CA125 up again!!

So sorry to hear the CA125 number is up again.  Hope the new drug combo works for you. Sorry also to hear about all the other issues.  Hope they can fix the portacath, tho I personally dislike mine.  I had monthly infusions of Remicade for my rheumatoid arthritis for a decade before starting cancer chemotherapy last year, and I never had a port.  They used to sometimes struggle a bit to find a vein in my hand, but not if I remembered to hydrate myself thoroughly the day before.

I haven't had a CA125 reading for several weeks, but luckily mine continues to decrease -- to 16 the last time.  I'm now thru (for a LONG time, I hope) with Carbo/Taxol & am only on Avastin.  Will be getting my next infusion July 2, & probably a new CA125 number that day as well, from the blood they drew 3 wks ago. Hair seems to be starting to regrow, but it's very thin.  I hope that changes.

Hang in there!  You are my inspiration & my guide, & I wish you all the best.

Nflinchum said:

I can relate

Hi Julie,

So sorry to hear about all your issues. I can relate to the CA 125 deal for my cancer is back and my CA's have went from 338 in April to 1563 in June. Blowed my mine for the CT scan is showing nothing but my abdominal wash out was positive with cancer cells. They started me back on 4 rounds of chemo (carboplatin) which didn't treat me so good. Took me 7 days to get over it.

As for the Avastin I had 6 treatments of it the first time around and because I am was in a clincial trial and I still had cancer I couldn't receive anymore of it. I was taking carboplatins, taxol and avastin.

I had issues with my Port also when I finished my first treatments. I had to have it removed. So this time around they are going to try having me take it in the veins which went OK for the first one.

This cancer and treatments are just ongoing. You hang in there Julie and I will be praying for you.

So appreciate all your wonderful support and comments and continue to think of you all and wish you well in your journey.  I havent been able to log in for a while so have now re-registered and hope that solves the problem.  

I had a further CA125 last week following my first two infusions of Avastin and have an improved result!   Not a drop but a very small rise of 25 points up to 550 so here's hoping that the next one will be a minus number!  I also had my Topotecan last week.   Unfortunately Avastin is not approved on the "free list" here in Australia for Ovarian Cancer so it is very expensive but we'll give it a go for a while!!!   Can't do a big holiday this year anyway!   

My port surgery went well and this is now reattached the right way round and working.  Ugly scar but it will settle!  Thankfully the swelling in my foot/ankle has also settled with the help of water pills!

This weekend we are heading away for a few days up north for a bit of warmth from the sunshine and good friends we will stay with.   Getting so much joy from darling grandson now 8 months old!   Wish we could bottle that - I am sure it is great medicine.

Love to you all and sending you power and strength!  xx  

Hi Julie. Hoping you remember me! My mother was using the doxil the same time u were. Well she only had a 2 month period without chemo and than started doxil again. After two treatments her ca went up to 600 and they sent her to better hospital down in the city for a desensitization so she could receive her carbo again. Now they found ascites and pleural effusion which she never had before. They told her it wasn't alot and not to worry but i know this can be a bad thing. I need help

JulieBelle said:

So sorry to hear this.

Of course I remember you.   Good to hear from you again but so sorry your mother had only 2 months off chemo.   Are the Drs going to drain the ascites and pleural effusion or are they thinking the carbo will reduce them?  So hard not to worry but don't go jumping to conclusions!!   Interested to hear about the desensitization to carbo.  Do they do that by administering small frequent amounts?   I think you need to have another talk with the Oncologist and hopefully he/she can put your mind to rest a little.   Sending you both hugs and wishes that the next step will get you safely over this hurdle.

I have my next CA125 and Topotecan next week so a little anxiety starting to build however just back from a lovely few days away with my hubby and was able to forget about it for a bit!

Julie      

Hello all,

My name is Lisa, and my mom was diagnosed with PPC in May 2011.  It's been a rough two years with very few breaks from chemo (six months was the longest break).  Lately, she's been suffering from distension, cramping, and digestive troubles, and she's been through 4 colon cleanses to push things through her system.  She's on laxatives (Miralax + Senna), and sometimes has very little action, while at other times, she's passing small amounts of diarrhea all day (with very little control, so she feels quite trapped at home.  So frustrating and uncomfortable for her...it makes my heart ache.  She's had several x-rays and CT scans, with did not reveal a blockage of any kind.  Anyone else struggle with these digestive troubles?  She went in to explore draining due to ascites, but there wasn't enough fluid to drain.

