CA 125

JanQ
JanQ Member Posts: 236
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Well Ladies my CA 125 went up again it is now 240. I have only had one round of Hexalen(14 days) I started the second round this past Wed. hopefully they will not continue to rise.
This medication seems to make my insides go wild and I have cried more in the past month than I ever have. I can usually shut down, but this time has been diffeent. Has it ever done anyone else that way?
Well God Bless and I hope everyone has a great weekend.
Love, Jan

Comments

  • marcy
    marcy Member Posts: 58
    Hi Jan. I'm so sorry to hear
    Hi Jan. I'm so sorry to hear about your CA125. I don't have any answers for you..but..I wanted to let you know I'm hoping you feel better soon and you are in my prayers. God Bless.
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    Hexalen makes you sad
    Hi Jan, I am sorry to read you have the depression side affect of this drug, I know women that is was really kicking cancer's butt and stopped because they couldn't stand being depressed. I wonder if they could give you anything to help with this side affect if it works for you? Saying a prayer for lower ca125 and lots of smiles to come your way. Hugs Bonnie
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    Hello Jan
    Just remember that it takes awhile with some chemos and anti-estrogen too to start bringing the numbers down like Taxol and Carbo did at first. I am still on the Paxil (anti-depressant and anti anxiety) and it helps me sleep and no other side effects noticed. I'm not a Zombie! Low dose and the generic is not too expensive. I have not had a crying spell since starting it. (((Hugs to you))) Saundra
  • ladyjogger31
    ladyjogger31 Member Posts: 289
    Hi Jan
    Hi Jan, so sorry to hear you are depressed. I was like you and the doctor gave me zoloft. I much better now. I will be praying your ca-125 goes down .Sending you positive thoghts your way.
    Hugs and Prayers,
    Terry
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    HANG IN THERE, JAN
    Sorry to hear your numbers went up. But you've gotten some great advice from the ladies. I sure would ask the doctor about something to help you through the rough spots with the depression. I really believe our mindset has a large influence on recovery. And this disease is depressing enough, let alone being compounded by those nasty side affects.

    Take care and let us know what you find out.

    Luv and hugs and prayers,
    Monika
  • green50
    green50 Member Posts: 312
    mopar said:

    HANG IN THERE, JAN
    Sorry to hear your numbers went up. But you've gotten some great advice from the ladies. I sure would ask the doctor about something to help you through the rough spots with the depression. I really believe our mindset has a large influence on recovery. And this disease is depressing enough, let alone being compounded by those nasty side affects.

    Take care and let us know what you find out.

    Luv and hugs and prayers,
    Monika

    Sorry Jan
    Sorry numbers went up but sometimes after next dose they will go down. It happened to me. Maybe you can get something for the depression I hope. I started back on chemo the etopiside and some steroids. Boy have I felt bloaded(sp?) since Wed after getting this. I know I am swollen from CA125 count 18000 but I feel like I am swollen and stretched. Perhaps its the steroids. I hope all goes well with you Jan and they can get you the anti depression med.
    Prayers and Hugs
    Sandy
  • newhopechurchli
    newhopechurchli Member Posts: 126
    green50 said:

    Sorry Jan
    Sorry numbers went up but sometimes after next dose they will go down. It happened to me. Maybe you can get something for the depression I hope. I started back on chemo the etopiside and some steroids. Boy have I felt bloaded(sp?) since Wed after getting this. I know I am swollen from CA125 count 18000 but I feel like I am swollen and stretched. Perhaps its the steroids. I hope all goes well with you Jan and they can get you the anti depression med.
    Prayers and Hugs
    Sandy

    Keeping you in prayer...
    I am so sorry to see that your ca125 numbers are rising. Try to stay positive (as difficult as that might seem to you right now) Remember that you are not alone and people care and are praying for you! I know that kind of sounds funny seeing that you never met me or many (or all) of the people on here.... but we all have something in common that connects us.
    God Bless you and stay strong! Tricia
  • Bstrange
    Bstrange Member Posts: 87
    Jan
    Have you thought of talking to your doctor about a temporary antidepressant while you are on this stuff? I am on antidepressants and Thank God I am. Just a suggestion.

    I too will put you on my prayer list.

    Barbara (bstrange) Newbee
  • LPack
    LPack Member Posts: 645
    hexalen
    Jan,
    I was wondering how you were doing on Hexalen. I have had 2 cycles and will start again probably on Monday after I see my onc/gyn this Thursday.

