Look into the RFA treatments for liver mets. Seems I read they were having great results with that.
My CA125 numbers have always been fairly accurate for me. The day I finished my third treatment, I got the results back, and it had more than doubled. I believe the same thing happend to Helmar, as well. Instead of killing the cancer cells, it caused them to split. I think I am starting to get ascites again, which I haven't had since Taxol/Carbo took care of it during my initial chemo. I am hoping Gemzar helps clear it up without having to be tapped. I also started Femara on Monday. It is a pill primariy given to BRCA patients, but has shown some progress that it may help stabalize OvCa. I guess we'll try anything that has a chance of working. Topotecan put me in the hospital twice for blood transfusions. It was very harsh on my cell counts and platelets. But I was willing to go through that if it had worked. You win some, and you lose some, I guess. Best wishes to you, and I hope and pray the Topotecan is working for you!
Gail
How did they determine the Topotecan was not working, Gail? Were they going by your numbers or scans? I've had 5 treatments, had to skip a couple because of low platelets but at this point we don't know if it's working or not. My ca-125 is not a reliable number. I'm having trouble with ascites build up and topo is supposed to help control that so I wonder how effective this drug is. I get tapped about every 3 weeks pulling 2-3 liters out at a time. I hope your new treatment plan does the trick!
Christa
I started back with Carbo/Taxol again for my recurrence. But, during second treatment, I became allergic to carboplatin. I then went on Topotecan for three 5-day treatments. Found out a couple of weeks ago that it is not working. Will start Gemzar next week. I also started taking Femara this week. Doc thinks in combination with Gemzar, I should have a good response. There are side effects of Topotecan for which you might want to be on the lookout. It is really hard on platelets and red blood cell counts. I'm sure your mom's doctor will run her CBC's regularly. Side effects usually do not start until several day after treatment ends. I am hoping and praying this does the trick for your mom, and she is able to handle any side effects it might give her.
Gail
I am under treatment for 1st recurrance, I am on carbo and doxil. I had a surgery for more debulking - 2 lesions on the surface of the liver and into the diaphram, so they removed them. I have had some problems with carbo (neuropathy) but generally done well. Good luck to your mom.