Furthermore, her CA 125 numbers have continued to climb since May...from ~70 to ~140, then to 442 and now 937.  She was on Gemzar, then switched to Topotecan, but with this latest climb to 937, I'm wondering if they'll try a new treatment?  But what?  Doctor is reluctant to use Avastin because if she needs surgery, apparently it doesn't allow for healing very well???

Just curious what other treatments might be a possiblity, beyond Carbo, Doxil, Gemzar and Topotecan -- and what people's experience with them has been.

Thanks for listening. Trying to stay positive.

lgppdx said:

What's after Topotecan?

Hello all,

My name is Lisa, and my mom was diagnosed with PPC in May 2011.  It's been a rough two years with very few breaks from chemo (six months was the longest break).  Lately, she's been suffering from distension, cramping, and digestive troubles, and she's been through 4 colon cleanses to push things through her system.  She's on laxatives (Miralax + Senna), and sometimes has very little action, while at other times, she's passing small amounts of diarrhea all day (with very little control, so she feels quite trapped at home.  So frustrating and uncomfortable for her...it makes my heart ache.  She's had several x-rays and CT scans, with did not reveal a blockage of any kind.  Anyone else struggle with these digestive troubles?  She went in to explore draining due to ascites, but there wasn't enough fluid to drain.

Furthermore, her CA 125 numbers have continued to climb since May...from ~70 to ~140, then to 442 and now 937.  She was on Gemzar, then switched to Topotecan, but with this latest climb to 937, I'm wondering if they'll try a new treatment?  But what?  Doctor is reluctant to use Avastin because if she needs surgery, apparently it doesn't allow for healing very well???

Just curious what other treatments might be a possiblity, beyond Carbo, Doxil, Gemzar and Topotecan -- and what people's experience with them has been.

Thanks for listening. Trying to stay positive.

I was diagnosed a year and a half ago. I had 9 treatments of carboplatins, taxol and 6 of avastin. I developed some digestive problems then but it wasn't bad. I was in remission for 9 months. it came back so I am being treated with 4 rounds of carboplatins. I was told this is one of the milder drug and I should have very few side effects. I have major digestive issues with my two treatments. It takes me 8 days to get over it. My GI dr told me that on the surface of your intestines there are lots of rapidly growing cells and when you take chemo it's kills the good cells so therefore it causes digestive issues. I am taking nexium, a GI cocktail as needed plus I have to watch what I eat. I hope things get better for your mom. You are in my prayers.

Nflinchum said:

Hi Lisa

I was diagnosed a year and a half ago. I had 9 treatments of carboplatins, taxol and 6 of avastin. I developed some digestive problems then but it wasn't bad. I was in remission for 9 months. it came back so I am being treated with 4 rounds of carboplatins. I was told this is one of the milder drug and I should have very few side effects. I have major digestive issues with my two treatments. It takes me 8 days to get over it. My GI dr told me that on the surface of your intestines there are lots of rapidly growing cells and when you take chemo it's kills the good cells so therefore it causes digestive issues. I am taking nexium, a GI cocktail as needed plus I have to watch what I eat. I hope things get better for your mom. You are in my prayers.

Thanks so much for your reply.  I'm sorry to hear about your digestive problems.  No fun at all.  I hope the Nexium has brought you some relief.  I will pass that suggestion on to my mom.  Wishing you comfort and good results with your treatments.

Best,

Lisa

lgppdx said:

What's after Topotecan?

Hello all,

My name is Lisa, and my mom was diagnosed with PPC in May 2011.  It's been a rough two years with very few breaks from chemo (six months was the longest break).  Lately, she's been suffering from distension, cramping, and digestive troubles, and she's been through 4 colon cleanses to push things through her system.  She's on laxatives (Miralax + Senna), and sometimes has very little action, while at other times, she's passing small amounts of diarrhea all day (with very little control, so she feels quite trapped at home.  So frustrating and uncomfortable for her...it makes my heart ache.  She's had several x-rays and CT scans, with did not reveal a blockage of any kind.  Anyone else struggle with these digestive troubles?  She went in to explore draining due to ascites, but there wasn't enough fluid to drain.

