Avastin

Hello -- Just wanted to let you know I've been on Avastin since March 2013. Don't know if it would be considered "maintenance therapy." I was diagnosed with primary peritoneal cancer (PPC) about 14 months ago. You probably know that PPC's treatment is the same as for ovarian cancer. I had Taxol/Carbo chemo last year; then this Feb., surgery turned up some positive biopsies too small to see on a scan. So in March I went back on Taxol/Carbo with Avastin added. Ended the Taxol/Carbo in May but have remained on Avastin since March & am told to expect to continue it until Dec. Taxol/Carbo made me lose my hair all over again & caused the usual problems--neuropathy, etc. But I've had no problems with Avastin only, except excessive mucus in my sinuses/nose. My oncologist said most people tolerate it well, though there is a risk of a rare serious side effect: intestinal perforation, if I'm remembering my terms right. My CA 125 number has descended from approx. 2800 upon diagnosis to within the normal range early this year. Right now it's at 15; expect to perhaps get a new number when I see the oncologist tomorrow.

As far as IVs go -- I have a port & the Avastin takes only about 1/2 hr, so I find it much easier than the several hours on Taxol/Carbo.

FYI, I've been blogging details of my Avastin experience at

www.CaringBride.org/visit/CaroleSeaton

Good luck!

Have you had any issues with leg and foot cramps? I have been on mvasi/Avastin now for almost a year and over the past 4 months or so I have started to have frequent leg and foot cramps - always worse it seems for the first week or so after my infusion which I get every 3 weeks. If so does anyone have any suggestions on how to minimize these symptoms? I also have the typical rhinitis but that is pretty manageable.