gemzar is working

paula2
paula2 Member Posts: 162
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Amazing news from the lab, my ca dropped from 121 to 34 after 3 treatments of gemzar! I had a full tumor load on the last ct scan. The pain went after the first dose and the my blood counts were low so the doc gave me reduced dose for 2nd and 3rd weeks. I knew it was working, but it blew my mind to drop #s that fast. Topotecan also dropped me to lower numbers but then they almost immediately started climbing again. I am praying for a some remission time. Going to get a reduced dose of the dexamethasone steroid next time, as I think the crash from that is worse than the side effects of the chemo. We'll see.
Sending all you courageous women hugs and prayers for strength and peace and many wellness wishes.
Paula2

Comments

  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    That's great news, Paula. You give us such hope. I am going to have a cell assay done from my surgery, Friday to see if Gemzar is effective on my cells. (and others). Hip Hip Hooray for you!!!
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    Congrats, Paula! I couldn't be happier for you! Keep sending those good reports. But, as always, we're here for you no matter what.
    Luv & Hugs!
    Monika
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    Paula, what wonderful news, I hope you get a long remission this time also. I took gemzar without any steroids at all. It was one of them that didn't have so many side affects.

    Hugs Bonnie
  • floridajo
    floridajo Member Posts: 480
    What great news,Paula!!! I'm so happy the Gemzar is working for you so quickly!!I am off the Gemzar now, still had cycle #6 to go, but I had such severe side effects he stopped it, especially since my number is 14. NOw they are doing alot of other tests to see if it's the gall bladder or what. I'm still so excited for you...I hope the Gemzar puts you in permenent remission....((((hugz)))..Joanne
  • shortstuff
    shortstuff Member Posts: 79
    That's great new, Paula. I had Gemzar along with Cisplatin at one point and I agree that the steroid thing is awful. But then I tried it without the steroid and had bad nausea but maybe with a reduced dose it will be fine. Keep up the good vibes!
  • paula57
    paula57 Member Posts: 93
    Hi! Paula! This is Paula. I have a cousin that has been on Gemzar for over two years and doing good. Her blood counts are doing okay and the DR is afraid of taking her off of it. I hope that it works as good for you as it has for her. Best of Luck, Paula
  • paula2
    paula2 Member Posts: 162
    paula57 said:

    Hi! Paula! This is Paula. I have a cousin that has been on Gemzar for over two years and doing good. Her blood counts are doing okay and the DR is afraid of taking her off of it. I hope that it works as good for you as it has for her. Best of Luck, Paula

    You all are wonderfully encouraging and I thank you for the notes and support you lend, even in the face of all that you are going through.
    My prayers for wellness for you all.
    Paula2
  • groundeffect
    groundeffect Member Posts: 639 Member
    Praise the Lord, and pass the ammunition! Some things in the doctors' arsenals do actually work, and I'm very glad to hear that your counts are so low now. Keep it up!