Furthermore, her CA 125 numbers have continued to climb since May...from ~70 to ~140, then to 442 and now 937.  She was on Gemzar, then switched to Topotecan, but with this latest climb to 937, I'm wondering if they'll try a new treatment?  But what?  Doctor is reluctant to use Avastin because if she needs surgery, apparently it doesn't allow for healing very well???

Just curious what other treatments might be a possiblity, beyond Carbo, Doxil, Gemzar and Topotecan -- and what people's experience with them has been.

Thanks for listening. Trying to stay positive.

Hi  Lisa,

I usually comment on the OC board if I comment.  I usually don't get much of a response but I did want to share something with you. I have been on everything mentioned to include the Avastin.  Some things work for awhile and then the cancer gets smart.  I have lots of digestive issues and recently had a stomach tube put in to empty my stomach in the event of another bowel obstruction.  It was painful as it was laying on a rib and nerve.  That being said my CA125 was up to 2500 after Topotecan wasn't working.  I felt I was losing the battle and the primary source of my cancer was actually in the peritoneam.   My Dr tried Xeloda next. Daily pill with 2 weeks on and a week off.  You take the pill 2x a day.  Causes hand / foot syndrome so you have to keep skin hydrated with Udder Cream ( or similar) 4 x a day.   That didn't work for me either and I was getting progressively worse  and CA125 was now at 3100 and had to start hooking myself to an IV at home for 6 hrs a day to hydrate myself.  Dr was also talking  TPN which is nutrition thru IV.  It is a 12 hr process.  I didn't want this.  Since then, my Oncologist has now tried a new chemo.  Pemetrexed (Altima) which he said had a 10% chance of knocking the beast down again.  I have had 3 treatments (3 weeks apart) and my CA125 has gone from 3100+ to 471 after the second treatment.  Will see next CA 125 results in two weeks.  My blockage has cleared, at least partially if not fully.  I had the stomach tube removed because of the pain it was causing.  That has helped me immensely.  So, I just wanted to say there are still things out there that may work for your mom and others.  I thought I wasn't going to make it past Aug.  My daughter had asked me to please hang on until Aug as she was defending her dissertation mid Aug and was set to get her PHD in Phycology.  I made that celebration!!!!   I have even planned a trip next weekend in to the Sequoias.   I didn't think I would ever have another vacation.   So I feel very fortunate this has worked for me....  You may want to ask the Dr about this drug.  If they decide to try her on Xeloda please take the hand/foot syndrome seriously.  The drying and cracking is painful!   I wish you, your mom and all the ladies going through this nightmare all the best!   One day at a time!   love, light and positive healing energy always!   Xoxo Michele

lgppdx said:

Thank you

Michele, thank you so much for sharing your experience.  I am so pleased to hear about your CA 125 reduction on Altima.  That is not one I had heard of.  My mom is in a similar position -- her doctor listed possible treatments after Topotecan, but said most of them had undesirable side effects and would only offer a 10% chance of helping.  Nice to know you had such a positive outcome.  I'm so happy you were able to make your daughter's graduation -- what a wonderful memory!

 

Yes, one day at a time.  My very best to you, Michele, as you continue on this journey.

 

Sincerely,

Lisa

Thank you Lisa -

I appreciate your well wishes!   I was at the cancer center today for a booster shot.  I ran into a friend (women I met during treatment) this afternoon.   We were both diagnosed with Stage IV Ovarian Cancer 3 years ago and have been on chemo ever since.  We both seem to move to new drugs at the same time oddly enough.  When Topotecan wasn't working for her anymore her Dr put her on Taxatere.  Taxatere didn't work for me so I went on to Xeloda and now Altima.  The Taxatere (? Spelling) is working for her as seen by her CA125 coming down and ct scan.   She has some digestive issues, as with most chemo, but beyond that she said other side effects have been minimal.  She is losing her hair but isn't concerned with that.  She is happy it is working and she is feeling better.  Not sure if this is on your mom's list.  BTW with the Altima I am on, my hair has started to grow back and I am not wearing a wig anymore.  I just wanted to let you know there is someone else out there that has had some success after Topotecan.   All good thoughts to you, your mom and family!   Michele

JulieBelle said:

Topotecan - what next

Thank you Michele - your post is reassuring that there are still other treatments out there!  So thrilled for you that you have had a fantastic result from Pemetrexed (Altima).  I will mention this to my Oncologist when I see him next as I have had my last Topotecan treatment as CA125 rose yet again this week!   He is having a big think about what to put me on next!   Not sure that I would be keen on the Xeloda as I had terrible hand and foot with Caelyx (Doxil) and it did no good for me!  

