Experience with carbo/gemzar?

JoWin615
JoWin615 Member Posts: 150 Member
edited February 2012 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Yesterday, my oncologist explained the results of my PET/CT scan. There are several (6 in all) nodes in my pelvic region and abdomen that are just beginning to glow. I was so thankful that there was no huge tumor necessitating more surgery - you know what the mind can do when you have six days before your appointment to brood! So I will be doing the carbo/gemzar routine, which I know some of you have been through. I would be grateful for any advice or comments as to what to expect. I have been told I won'l lose my hair this time - whew!

Thanks,
Jo

Comments

  • karen1951
    karen1951 Member Posts: 103
    #2
    jo...i just had my second
    jo...i just had my second infusion of gemzar today. honestly....so far i haven't had any side effects....i almost wish i would because then i would feel like it's doing something. i wish my oncologist would put me on the combination that you are on....this one chemo med at a time just isn't cutting it....i did two full 3 week rounds of topotecan alone and it did nothing. the cancer is spreading and the ascites is getting worse and i feel if it's not stopped soon it will be too late. praying for the best (for all of us) .... karen
  • Kaleena
    Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member
    #3
    Hi Jo:
    I did the
    Hi Jo:

    I did the carbo/gemzar route. It was spread out for 6 months. One week I would get gemzar and then two weeks later I would get the both - that went on for 6 months. I also did not have to premedicate the night before treatment. I did not lose my hair. I did have a little neuropothy, but then again I do have arthritis in my family.

    Thinking of you on your upcoming treatment.

    Kath
  • Mwee
    Mwee Member Posts: 1,338
    #4
    gemzar/carbo
    I've had LOTS of that... :). You shouldn't lose your hair and besides that, it's quite like carbo/taxol. You need to drink plenty of water, make sure that your bowels are moving along, you'll feel rather flu like especially days 3-5 and probably experience what I call "metal mouth". You can handle this and we'll be right here to answer any questions you might have. I like to prepare for chemo weeks... I gather together movies, books, games, audiobooks and tell myself that it's my job to keep myself as upbeat as possible. I eat small amounts of what tastes good several times a day and I rest, rest, rest.
    (((HUGS))) Maria
  • JoWin615
    JoWin615 Member Posts: 150 Member
    #5
    Thanks
    for all the good advice. I start Tuesday. I'll keep you updated.

    Jo
  • Cafewoman53
    Cafewoman53 Member Posts: 735 Member
    #6
    JoWin615 said:

    Thanks
    for all the good advice. I start Tuesday. I'll keep you updated.

    Jo

    I am on
    Carbo/gemzar/avastin one week then just gemzar the following week then two weeks off . It has been very mild,I have just finished my third round and my ca125 is 7. My hair has thinned alot but avastin can cause that.
    I hope it is easy and effective for you also,good luck !
    Colleen
  • Tina Brown
    Tina Brown Member Posts: 1,036 Member
    #7
    karen1951 said:

    jo...i just had my second
    jo...i just had my second infusion of gemzar today. honestly....so far i haven't had any side effects....i almost wish i would because then i would feel like it's doing something. i wish my oncologist would put me on the combination that you are on....this one chemo med at a time just isn't cutting it....i did two full 3 week rounds of topotecan alone and it did nothing. the cancer is spreading and the ascites is getting worse and i feel if it's not stopped soon it will be too late. praying for the best (for all of us) .... karen

    Hi Karen
    Sorry to read that Topotecan didn't work for you. I've just finished all 6 rounds and am now waiting for a scan and results. My numbers dropped amazingly after the first 3 rounds but they seem to be stuck around 300 / 400. I hope the gemzar works for you, maybe I'll get that next time.

    Tell me, are you feeling ill? I am just bloated some of the time - don't think I have ascites though.

    Take care love Tina xx

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