last big one
Anne
Comments
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Avastin isn't actually a chemotherapu drug, even given IV.
Avastin is a tumor-starving (or anti-angiogenic) therapy. Avastin is not chemotherapy and works differently. The purpose of Avastin is to block a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor, or VEGF. Normal cells produce VEGF, but cancer cells overproduce VEGF. Blocking VEGF may prevent the growth of new blood vessels that feed tumors. Often it is given initially with a chemotherapy drug (like Cytoxin) used a catalyst, and if it is effective for that patient, then given as a maintenance drug. Honestly, when I took Avastin/Cytoxin, I felt like I was on a chemo break. It had NO side effects for me. I had my Avastin infusion on a Wednesday & flew to the Dominican Republic for a vacation 2 days later (getting back in time for my next Avastin infusion. I hope it is an easy easy drug for you, too.0 -
neuropathylindaprocopio said:Avastin isn't actually a chemotherapu drug, even given IV.
Avastin is a tumor-starving (or anti-angiogenic) therapy. Avastin is not chemotherapy and works differently. The purpose of Avastin is to block a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor, or VEGF. Normal cells produce VEGF, but cancer cells overproduce VEGF. Blocking VEGF may prevent the growth of new blood vessels that feed tumors. Often it is given initially with a chemotherapy drug (like Cytoxin) used a catalyst, and if it is effective for that patient, then given as a maintenance drug. Honestly, when I took Avastin/Cytoxin, I felt like I was on a chemo break. It had NO side effects for me. I had my Avastin infusion on a Wednesday & flew to the Dominican Republic for a vacation 2 days later (getting back in time for my next Avastin infusion. I hope it is an easy easy drug for you, too.
i got a tub and put 5 pounds of rice in it, i walk on it 2 times a day, it stimulates the nerves in the feet, and it has helped the numbness0 -
Anne....Avastin almost seems
Anne....Avastin almost seems to be an either/or proposition - if it works for you, it tends to work really well. It is possible to recur while on Avastin (which, as Linda explained, really isn't treatment because it's not chemotherapy).
Although the Avastin clinical trials didn't turn out to be the holy grail we all hoped for, Dr Sabbatini at Memorial Sloan-Kettering told me that he has Stage IV patients who swear it has kept them in remission. And after all, nothing succeeds like success.
If there was a tried and true method for preventing a recurrence, we would all be on it. Unfortunately, there isn't. Not yet. Hopefully, in the not too distant future, there will be.
Carlene0 -
last txHissy_Fitz said:Anne....Avastin almost seems
Anne....Avastin almost seems to be an either/or proposition - if it works for you, it tends to work really well. It is possible to recur while on Avastin (which, as Linda explained, really isn't treatment because it's not chemotherapy).
Although the Avastin clinical trials didn't turn out to be the holy grail we all hoped for, Dr Sabbatini at Memorial Sloan-Kettering told me that he has Stage IV patients who swear it has kept them in remission. And after all, nothing succeeds like success.
If there was a tried and true method for preventing a recurrence, we would all be on it. Unfortunately, there isn't. Not yet. Hopefully, in the not too distant future, there will be.
Carlene
I am glad you will be off carbo/taxol.. My feet are still very numb from chemo..but my doc said it will get better with time. Hang in there, better days are coming..val0 -
thanks for the infor I justlindaprocopio said:Avastin isn't actually a chemotherapu drug, even given IV.
Avastin is a tumor-starving (or anti-angiogenic) therapy. Avastin is not chemotherapy and works differently. The purpose of Avastin is to block a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor, or VEGF. Normal cells produce VEGF, but cancer cells overproduce VEGF. Blocking VEGF may prevent the growth of new blood vessels that feed tumors. Often it is given initially with a chemotherapy drug (like Cytoxin) used a catalyst, and if it is effective for that patient, then given as a maintenance drug. Honestly, when I took Avastin/Cytoxin, I felt like I was on a chemo break. It had NO side effects for me. I had my Avastin infusion on a Wednesday & flew to the Dominican Republic for a vacation 2 days later (getting back in time for my next Avastin infusion. I hope it is an easy easy drug for you, too.
thanks for the infor I just assumed it was a chemo drug because I started on it with my chemo drugs. I am hopping that it goes good for me the only thing I worry about is the bone pain since I am having it now. I hope oncce I am on just the avastin it wont be as bad.
Anne0 -
wow thanks for the inforazgrandma said:neuropathy
i got a tub and put 5 pounds of rice in it, i walk on it 2 times a day, it stimulates the nerves in the feet, and it has helped the numbness
I would have never thought of it I am not sure if we have something I can use to walk in but I will see if we can find one
Anne0 -
thanks I know we all wouldHissy_Fitz said:Anne....Avastin almost seems
Anne....Avastin almost seems to be an either/or proposition - if it works for you, it tends to work really well. It is possible to recur while on Avastin (which, as Linda explained, really isn't treatment because it's not chemotherapy).
Although the Avastin clinical trials didn't turn out to be the holy grail we all hoped for, Dr Sabbatini at Memorial Sloan-Kettering told me that he has Stage IV patients who swear it has kept them in remission. And after all, nothing succeeds like success.
If there was a tried and true method for preventing a recurrence, we would all be on it. Unfortunately, there isn't. Not yet. Hopefully, in the not too distant future, there will be.
Carlene
thanks I know we all would be0 -
Thanks Val I really hope sopoopergirl14052 said:last tx
I am glad you will be off carbo/taxol.. My feet are still very numb from chemo..but my doc said it will get better with time. Hang in there, better days are coming..val
Thanks Val I really hope so I guess I am just nerves because this is my first remission like every thing with this round of cancer it is new to me. I am not sure what to expect or how long remission is going to last. I did not even know that Avastin was not chemo lol I felt a little dumb when I found that out. Again this is all so new to me I just found out the 4th of June this year and did not know what I was in for. I was really suprised that I hit remission so soon but then again maybe it was not soon who knows. I am glad I found all of my teal sisters here that has helpped a lot.
Anne0 -
VEGF
Anne,
There is a blood test you can have done that measures VEGF in your body. The results will tell you whether this is even an issue for you. If the results show that angiogeneisis is not your issue with cancer, then Avastin is, essentially, a waste of time and money for you, and receiving it can have negative impacts on your body. If your oncologist will not order the test, find a DO or integrative doctor who will.0 -
A good thingAnneBehymer said:Thanks Val I really hope so
Thanks Val I really hope so I guess I am just nerves because this is my first remission like every thing with this round of cancer it is new to me. I am not sure what to expect or how long remission is going to last. I did not even know that Avastin was not chemo lol I felt a little dumb when I found that out. Again this is all so new to me I just found out the 4th of June this year and did not know what I was in for. I was really suprised that I hit remission so soon but then again maybe it was not soon who knows. I am glad I found all of my teal sisters here that has helpped a lot.
Anne
I have been on avastin since my first reoccurrence. I am on a trial where when I had a reoccurrence last June,they gave me taxol,carbo and avastin for six treatments. Then avastin alone since jan2011. So that's ten months on just avastin. I've had no major problems, which usually high blood pressure, nose bleeds. They increased my blood pressure meds right at the beginning. I do believe it has extended my remission, we will see how long. I am thrilled they have started giving avastin at first occurence. One of the reasons I chose a trial was to help my teal sisters to see if an how much the avastin worked. I feel for me it was a lucky thing to be chosen and can take avastin. Judy0
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