    I have to say I do not like Hexalen either. It does change you like a mood disorder type of thing. I said before I am a happy person and joyful, so I really have to prepare myself before this pill regime (I am crabby and not myself on it). Lots of prayer and I have prayer warriors too. I have not taken any other meds to off set and don't know how long she will keep me on it.

    Instead of on 2 weeks off 2 weeks, I am off almost 2 months because Hexalen makes me toxic. That is okay by me................I like the idea of having more time between each cycle. I will keep you in my prayers.

    Love, Libby♥
  • JanQ
    JanQ Member Posts: 236
    LPack said:

    hexalen
    Jan,
    I was wondering how you were doing on Hexalen. I have had 2 cycles and will start again probably on Monday after I see my onc/gyn this Thursday.

    I have to say I do not like Hexalen either. It does change you like a mood disorder type of thing. I said before I am a happy person and joyful, so I really have to prepare myself before this pill regime (I am crabby and not myself on it). Lots of prayer and I have prayer warriors too. I have not taken any other meds to off set and don't know how long she will keep me on it.

    Instead of on 2 weeks off 2 weeks, I am off almost 2 months because Hexalen makes me toxic. That is okay by me................I like the idea of having more time between each cycle. I will keep you in my prayers.

    Love, Libby♥

    toxic
    Libby, what do you mean by toxic?
  • MichaelaMarie
    MichaelaMarie Member Posts: 163
    JanQ said:

    toxic
    Libby, what do you mean by toxic?

    Hexalen and depression
    Hi Jan,

    Like everyone else, I'm so sorry to hear that your marker has gone up. But, I do remember that sometimes mine would do that with other chemos, and then suddenly just drop. Weird, and nerve wracking!

    Have you ever been on Topotecan? I'm on that now and doing well except for the very very low blood counts. However, I have had two good sized drops after two cycles, so that makes me very happy.

    I would certainly agree with the other girls about trying some antidepressant. I haven't done that yet, but think I will if I start feeling like you are now.

    Keep us informed and take good care of yourself. With hugs and love, MM
  • LPack
    LPack Member Posts: 645
    JanQ said:

    toxic
    Libby, what do you mean by toxic?

    Found this................
    Chemo therapy is toxic for the bone marrow where blood cells are produced. There are some therapies to help the bone marrow recover after such a toxic effect but it is a tricky therapy. If your bone marrow is sensitive to chemo therapy it will make any such treatment very hard to administer.

    Jan,
    Chemo has been hard on my counts the white counts especially. I just got the results (my doctor called me) from the blood work I had yesterday earlier today. My white counts are 2.2 and that is 6 weeks after Hexalen. I will see my onc/gyn Thursday and I can only imagine what she will say. Doubt I have Hexalen this Monday.

    Libby
  • JanQ
    JanQ Member Posts: 236
    LPack said:

    Found this................
    Chemo therapy is toxic for the bone marrow where blood cells are produced. There are some therapies to help the bone marrow recover after such a toxic effect but it is a tricky therapy. If your bone marrow is sensitive to chemo therapy it will make any such treatment very hard to administer.

    Jan,
    Chemo has been hard on my counts the white counts especially. I just got the results (my doctor called me) from the blood work I had yesterday earlier today. My white counts are 2.2 and that is 6 weeks after Hexalen. I will see my onc/gyn Thursday and I can only imagine what she will say. Doubt I have Hexalen this Monday.

    Libby

    blood count
    Libby I am so sorry 6 weeks after Hexalen..is there some other chemo he may put you on?
  • LPack
    LPack Member Posts: 645
    JanQ said:

    blood count
    Libby I am so sorry 6 weeks after Hexalen..is there some other chemo he may put you on?

    maintenance
    Jan,

    I see Dr. Jaramillo today, she will let me know what we are going to do now. I am still believing that I am healed and that the Lord just doesn't want me on anything.

    Guess my bone marrow just has not bounced back yet. The dose for Hexalen is the same for everyone no matter your size. When I was on taxol/carbo you know they weighed and measured you and gave your dose accordingly, but with Hexalen I take 8 pills a day for a total of 112 pills. I am not big at all. Five foot and 1 inch and 120 pounds. Maybe it is just too much.

    No point in trying to figure it out. I will let you know what happens later.

