice

[Hindat]

I am currently going through my second recurrence and I started out with Carbo and Gemzar it was working brought my ca 125 down from 233 to 96 after one round then got to 64 but had a reaction to the Carbo so we switched to Avastin after one round my count went up to 78 after the second round it is now 104. The doctor wants to try it two more times so yesterday had the third round with full strength Gemzar.  I had to reduce the Gemzar due to blood counts.  Since he is letting me skip chemo next week for the holiday we could do full strength.  I am trying to decide what to go on next and if I should keep using the Avastin with the next chemo.  I don't want to lose my hair but will if I have too.  It has been a year since I have been on Taxol.  After I get into the normal range I will be doing maintenance.  Was wondering if you have any suggestions.  Thanks

[Hindat]

Hi Everyone,

Pam  I am hoping that my count will start going down now that I have had my third round of avastin.  I will have the fourth on Dec 9 and will also have my ca 125 done then.   I really wanted to stay on this combo so that I could keep my hair.  I have never been on  Armidex.   I haven't done doxil yet either scared of the side effects on that one.   I am wondering if taxol and avastin together will be a good one to try.  I just want to get in the normal range so that I can go on to maintenance chemo.  I have heard about avastin and cytoxin, doicat is on that combo now and is having good results with it so may ask about that if this doesn't work.  I will let you know what happens.  Thanks for the suggestions and just being here.

  Gail,  I am getting lots of rest.  Yesterday after we got back from chemo.  I told Glenn that I was going to check my email, then go to bed and read a little.  I fell asleep and ended up sleeping through the night, went to bed around 4 yesterday.  I can't believe I slept that long I was only going to nap.  I guess getting the full strength of gemzar really wiped me out.  

Ladyjogger, that is great news about your ca 125.  I am hoping you get good news from this one.  Topetecan is one i am considering going on next. Do you lose your hair with that one?  

Thanks for the info.  
Take care and hugs to you all.

[ladyjogger31]

I've had my 3 dose of Avastin/topotecan and it has brought my ca 125 down from 28,000 to 8,000, after just 1 treatment. I had another ca drawn today so won't know for a few days but am keeping my fingers crossed.
Hugs and Prayers, Terry

[gah_70]

Have you ever been on Topotecan?  I think I remember you were on Doxil about a year ago...is that right?  The only problem with Topotecan is that I don't think it is normally given along with other chemos, but I could be wrong.  As with all chemos, everyone reacts differently.  But I, along with several others had issues with really low blood counts on it.  That was the one chemo that required me to have the most blood transfusions during treatment. What about Avastin and Cytoxan combo?  I can't remember who (sorry!) is on that combo, but someone here is.  I wish I knew more about it.

I hope you're getting some good rest after chemo yesterday.  Glad to see you posting.  

Gail

[nyc lady]

Hang in there.  I believe that sometimes with Avastin that you need a few treatments before you see numbers decrease.  I have a friend on Avastin and it is not prevent new growths, but, it is keeping the existing tumors stable.  What about Armidex, and those type of drugs.  

Keep us posted.
Pam