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.
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!