What should I do?

Finished my carbo/taxol at the end of October - had a recurrance  and was in the 3rd session (M-F)of topotecan/thalidomide this week. The Dr. called today and said that my CA125 is going up instead of down. It had gone down about 20 points after my 1st session and now up after the 2nd.  Not what I wanted to hear.  So - I don't have to finish out my week of chemo. I will have a CT scan next week and we will go from there.  

I am worried because we are booked on a cruise for a family wedding on April 21.  I would feel better if I could get another dose of chemo in me before we leave.  I don't know what would be worse - feeling bad on the cruise due to symptoms or chemo.  I have been so fortunate so far in not having many problems with side effects of chemo but I know that may not always be the case.

My Dr only sees patients on Thursdays so I don't have many options in the matter.   Anybody have any suggestions?

[dian07]

Call your doctor.....if you can't talk directly with him talk to someone in the clinic that sees him every day....a nurse or clinician....tell them your dilema and that you need some advice....tell them your concerns.....make this guy listen and let him know he is your oncologist on days other than on Thursday....that is rediculous.....I could call my team members any time of any day of the week.....I would get a call back in less than half an hour.  You are more than a cancer patient....you have a life that you are trying to work around this monster.....make them listen....make them hear you...get ugly!  No more ms nice guy!
Peace.
dian

[nervousnurse]

I work in a clinic as a nurse, we often have providers that aren't there everyday but there is almost always a way to get in touch with them.  I agree...call your clinic and discuss your concerns with the nurse.  Your quality of life is important and she be important to your doctor too.