Topotecan or Caelyx

Sister - Stage four Ovarian Cancer. first cycle of chemo March with great results resulting in debulking operation September. However symptons came and blood test showed more chemo needed, second cycle of chemo began but after only three sessions scan showed having no effect.

Now been offered Topotecan or Caelyx or no treatment - we dont feel qualified to make the decision.  Caelyx seems to be very harsh and the side effects worse than the bloating and fatigue.  We have got two weeks thinking time before the consultants meeting.  

Sister is currently in hospital as her temperature keeps going up, has had magnesium, blood transfusion and is currently waiting for results from microbiology to get course of antibiotics.

could she still have chemo even though she is in hospital now? what do we do? we are at a loss and dont know what to expect.  Any help would be greatly apprecaited, thanks

[nyc lady]

Have gone for a 2nd opinion?  Trials?  There are so many different chemos used for 2nd, 3rd, 4th line treatment.

What is her doctor suggesting?

[Catmanblue]

they dont seem to be interested in trials, maybe due to stage four, it has never been discussed??? not been offered a second opinion.  We were just given a fact sheet on both types of chemo and told to go away and think about it and come back in two weeks.

Since then my sister is now in hospital with a temperature that they can not control, from 36 - 40 and they think she has got ecoli and a blockage to her kidney pipe that needs flushing in a simple proceedure?

May be she will not be fit to have either types of chemo as my research has found that both increase infection risks and have a greater effect on the blood, platelets

???? Im at a loss,

[nyc lady]

I am guessing you are not in a country where  you can go for a 2nd opinion on your own and trials are not easily available.  

Don't know which chemo would be right for her and all chemos come with side effects.  The important thing is to find something that makes her feel better and keeps her out of pain.

So sorry that you and your family have to go through this.

Pam