Question about Avastin

Brenda3.16
Brenda3.16 Member Posts: 209
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I have been on Xeloda since September. One week on 3600 mg a day and one week off. My doctor just added Avastin last Friday. I had a lung biopsy 3 weeks before that and he wanted to wait 3 weeks to start the Avastin. They day that I ended up getting the Avastin was not when I was taking the Xeloda. It fell in my off week. I didn't see my oncologist at this visit. I saw the physician's assistant. I asked her if the Avastin should be infused when you are taking the Xeloda. She said that it probably doesn't matter because the Xeloda and Avastin both stay in you system for a long time. Does anyone know if it is better to get the Avastin while taking the Xeloda instead of on an off week ?

Brenda

Comments

  • Paula G.
    Paula G. Member Posts: 596
    #2
    Hi Brenda,
    John is on Xeloda
    Hi Brenda,
    John is on Xeloda 4000 mg a day. His Onc has had him get his avastin when he starts his cycle. He is 14 days on one week off. I don't think it matters when you get the avastin. I think his Onc does it that way because it is easier to keep track of. He does take two days off in the cycle now because of the hand and foot thing. It gets real bad. Paula
  • jillpls
    jillpls Member Posts: 238
    #3
    I had avastin with xeloday
    I had both when I would start the xeloda. I"m sure it doesn't matter.
    JIll
  • Crow71
    Crow71 Member Posts: 679 Member
    #4
    Don't you just love it when
    Don't you just love it when your health care pro (Dr. or PA) says something like, "It probably doesn't matter." Probably? Well we don't "probably" have cancer. A dad on my daughter's soccer team does a lot of cancer research - specifically on Avastin and cc. I'll see if he has an opinion and get back to you.
    Roger
  • zenmonk
    zenmonk Member Posts: 198
    #5
    I had both
    I had Xeloda, Avastin, oxy all at the same time. It was not fun at all.
  • Crow71
    Crow71 Member Posts: 679 Member
    #6
    Hey Brenda - My friend in
    Hey Brenda - My friend in cancer research looked around but could not find any specific studies to suggest any difference in the efficacy of the Xeloda Avastin mix as it relates to whether or not the drugs are administered at the the same time. He believes that if the Avastin is active over a few weeks, which it should be, then the timing shouldn't matter. It may even reduce the side effects. He also spoke with an onc who said that he doesn't give a lot of Avastin, but when he does, it is at the same time as the other drugs. Mostly my friend said the same thing that you are already thinking. Keep asking your Dr. until you are satisfied that the question has been answered.
    My guess is that your Dr. is simply anxious to begin Avastin, which is a good thing.
    Wish I could help more. Stay strong.
    Roger
  • Brenda3.16
    Brenda3.16 Member Posts: 209
    #7
    Crow71 said:

    Hey Brenda - My friend in
    Hey Brenda - My friend in cancer research looked around but could not find any specific studies to suggest any difference in the efficacy of the Xeloda Avastin mix as it relates to whether or not the drugs are administered at the the same time. He believes that if the Avastin is active over a few weeks, which it should be, then the timing shouldn't matter. It may even reduce the side effects. He also spoke with an onc who said that he doesn't give a lot of Avastin, but when he does, it is at the same time as the other drugs. Mostly my friend said the same thing that you are already thinking. Keep asking your Dr. until you are satisfied that the question has been answered.
    My guess is that your Dr. is simply anxious to begin Avastin, which is a good thing.
    Wish I could help more. Stay strong.
    Roger

    Thanks Roger. You made me
    Thanks Roger. You made me feel a lot better. My oncologist is in a small group in rural NE pa. I love him, but I am the type of person that questions everything, and I hate answers like it probably doesn't matter.

    Brenda

Discussion Boards