Yes...finally!!!

dorothymarion
dorothymarion Member Posts: 28
edited March 2013 in Peritoneal Cancer #1

While getting my chemotherapy treatment today (Week 3 of my 2nd cycle of Taxol), my oncologist told me that the blood work done at last week's treament showed another decrease in my CA125 numbers.  At the start of this current Taxol treatment, the numbers had been a little over 11,000, but after the first cycle was completed they dropped down to 6,200.  I was very excited over this drop, even though my oncologist cautiously warned me that sometimes a drop that large can be a fluke in the test, and it would be best to wait for the next round of blood work to see if this trend continues.  Well today I learned that the numbers went down again to just over 4,000!!  Oh, I know they are still high, but this gal's numbers were always very high.  At one point they topped 14,000, and despite various chemotherapies we just couldn't seem to hit on the right magic mix.  I'm hoping that (finally) the Taxol is kicking this cancer of mine and we have found that magic mix.

I've had very few side effects from it.  No nausea, but I did develop a rash on both legs which itched like crazy.  However, I was put on a course of steroids and Benadryl and the rash is now just an annoying little patch on one thigh.  Hey!  If the Taxol is working then I can deal with a little rash.  Also my hair fell out again, but that gave me a good excuse to go wig shopping!  

Since joining this forum last year I've gained so much information and encouragement from reading your various posts, and just wanted to share my good news with you all. 

Dorothy

Comments

  • seatown
    seatown Member Posts: 261
    Congratulations!

    So glad to hear the Taxol is bringing your CA 125 number down.  No one but a fellow patient can probably really appreciate how closely we watch those numbers and wait to see them improve.  Continued good luck!

    I start back on Taxol, Carboplatin & Avastin next week, but this time I may be able to keep my hair--since I'll get only 4 Taxol/Carbo treatments, then Avastin only.  Last time around, it took 8-10 Taxol/Carbo treatments before my hair went.

    Best wishes always . . . .

  • PatsieD
    PatsieD Member Posts: 99
    You

    Hi Dorothy... I can really understand your elation. it's really good to hear you're numbers are down and your oncologist is pleased. I follow your progress and am just going to pour a small wine to celebrate. I've gained a lot of information too and so glad we're here together because so little is known about this illness isn't there. Huge hugs are sent to you. x

  • PatsieD
    PatsieD Member Posts: 99
    You

    Hi Dorothy... I can really understand your elation. it's really good to hear you're numbers are down and your oncologist is pleased. I follow your progress and am just going to pour a small wine to celebrate. I've gained a lot of information too and so glad we're here together because so little is known about this illness isn't there. Huge hugs are sent to you. x

  • PatsieD
    PatsieD Member Posts: 99
    seatown said:

    Congratulations!

    So glad to hear the Taxol is bringing your CA 125 number down.  No one but a fellow patient can probably really appreciate how closely we watch those numbers and wait to see them improve.  Continued good luck!

    I start back on Taxol, Carboplatin & Avastin next week, but this time I may be able to keep my hair--since I'll get only 4 Taxol/Carbo treatments, then Avastin only.  Last time around, it took 8-10 Taxol/Carbo treatments before my hair went.

    Best wishes always . . . .

    Your hair...

    Hugs to you too Seatown. x

  • PatsieD
    PatsieD Member Posts: 99
    seatown said:

    Congratulations!

    So glad to hear the Taxol is bringing your CA 125 number down.  No one but a fellow patient can probably really appreciate how closely we watch those numbers and wait to see them improve.  Continued good luck!

    I start back on Taxol, Carboplatin & Avastin next week, but this time I may be able to keep my hair--since I'll get only 4 Taxol/Carbo treatments, then Avastin only.  Last time around, it took 8-10 Taxol/Carbo treatments before my hair went.

    Best wishes always . . . .

    Seat...

    Hugs to you too Seatown. x

  • dorothymarion
    dorothymarion Member Posts: 28
    Seatown and PatsieD

    Thanks for those kind words.

    Seatown, best wishes (and *hugs*) to you as you start out on your next round of treatment.  Here's hoping to hear good news from you very soon too. 

    PatsieD, I've followed the progress of quite a few of my fellow cancer fighters here, and it's always encouraging to read about someone's good news.

    Thank you both again...

    Dorothy

  • JulieL
    JulieL Member Posts: 141

    Seatown and PatsieD

    Thanks for those kind words.

    Seatown, best wishes (and *hugs*) to you as you start out on your next round of treatment.  Here's hoping to hear good news from you very soon too. 

    PatsieD, I've followed the progress of quite a few of my fellow cancer fighters here, and it's always encouraging to read about someone's good news.

    Thank you both again...

    Dorothy

    Fantastic News!

    So glad for you Dorothy!   Big numbers but big big drops too!   Keep up the good work.  Sending you hugs and good wishes.

     

    Julie

  • lulu1010
    lulu1010 Member Posts: 367
    JulieL said:

    Fantastic News!

    So glad for you Dorothy!   Big numbers but big big drops too!   Keep up the good work.  Sending you hugs and good wishes.

     

    Julie

    Amazing!

    So happy to hear of your success! It is amazing what chemo can do! Wishing you the best!

    Linda

  • lulu1010
    lulu1010 Member Posts: 367
    JulieL said:

    Fantastic News!

    So glad for you Dorothy!   Big numbers but big big drops too!   Keep up the good work.  Sending you hugs and good wishes.

     

    Julie

    Amazing!

    So happy to hear of your success! It is amazing what chemo can do if you find the right one! Wishing you the best!

    Linda

  • Dkayes
    Dkayes Member Posts: 2
    I am very happy for you!

    I am very happy for you!