Wishing you continuing great results.

Julie x

Hi Julie,

So sorry to hear you had a rise.  I think we were all very hopeful.  I think you should at least ask ask about this drug.  I live in Santa Barbara Ca and it is a pretty small CC but affiliated with Sansum Clinic! but still not a huge facility.  I haven't been able to get into any clinical trials because of my stage of cancer and all the surgeries etc.  I had a bowel obstruction and they had to bypass a large amt of intestine and put a stoma in the transverse colon.  Had several back surgeries due to brittle bones so needEd 3 Kyphoplasties. Had my  hysterectomy and several exploratory surgeries for a second and third look.  Anyway all of this keeps me from any clinical trial.  I asked for a Parp Inhibitor under compassionate use, but nothing so far.   I have been lucky in that side effects on Altima have been minimal except for some manageable digestive issues and tired some days.  

I think you have one of the best outlooks of anyone I have seen going through treatment and your smile reflects what a beautiiful and deserving person you are.  I hope if you try this chemo or any other treatment you will knock this down again!  I had my third treatment a week ago.  I will have bloodwork and next treatment in two weeks.  I will let you know how it goes.  I see my DR every 3 weeks.  He keeps a very close eye on me!   He was shocked when the numbers fell so fast and was happy I was able to get off the daily hydration and remove my stomach tube.  My whole family and my Dr (I think) thought I was in final stages in June.  You just never know!!!!!  No crystal ball with cancer!  May all your days be filled with sunshine!  Sending you positive healing thoughts every day!!!!   Sincerely Michele

MJensen said:

Altima

Hi Julie,

So sorry to hear you had a rise.  I think we were all very hopeful.  I think you should at least ask ask about this drug.  I live in Santa Barbara Ca and it is a pretty small CC but affiliated with Sansum Clinic! but still not a huge facility.  I haven't been able to get into any clinical trials because of my stage of cancer and all the surgeries etc.  I had a bowel obstruction and they had to bypass a large amt of intestine and put a stoma in the transverse colon.  Had several back surgeries due to brittle bones so needEd 3 Kyphoplasties. Had my  hysterectomy and several exploratory surgeries for a second and third look.  Anyway all of this keeps me from any clinical trial.  I asked for a Parp Inhibitor under compassionate use, but nothing so far.   I have been lucky in that side effects on Altima have been minimal except for some manageable digestive issues and tired some days.  

I think you have one of the best outlooks of anyone I have seen going through treatment and your smile reflects what a beautiiful and deserving person you are.  I hope if you try this chemo or any other treatment you will knock this down again!  I had my third treatment a week ago.  I will have bloodwork and next treatment in two weeks.  I will let you know how it goes.  I see my DR every 3 weeks.  He keeps a very close eye on me!   He was shocked when the numbers fell so fast and was happy I was able to get off the daily hydration and remove my stomach tube.  My whole family and my Dr (I think) thought I was in final stages in June.  You just never know!!!!!  No crystal ball with cancer!  May all your days be filled with sunshine!  Sending you positive healing thoughts every day!!!!   Sincerely Michele

Thank you so much for your post and encouragement Michele.  What a history you have!   You are one brave fighting lady!   Looking forward to hearing how your next bloods go.  Such an amazing result so far - so thrilled for you.   Better than winning the lottery isn't it!  

I will discuss Altima with my Oncologist next week,  I haven't heard of it here in Australia but he will know!

No - no crystal ball and we must enjoy everyday to the MAX!   How long since you were diagnosed?   For me it will be 2 years December 7th.  When I was first diagnosed Dr Google indicated 12-18 months so I am ahead already!!

Keep up the good work!

Julie x