update

kayandok · November 2011

I just had my 3rd chemo yesterday, since having my 3rd debulk surgery on August 31st. My doctor's comment after surgery was, "I thought this was going to be palliative, and I am very pleased to say we wre able to remove all visible tumors. There is 5% we need to rely on the chemo to get." I did have a couple chemo assays and one of the company's did it all free of charge (there were also 50 other things they checked for) If anyone wants to know the name of the company send me a PM, I am happy to share.

So, according to the assay I am doing carbo/gem every 21 days. with the idea of adding in avastin. Well, avastin is still out of reach for me, so I am continuing my search and just doing the carbo/gem. It knocked me off my feet last cycle, but although I feel a lot of fatigue, I am experiencing no nausea this time. NOt sure why, but counting my lucky stars. I hate nausea!!!

My CA125 had come down 200 points yesterday from an all time high of 555. So, as long as the number is going the right direction, I guess I am ok.

I have to be honest that LInda's situation has clouded my own feelings, and it is hard for me to know how much is my own issue or just sadness for her. I know many others feel the same. Now, that is not to say I want her to stop posting. I think it is so wonderful that we can share in the grief and the Joys of what we go through with the ovarian cancer journey.

love you all you gals so much,
more later,
kaathleen

poopergirl14052 · November 2011

GLAD YOUR NUMBERS ARE DOWN
chemo is tough but you are tougher. I hope you can get Avastin soon. Thanks for the update and keepon fighting the good fight...blessings...val

LaundryQueen · November 2011

poopergirl14052 said:
GLAD YOUR NUMBERS ARE DOWN
chemo is tough but you are tougher. I hope you can get Avastin soon. Thanks for the update and keepon fighting the good fight...blessings...val

Synergy
So happy to hear from you. Were you told about the synergy of the combination of carbo & Gemcitabine? 1 + 1 = 4. How often do you get the gem?

Please stay in touch and have a speedy recovery.

djinco · November 2011

Happy, happy, happy.
Dear Kathleen,

I am excited to read that your CA125 number is going down. That's such great news.

Are you being treated in Japan or USA?

Take care,
Betty

kayandok · November 2011

LaundryQueen said:
Synergy
So happy to hear from you. Were you told about the synergy of the combination of carbo & Gemcitabine? 1 + 1 = 4. How often do you get the gem?

Please stay in touch and have a speedy recovery.

No I have never heard that,
maybe that is why the platelets dive so low. Mine reached 50,000. then fortunately bounced back and now are too high.
I was interested to hear that with the cis/gem, the platelets don't get affected. It seems that different combinations of the same chemo's can have a multitide of effects. I hope that is also true when it comes to working ont he cancer tumor too, hitting it from all angles!

k

PS I'm getting the gem on day 1 anf 8, which I think is the normal protocol, right?

clamryn · November 2011

Dear Kathleen
Kathleen I am so glad to hear from you. I was wondering how you were doing. That is wonderful news. Keep that Ca125 coming down.

We all love you too.
((((hugs)))))

Linda

carolenk · November 2011

clamryn said:
Dear Kathleen
Kathleen I am so glad to hear from you. I was wondering how you were doing. That is wonderful news. Keep that Ca125 coming down.

We all love you too.
((((hugs)))))

Linda

Good news!
Dear Kathleen

I was wondering how you were doing. I am glad your surgery was a success. We just have to stay alive until better targeted therapies are available. The consensus of opinion of the ovarian cancer experts is that treatment needs to move away from cytotoxic therapies and towards targeted therapies. It's not happening soon enough but it's happening.

Have you heard of bindweed? It has anti- angiogenic properties like Avastin & there has been some research done showing the results with chicken embryos. I'm taking it and I wonder if the bindweed is keeping my CA-125 high while I have no other signs or symptoms to worry me. I heard that Avastin can cause the CA-125 to go up while the cancer is dying off.

srwruns · November 2011

Good news...you've worked
Good news...you've worked soooo hard to regain some momentum towards greater health! Glad it is coming together for you.

LaundryQueen · November 2011

kayandok said:
No I have never heard that,
maybe that is why the platelets dive so low. Mine reached 50,000. then fortunately bounced back and now are too high.
I was interested to hear that with the cis/gem, the platelets don't get affected. It seems that different combinations of the same chemo's can have a multitide of effects. I hope that is also true when it comes to working ont he cancer tumor too, hitting it from all angles!

k

PS I'm getting the gem on day 1 anf 8, which I think is the normal protocol, right?

Sometimes the Gemzar is
Sometimes the Gemzar is given every 2 weeks.

I think the synergism is definitely about the cancer-killing results. My naturopath recommends using the herb astragalus during chemo to protect bone marrow. I should get on it as I have a feeling that I'll be on carbo/gem in the near future.

Cafewoman53 · November 2011

So Glad
So glad to hear your good news, you are such a fighter. I am hoping to talk my Dr into doing surgery before chemo , I am having a biopsy tomorrow that is pretty much just for conformation before starting treatment. I like the fact that your dr is willing to perform surgery, was he not concerned about adhesions ? It seems that a lot of drs don't want to cut so much after the initial surgery.
Thanks for your updates we all look forward to them.
Colleen

Cafewoman53 · November 2011

So Glad

mopar · November 2011

THAT'S GREAT NEWS!
So much better to come out of surgery with better news than expected! As far as your emotions, it's probably a little of both. Even for myself being in remission, as I read Linda's posts I still question my own ability to remain in remission. But, I wouldn't have it any other way - I want to continue to hear from Linda, and anyone else on this journey. We are a great support group here, and that includes the highs AND the lows.

Keep up the good fight, Kathleen! You are doing great, and as with Linda, I admire your strength - you are an inspiration!

Luv, Hugs and Prayers,
Monika

Mwee · November 2011

This is such great news
We love you, too..... You so deserve this. You had to make such a difficult decision and it's working out so well. I'm just climbing back from my last cisplatin/gemzar and seeing your news makes me smile.
(((HUGS))) Maria

eward · November 2011

kayandok said:
No I have never heard that,
maybe that is why the platelets dive so low. Mine reached 50,000. then fortunately bounced back and now are too high.
I was interested to hear that with the cis/gem, the platelets don't get affected. It seems that different combinations of the same chemo's can have a multitide of effects. I hope that is also true when it comes to working ont he cancer tumor too, hitting it from all angles!

k

PS I'm getting the gem on day 1 anf 8, which I think is the normal protocol, right?

gem/cis
My mom was on gemzar and cisplatin and avastin the past 6 cycles. She had a great response, I think. Her CA was down from 3800 to 1600ish. Many positives in my opinion with her symptoms, since she was having a reallllly difficult time last spring. Now, they are changing her chemo because they think it is not being as effective now as it was at the start.

My mom had gem/cis/avastin on week 1, and gem on week 2, then a week off. Just to compare protocols...

My mom's hemoglobin has been a little low, but nothing else is low enough to be concerned with. I wish you so much luck with this new chemo combo, Kayandok!!!!

My mom has been stage IV for 2.5 + years.

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