A better result for me!

JulieBelle

I am thrilled to be able to tell you that finally, after 7 consecutive rises in my CA125, I have had a drop!!   Just a small one of 28 points but at least it is now heading in the right direction!  This week I had my 6th cycle of Topotecan over three days and my 4th infusion of Avastin.  I believe the addition of Avastin has helped.  Unusually for me I am feeling quite zapped this week so am taking things quietly.   Just another 500 or so points to drop!  Hopefully the rate of fall might increase a little!!

Julie x

seatown

Good on ya!

So, so glad to hear your good news!  Yay!  Avastin continues to keep me in the normal range -- CA125 was 15 last I knew.  I'll see the oncologist in a few days & perhaps get a new number. But at what a cost. By the time I finish my current Avastin program in Dec., the cost will have been $192,000 U.S. And that doesn't include the other chemo drugs which were part of the mix. Luckily, we have good insurance & don't have to pay out of pocket.

I know you are in Oz, & I hope your costs are not so outrageous as in the U.S. Of course it's impossible to put a price in getting better, but I just can't help being stunned at the cost of cancer treatment, & all medical costs in the U.S. for that matter. There was an interesting story in the NY Times a week or so ago recounting how joint replacement surgeries in the U.S. are many times higher than the same surgery in Western Europe.

Sorry for whinging! Continued good luck -- hoping for a bigger drop next time!

JulieBelle

seatown said:

Good on ya!

So, so glad to hear your good news!  Yay!  Avastin continues to keep me in the normal range -- CA125 was 15 last I knew.  I'll see the oncologist in a few days & perhaps get a new number. But at what a cost. By the time I finish my current Avastin program in Dec., the cost will have been $192,000 U.S. And that doesn't include the other chemo drugs which were part of the mix. Luckily, we have good insurance & don't have to pay out of pocket.

I know you are in Oz, & I hope your costs are not so outrageous as in the U.S. Of course it's impossible to put a price in getting better, but I just can't help being stunned at the cost of cancer treatment, & all medical costs in the U.S. for that matter. There was an interesting story in the NY Times a week or so ago recounting how joint replacement surgeries in the U.S. are many times higher than the same surgery in Western Europe.

Sorry for whinging! Continued good luck -- hoping for a bigger drop next time!

Thanks Carole

Yes it was an exciting week!   Hope your numbers continue to stay low!!   Unfortunately Avastin has not as yet been approved here by the government for Ovarian Cancer (it is for Colon Cancer!) so it isn't covered by either the Government or health insurance.  Each infusion is around $3,600 but if it helps.......  Just have to hope that the appropriate body will soon see the light and put it on our free list.  Thankfully everything else I have been on has been fully covered!   Generally we have a pretty good health system here so long as we back it up with our own private health insurance which covers hospital and associated costs.   But yes the costs are pretty unbelievable!!

Julie

Nflinchum

Good news

Hi Julie I am so happy that your CA's are coming down. I have had two chemos of carboplatin this second time around. My CA's were 1597 and they have come down to 1552. I have two more rounds but I'm not sure those two will bring them down to where they need to be. I had six rounds of avastin the first time but I was in a clinical trial taking two other drugs. I am going to talk to my doctor about adding avastin for it seems to be working for you and Carole. Take care and I hope things keep improving for you. You will be in my prayers.

JulieBelle

Nflinchum said:

Good news

Hi Julie I am so happy that your CA's are coming down. I have had two chemos of carboplatin this second time around. My CA's were 1597 and they have come down to 1552. I have two more rounds but I'm not sure those two will bring them down to where they need to be. I had six rounds of avastin the first time but I was in a clinical trial taking two other drugs. I am going to talk to my doctor about adding avastin for it seems to be working for you and Carole. Take care and I hope things keep improving for you. You will be in my prayers.

Thank you

Glad you have some downward movement too but like me frustratingly small.   However better than up!   Yes might be a good idea to discuss adding Avastin - good luck with that.  Thinking of you and wishing you well.  Finding the right combination for each of us seems to be the key doesn't it.  Stay strong!

Julie