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Platinum Desensitization

Has anyone gone through platinum desensitization?  I had reactions to both carboplatin (2004) and cisplatin (2006) both administered with Taxol (each time, though I experience almost a 2 year remission).  I had a very bad experience w/Doxil & Avastin (2008) and am trying to decide between topotecan, gemzar, etoposide, taxol alone, or whether to give platinum desensitization a shot since the cancer really seemed to respond to that.   Not planning to do any treatments until I celebrate my 6-year survival in June, so I've got a little time to do some research. Lots of choices, so any thoughts on this would be really appreciated.
Thank you!
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Avatar universal
Yes, 2 seems to be my lucky number!  First diagnosed in June '04, carbo/taxol; 1st recurrence Oct '06, cis/taxol; 2nd recurrence 10/08 tried Doxil/Avastin, then went on a trial w/valproic acid/hydralazine - now looking at more options. No maintenance drugs during remission.
My doc and I have talked about the desensitization, but I was reluctant because we are talking about a 48 hour infusion, in hospital, and my co-pay is $500/day (great insurance otherwise).  I think I've found an angle to pay for it and am re-considering the desensitization, because I had such good response to the platinums.  Had a pretty good response to Doxil/Avastin, but couldn't make it through the course of treatment due to side effects.
Docs have told me that if at least 2 years go by, the platinums can again be effective, so ...?
Thanks! and best wishes to you.
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176401 tn?1339369307
Wow, a 2 year remission!  That's really good. Was it 2 years from your recurrence, also?  Were you on a maintenance drug? Does your doctor agree that carbo is a possible option after your recur?  I'm asking because I haven't known anyone to do this and would like to see it as an option for me possibly.  

To answer your question, the desensitizatiion wasn't bad at all.  I did well with it and initially had a very, very severe reaction to the carbo when treated for my recurrence.  It's a pain that it takes 24 hours, but some docs even do it outpatient now.  (I was hospitalized).  Good luck!
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