Chemo Drug Question

shortstuff

Hi all. I haven't posted on here lately but I thought maybe someone out there might know about this drug. I've been off chemo for a while due to being hospitalized for numerous reasons. Infections, etc. but my CA125 is starting to rise fast so my oncologist wants to start me on a drug called etoposide or VP-16. Has anyone out there had this and if so, how bad are the side effects and/or did you get good results? I'm just trying to find out what I'm in for. I know there are a lot of new people on here but I've been dealing with this for 7 years and am running out of drug options. Any help would be appreciated. I hope you are all doing well. Thanks in advance for any help

Susan523

Hi, Shortstuff. I'm sorry you have to go through this. I've never heard of those drugs; I just finished 5 rounds of Cisplatin IP Chemo in May; and still getting over the side-effects; but my CA is 4.3 (My CA shot up to 285 last fall).
Before that I had Tacliplaxil (sp?) in Fall/Winter of '06. This brought me a very short remission.
Is Etoposide or VP16 a trial drug?? Are you in a
research study? Just wondering; as I've never heard of those. I pray that they work for you, and you are in remission for a very long time; hopefully for the rest of your life.
If you haven't had Cisplatin IP Chemo, you may want to ask your Dr. about it. It's extremely harsh, but very effective.
Take care of yourself, and hang in there. Meditation tapes help me cope sometimes... xoxo

shortstuff

Susan523 said:

Hi, Shortstuff. I'm sorry you have to go through this. I've never heard of those drugs; I just finished 5 rounds of Cisplatin IP Chemo in May; and still getting over the side-effects; but my CA is 4.3 (My CA shot up to 285 last fall).
Before that I had Tacliplaxil (sp?) in Fall/Winter of '06. This brought me a very short remission.
Is Etoposide or VP16 a trial drug?? Are you in a
research study? Just wondering; as I've never heard of those. I pray that they work for you, and you are in remission for a very long time; hopefully for the rest of your life.
If you haven't had Cisplatin IP Chemo, you may want to ask your Dr. about it. It's extremely harsh, but very effective.
Take care of yourself, and hang in there. Meditation tapes help me cope sometimes... xoxo

I think I've had all those drugs you mentioned. It's not a trial but it is an oral drug, not an IV one. He said I take two capsules a day for three weeks and then take a week off. Well, good luck to you. I hope your CA stays at 4.3 forever. I'll pray for that. thanks for replying.

mopar

Sorry you're dealing with this. As for me, I was on the carbo/taxol/taxotere treatment twice. However, I believe Bonnie, who visits here often, was on Etoposide. But right now she is pioneering a new treatment that will limit her contact for a while. She did say that she will try to get a laptop or get to a computer, so maybe she will have a chance to respond to your question.

In the meantime, I'll pray for strength and wisdom regarding your situation, and peace for you. And I'll send bunches of hugs - hope this all helps. Keep us informed.
(((HUGS)))
Monika

saundra

Google Etoposide and there are lots of sites with side effects etc. Says it is used for ovarian, testicular and something else. Side effect are like Taxol/Carbo...immunity weakness, nausea, etc...
l only read the cancer pgs from UK but there are lots. Hugs and prayers for your decision. Stay in touch and let us know. Saundra