    Love,
    Libby
  • JanQ
    JanQ Member Posts: 236
    LPack said:

    maintenance
    Jan,

    I see Dr. Jaramillo today, she will let me know what we are going to do now. I am still believing that I am healed and that the Lord just doesn't want me on anything.

    Guess my bone marrow just has not bounced back yet. The dose for Hexalen is the same for everyone no matter your size. When I was on taxol/carbo you know they weighed and measured you and gave your dose accordingly, but with Hexalen I take 8 pills a day for a total of 112 pills. I am not big at all. Five foot and 1 inch and 120 pounds. Maybe it is just too much.

    No point in trying to figure it out. I will let you know what happens later.

    Love,
    Libby

    That is to much I am 5'3 and
    That is to much I am 5'3 and weigh much more than you and I take 10 pills a day. They should cut yours down some and at least see how you tolerate that.
    Here is a prophesy I received last year at this time from a lady at my church and I repeat it daily...

    3/20/2008 To Jan… The first day of Spring

    I love you my dearest one, do not let anyone tell you otherwise. A trap has been set for you but I have disabled it. I am the one who guards your life and I defend you fiercely. I am always watchful and no enemy will ever sneak past my gaze. Do not lose heart as you fight along side me. I am training you for the battle ahead. When others faint and lie down in the heat of battle you will pick them up and point them in the right direction because you have already been there. As you have faced death it has lost its grip on you and fear will no longer be your companion. I am replacing menacing dread with victorious assurance. You are brave and fierce. You are a warrior princess and I have trained your hands for war. You will lead my troops into battle without the blink of an eye or the slowing of a step and your courage will inspire many to great feats.
    Don’t look back, dear one. March ahead for your path is sure and the light of my countenance is upon you!
  • green50
    green50 Member Posts: 312
    JanQ said:

    That is to much I am 5'3 and
    That is to much I am 5'3 and weigh much more than you and I take 10 pills a day. They should cut yours down some and at least see how you tolerate that.
    Here is a prophesy I received last year at this time from a lady at my church and I repeat it daily...

    3/20/2008 To Jan… The first day of Spring

    I love you my dearest one, do not let anyone tell you otherwise. A trap has been set for you but I have disabled it. I am the one who guards your life and I defend you fiercely. I am always watchful and no enemy will ever sneak past my gaze. Do not lose heart as you fight along side me. I am training you for the battle ahead. When others faint and lie down in the heat of battle you will pick them up and point them in the right direction because you have already been there. As you have faced death it has lost its grip on you and fear will no longer be your companion. I am replacing menacing dread with victorious assurance. You are brave and fierce. You are a warrior princess and I have trained your hands for war. You will lead my troops into battle without the blink of an eye or the slowing of a step and your courage will inspire many to great feats.
    Don’t look back, dear one. March ahead for your path is sure and the light of my countenance is upon you!

    Good One
    Good One Jan, We will all fight together and win.
    Prayers and Hugs
    Sandy
  • LPack
    LPack Member Posts: 645
    JanQ said:

    That is to much I am 5'3 and
    That is to much I am 5'3 and weigh much more than you and I take 10 pills a day. They should cut yours down some and at least see how you tolerate that.
    Here is a prophesy I received last year at this time from a lady at my church and I repeat it daily...

    3/20/2008 To Jan… The first day of Spring

    I love you my dearest one, do not let anyone tell you otherwise. A trap has been set for you but I have disabled it. I am the one who guards your life and I defend you fiercely. I am always watchful and no enemy will ever sneak past my gaze. Do not lose heart as you fight along side me. I am training you for the battle ahead. When others faint and lie down in the heat of battle you will pick them up and point them in the right direction because you have already been there. As you have faced death it has lost its grip on you and fear will no longer be your companion. I am replacing menacing dread with victorious assurance. You are brave and fierce. You are a warrior princess and I have trained your hands for war. You will lead my troops into battle without the blink of an eye or the slowing of a step and your courage will inspire many to great feats.
    Don’t look back, dear one. March ahead for your path is sure and the light of my countenance is upon you!

    I like that
    I like that, Jan.

    I did see my doctor Thursday and I am no longer on treatments. I will have a scan next month and blood work, but no more Hexalen.

    She did advise me to see a genetic counselor (in person, no phone call) and see what is said about my breast. Now that I am no longer on a maintenance chemo, I will watch better what I consume and of course keep up my appointments. AND if anything feels strange or weird, I will call her.

    Have a great weekend.

    Love,
    Libby