Erbitux, Avastin and Irinotecan??

apache4
apache4 Member Posts: 272 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Has anyone had these infused all at once? I am getting chicken thinking of all sorts of bad reaction scenarios. I found a study that it did improve length of survival. It just seems like such a potent combo. Any advice?

Comments

  • KFalvey
    KFalvey Member Posts: 118 Member
    #2
    Hi Linda,

    The last regimen I took was Folfiri with Avastin, but as I've mentioned before I was tested to see if the Erbitux would work for me and my tumor has a k-ras mutation so that means it won't work for me. That was the next mix they wanted me to take, but I've decided to hold off until my cea starts rising again before even considering anymore chemo.
    Who are you seeing at Moffitt? Did you hear any good options at the seminar you went to by the Colon Cancer Alliance?

    Have a great time in California!!
    Kandy
  • apache4
    apache4 Member Posts: 272 Member
    #3
    KFalvey said:

    Hi Linda,

    The last regimen I took was Folfiri with Avastin, but as I've mentioned before I was tested to see if the Erbitux would work for me and my tumor has a k-ras mutation so that means it won't work for me. That was the next mix they wanted me to take, but I've decided to hold off until my cea starts rising again before even considering anymore chemo.
    Who are you seeing at Moffitt? Did you hear any good options at the seminar you went to by the Colon Cancer Alliance?

    Have a great time in California!!
    Kandy

    Hi!
    Sorry I haven't answered before about the seminar. Basically, I did not learn anything new, but did meet some neat people.
    My onc. is Dr. William Dinwoodie.
    I have no real way of checking my CEA right now as I just had it done a few weeks ago and they say the labs can show different results so will have to wait for the next one. I would assume that with the tumors growing the count is up. If your CEA count is a good indicator for you, I think I would make the same decision. Is you onc pushing you to go ahead with more or are they good with your decision?
    Linda
  • Monicaemilia
    Monicaemilia Member Posts: 455 Member
    #4
    I never did Erbitux and Avastin together, but have done them separately. The only side effects I had from Erbitux is a rash, and with Avastin I had a problem with healing. This should not be an issue if you have not had any surgeries recently. Irinotecan will do the usual by lowering blood counts and nausea. I don't think you need to worry too much about the three together, but if you are really concerned, talk to your onc so that he can reassure you. Monica
  • KFalvey
    KFalvey Member Posts: 118 Member
    #5
    apache4 said:

    Hi!
    Sorry I haven't answered before about the seminar. Basically, I did not learn anything new, but did meet some neat people.
    My onc. is Dr. William Dinwoodie.
    I have no real way of checking my CEA right now as I just had it done a few weeks ago and they say the labs can show different results so will have to wait for the next one. I would assume that with the tumors growing the count is up. If your CEA count is a good indicator for you, I think I would make the same decision. Is you onc pushing you to go ahead with more or are they good with your decision?
    Linda

    Hi, again,

    My Oncologist in St. Pete. is okay with me waiting since my cea is a good indicator for me.We discussed it before my last surgery; I explained to him how it was so hard to let him give me chemo again when I was just recovering from surgery, beginning to feel better, and my cea dropping below normal. His view was I could wait until I have symptoms or pain, then do chemo-he said if it was going to kill the cancer-it would do it for a little disease or alot. I decided to give my immune system a chance to fight it this time. I'm using supplements and eating much smarter now. I did go to Moffitt, Dr. Chris Garrett, to see if there was any clinical trials using vaccines. He suggested one but I'd have to take chemo for 3 months first. I decided not to do this.
    I go to my primary phys. who is only a few blocks away and she lets me come anytime and have the blood drawn, only charges me what they charge her for the lab fee, and calls me the next day with the results. It's been great not going to the doctor so often.
    Good Luck with your new chemo regimen and enjoy your vacation with your family.
    Kandy

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