New Drugs

[ReneeU]

My sister who is in Africa was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2006. Within 3 days after the initial diagnose she had a surgery done with a full hysterectomy followed by Chemo Therapy. The drug they used was Carboplatin Taxol and after a full round of chemo her  CA 125 was less than 35. Ten months after the surgery her CA 125 was elevated to 300 and then she was given another round of chemo with Topotecan. The results were the same and then the doctor suggested she needs to be on  Liposomal-Doxorubicin which nearly killed her. She was hospitalized several times due to severe side effects. This African doctor then discontinued the drug and continued with a drug call Gemzar. After 6 rounds of chemo she tested her CA 125 level and found out that it was up to 150. The doctor pretty much told my sister that there is no hope for her. I think this is not true. Her cancer has not spread to other organs or lymph nodes. I am still hopeful. This particular doctor never allowed my sister to ask questions. In Africa there is no patient’s right. When my sister asked about a PET scan, this doctor yelled at my sister saying "do you think that I bought my medical degree from the bazaar". I thought it was very rude and uneducated remark. Anyway, my sister is very scared to ask questions from this doctor. My family strongly feels like that she treated my sister like she was treating to a patient who has a common cold and cough.  I was wondering if there are any other types of drugs that she could get at this stage.  Please help us with your knowledge.  Thank you and God Bless You. Renee

[PinkTissue]

I am really sorry that your sister is having a bad time. Best wishes and I hope she would find a drug combination that works for her

[vegas2cr]

Renee, Etoposide is a an oral chemotherapy, Mesnais used with chemo IV and Ifosfamide is another type of chemo... we never know which chemo will help or keep this monster disease at bay.. it is certainly worth a try for any of the above..

No one can tell you what will work for your sister... best wishes... Ronni

[ReneeU]

Thank you so much for your quick response. I am pushing my sister for a PET scan however this doctor does not write an order for a PET scan. I am very amazed by this doctor's behavior. I thought we should go somewhere else and get it done however the insurance would not cover the cost if you leave the country. I am more miserable than my sister but I know God will guide us to do the right thing. I hope you feel better and I wish you best of luck. Keep fighting we will win. May God Bless you!

[ReneeU]

Thank you so very much for your quick response. I received a call  from my brother in Law  about few minutes ago.  In meeting with the doctor , they were told that she would like to try IFOSFAMIDE and MESNA or  ETOPOSIDE. I have never heard of these two drugs before. Has anyone been on this drug combination? You are truly an amazing woman and I salute you for your courage and your stamina. My sister and I planned to go to Lourdes next year. I hope that she would out live me to enjoy her life with her children. I am so thankful to God for giving me the strength to move on. My sister is a very pious person and she believes in God and his mighty power. I am sure this is our waiting period and we are waiting for his deliverance. God bless you always. ReneeU

[JC145]

There are definitely more options. Avastin is one and this is sometimes given in combination with Abraxane.  I know of a woman doing very well on the combination.  Some do well with Avastin alone.  Carbo/taxol, Topotecan, Doxil, and Gemzar are the standard treatments, but the other 2 are newer and showing some promise.  I am sure others on this forum will write with more combinations.  I truly wish your sister had a PET scan to see what is exactly going on.  If no evidence of disease, maybe hormonal treatment with arimidex or tamoxifen would help control the # and ideally slow the spread of the disease.  Best of luck .. praying for a better solution for your sister.  Judy

[vegas2cr]

Many many different chemos left.. how tragically sad that doctors treat patients that way... here is a short list.... Avastin, Alimata, taxotere, adriamycin, cytoxan armidex and others... can she seek other consul from another doctor... wishing her much luck..