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Starting Chemo Again

LPack
LPack CSN Member Posts: 645
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Ladies,

Had my followup today. My CA125 went up 80 more points to 193.5. CTscan of pelvis and abdomen was inconclusive, but physical a week later still felt 4 cm mass in colon area.

So I will begin gemzar/cisplatin on Monday, followed by Neulasta shot on Tuesday 24 hours later, then chemo again 2 weeks later, and so goes the cycle.

My questions are: what is the difference between this treatment and carbo/taxol? How many of you have followed this same pattern? Any words of wisdom??

I am going to continue to press on.......................toward the prize. ☺

Need a rest from all that information today and will get back on in a day or two. Know I am praying for each of you in your circumstances and bumps in the road, too.

In His Grip,
Libby ☺ ♥
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Comments

  • Susan523
    Susan523 CSN Member Posts: 231 Member
    #2
    Sorry you have to have more chemo...
    Hi, Libby,

    I'm so sorry you have to have more chemo. I'm sorry I can't help you with the side effects information, as I had Gemzar alone, and when I had Cisplatin it was with Taxol.

    Just want to let you know that you are in my thoughts & prayers.

    ~Susan xoxo
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  • jane65
    jane65 CSN Member Posts: 277
    #3
    Libby
    Dear Libby,
    I'm so sorry to hear that you need to go back on chemo., I wish you an easy time of it. I can't help with your question however, my next chemo will probably be Gemzar/Avastin so we can compare notes, or war stories regarding the Gemzar part.

    Good luck, I hope it knocks the cancer down and out and you have another long NED.

    You're a lovely lady and I wish you peace and good health.

    Jane
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  • ladyjogger31
    ladyjogger31 CSN Member Posts: 289
    #4
    jane65 said:

    Libby
    Dear Libby,
    I'm so sorry to hear that you need to go back on chemo., I wish you an easy time of it. I can't help with your question however, my next chemo will probably be Gemzar/Avastin so we can compare notes, or war stories regarding the Gemzar part.

    Good luck, I hope it knocks the cancer down and out and you have another long NED.

    You're a lovely lady and I wish you peace and good health.

    Jane

    Libby
    Hi Libby sorry to hear that you have to start chemo again and I know how you must feel. I have been on chemo non stop since April 08 and now I’m having radiation. I have never been in remission.I was only on Gemzar, so I can't answer your question about the side effects but I'm sure someone will. All I can say is the Lord well send you what you need to deal with it again and once the initial shock wears off ~ you feel better and ready to battle again. Stay strong and just take one day at a time. Don't anticipate the worst, and don't look too far ahead.
    Hugs and Prayers Terry
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  • BonnieR
    BonnieR CSN Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #5
    The Prize
    Dearest Libby,

    I am sad to read your latest report but rejoice with you on keeping your eye on the prize. The is the best medicine we could get. I have been on gemzar but never gemzar/cisplatin, I know without combining the two your counts really drop adn I always get short winded from gemzar. Saying an extra prayer today for you. Hugs ♥ Prayers Bonnie
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  • carol2dogs
    carol2dogs CSN Member Posts: 132
    #6
    Gemzar/Cisplatin
    Libby,
    I too am on that combination, after less than 6 months remission with Taxotere and Avastin. So far, I have had both once and just the Gemzar 2 weeks later. I got more nausea than I had expected, but manageable with the Zofran and Compazine. The chemos were hard on my white blood cell counts - I was supposed to have the Gemzar alone the following week, but my WBCs were too low. Other than that, I have felt just fine - no extra fatigue yet. Let's keep each other posted - my nurses think the cisplatin can kick butt!
    Love and hugs, Carol
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  • LPack
    LPack CSN Member Posts: 645
    #7
    carol2dogs said:

    Gemzar/Cisplatin
    Libby,
    I too am on that combination, after less than 6 months remission with Taxotere and Avastin. So far, I have had both once and just the Gemzar 2 weeks later. I got more nausea than I had expected, but manageable with the Zofran and Compazine. The chemos were hard on my white blood cell counts - I was supposed to have the Gemzar alone the following week, but my WBCs were too low. Other than that, I have felt just fine - no extra fatigue yet. Let's keep each other posted - my nurses think the cisplatin can kick butt!
    Love and hugs, Carol

    Sounds Good
    Thanks Carol, I will keep in touch with you. Do you go every 2 weekss and how many treatments are you scheduled for?

    I have to get a shot this time 24 hours later of Neulasta b/c of my white counts so low the first time around.

    In His Grip,
    Libby
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  • lindaprocopio
    lindaprocopio CSN Member Posts: 1,980 Member
    #8
    Just a hug ((((Libby)))))
    So sorry to hear you are going back into chemo. All do-able, but still....

    Just wanted to add my hugs to everyone else's.
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  • saundra
    saundra CSN Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    #9
    Adding Prayers
    Dear Libby, I am so sorry that you got the new treatment news. l willl be saying extra prayers for no side effects for you. I am sure you are grateful for the six months vacation and recovery time. I know I am. Saundra
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  • carol2dogs
    carol2dogs CSN Member Posts: 132
    #10
    LPack said:

    Sounds Good
    Thanks Carol, I will keep in touch with you. Do you go every 2 weekss and how many treatments are you scheduled for?

    I have to get a shot this time 24 hours later of Neulasta b/c of my white counts so low the first time around.

    In His Grip,
    Libby

    Schedule
    Libby,
    I am on the following schedule: Day 1 both gemzar and cisplatin, day 8 gemzar alone, then day 28 start again. As for how many, my doc won't even guess - as many as it takes to get the CA125 down and stable. I may end up with the Neulasta, we'll see. Please keep in touch. Thanks.
    Love and hugs, Carol
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