Topotecan

MichaelaMarie
MichaelaMarie Member Posts: 163
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hello, everyone! I'm hoping to get feed-back on the Topotecan chemotherapy. I know that many of you have been on it. My doctor has suggested it for me. I would appreciate knowing how well you did, and what the side effects were. I'm pretty down in the dumps today after my appt. with my oncologist yesterday. I think I need a "group hug". And, Bonnie, I hope you are feeling better. It was good to hear that you had been able to get out of bed. I'm so sorry that your chemo makes you so sick. You are such a trooper! Take care everyone......With much love, prayer and hugs, MM aka Keelie.

Comments

  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #2
    ANSWERS
    Hi, MM:
    I'm responding so that we can test to see if this will post to your question. Hopefully, this will work, and the other ladies will send you some advice and info.
    Luv & Hugs!
    Monika
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #3
    topotecan
    Hi MichaelaMarie,

    Glad to see a post from you, and jumping in for the (((((((((((((GROUP HUG)))))))))))))!

    I have been on topotecan, for me I felt like I had the flu ongoing and a couple times needed blood transfusions. My hair thinned the whole time but never lost all of it. I know other women that say it was easy on them and gave them a good break. I think part of it depends on how they give it to it. I got mine everyday for 5 days and then I think a week off. I know I went everyday when I was getting it and was glad when I had a bit of break. I hope this knocs the cancer back. Is your ca125 rising again or did they see something in a ctscan?

    I think of you often and always send up a prayer. :-) Hugs ♥ Prayers Bonnie
  • floridajo
    floridajo Member Posts: 480
    #4
    MM
    I'm sorry your having to start up chemo again. I did 6 cycles of Topo. I did 3 weeks on and 1 week off and I tolerated it very easily. I had some headaches for the 1st 2 days,so hair thinning and even some minimal nausea...that was it. It also was the only chemo I never needed to get any booster shots with. The only bad thing is I only had a 10 week remission before I got really sick. I'm now on Navelbine...which is horrible on me.

    I'll be right there in that group (((((hugz)))) with everyone else...sending you some rainbows and love~~~~Joanne
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #5
    floridajo said:

    MM
    I'm sorry your having to start up chemo again. I did 6 cycles of Topo. I did 3 weeks on and 1 week off and I tolerated it very easily. I had some headaches for the 1st 2 days,so hair thinning and even some minimal nausea...that was it. It also was the only chemo I never needed to get any booster shots with. The only bad thing is I only had a 10 week remission before I got really sick. I'm now on Navelbine...which is horrible on me.

    I'll be right there in that group (((((hugz)))) with everyone else...sending you some rainbows and love~~~~Joanne

    same regimen
    Joanne, that is the regimen I had and unfortunately only had a 7 week break after the topotecan. But other women I know have had really good results and even went back on when they did recur.

    So MM think positive and know we are all sending positive thoughts and prayers your way. Love Ya Bonnie
  • MichaelaMarie
    MichaelaMarie Member Posts: 163
    #6
    BonnieR said:

    same regimen
    Joanne, that is the regimen I had and unfortunately only had a 7 week break after the topotecan. But other women I know have had really good results and even went back on when they did recur.

    So MM think positive and know we are all sending positive thoughts and prayers your way. Love Ya Bonnie

    Topotecan
    Thanks so much, both of you!!!!! I can feel the hugs and positive thoughts. Yes, my marker has went up over 300. And, things did show up on my Cat Scan. The report called the masses on my colon "suspicious." (Apparently, there were three of them, the larger one being 3 1/2 centimeters). My doctor said that he would confer with his associates, and that I might want a second opinion at this time. I hate the thought of the everyday treatment. That will make things a little difficult for me, but of course, you do what you have to do. How long did your treatment with this drug last? My last regimen was with Taxotere/Avastin that lasted for about 8 months. I just finished that 3 months ago. It didn't put me in remission, but held it back, I guess. Three months off of chemo has me starting to feel so well, and have so much energy. I just wish my test results would match how I'm feeling right now. But, then there is the issue of my feet! Oh, and the doctor said no more Taxotere, which I'm now showing resistance to. That's okay with me because it caused the worst eye problems. The constant watering, burning, and pain has just started getting better. With the tearing that actually would run down my face, I couldn't hardly see - so much blurring. And, my eyes would be matted shut by morning. It has lasted like that since February. Well, thanks again ladies. It helps to hear from women that have actually been on the drug. And, Bonnie, your information of other women that have been on it helps too! I'm so glad that you are feeling better. With hope, prayer, and hugs, MM

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