Update from Japan

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kayandok
kayandok Member Posts: 1,202 Member
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
I finished my 3rd cycle of cisplatin/gemzar and next Monday will go in for #4. I just got my CA125 results today. It was 37.7. It still is not "normal" but hey! I will take it! I am relieved as the numbers have been going down, but very slowly. Side effects seem to be getting better. Still in hospital for at least 4 days with vomiting, second week is good and third week is great. I continue to loose weight (total of 40 pounds) but still have reserve. It is nice to get out the old jeans....

I have a question for the veterans. I am scheduled to do 6 cycles. I had 8 cycles with carbo/taxol that gave me a 6 month NED time. My blood is doing great and I haven't had to have any boosters or blood transfusions. I am wondering if 7 or 8 of this treatment is a good option. Anyone done that? I will be contacting my doc in the States for his opinion, but just thought I would throw it out there for insight.

Warm hugs from very warm and beautiful Japan,
kathleen:)

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  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #2
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    Great News!!
    Hi Kathleen, that is great news to hear, the ca125 dropping. Sorry to hear you get so sick from the treatments though. In all the different treatments I have been on, it is usually 6 treatments, except for the original carbo/taxol and then the desensitized carbo. I am not sure how long he will go on this one, but my doc believes we do need breaks too, disease or no disease. But hey maybe by the time you reach the 6th cycle you will not need anymore? Look where you are at with only 3 so far ~ amazing results. :-)

    Sending buckets of Teal Hugs ♥ Prayers your way. Bonnie
  • ladyjogger31
    ladyjogger31 Member Posts: 289
    #3
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    Kathleen
    Hi, it’s great to see those numbers go down. My numbers were going down slowly also. I had 8 treatments of carbo/taxol, ca was at 40 then 5 treatments of Doxil, ca got down to only 34, I didn't get my 6th because the Doxil had stopped working. I'm now on Gemzar as my latest ct scan had showed a tumor on the vaginal cuff(or top of vagina)and my ca started to rise up to 50.6.It is now at 94.60.I A little discouraging but hoping the Gemxar will bring it back down. My ca 125 is a good indicator that something is going on.
    I'm so sorry that you have been sick. I’ll be praying that you get better.
    Hugs and Prayers, Terry
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    #4
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    Dear Kathleen,
    Great news about your CA125 going down. The chemo is working and we are all doing the dance for your strength and fighting spirit.
    Sorry we missed seeing each other while I was there, but it just wasn't to be with your treatment and our son's severe flare up with his arthritis. He still has not had his treatment because of a cold and bronchitis for three weeks so he is getting really stoved up now. We are still recovering from jet lag but didn't catch his germs so far.
    I am glad the combination of cisplatin/gemzar is working for you. Envious of the weight loss too!!
    I am larger now than ever in my life, including pregnancy! My oncologist says that he would rather I be on the heavy side. I'm trying not to get any bigger.
    (((Hugs and Prayers))) Saundra
  • green50
    green50 Member Posts: 312
    #5
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    saundra said:

    Dear Kathleen,
    Great news about your CA125 going down. The chemo is working and we are all doing the dance for your strength and fighting spirit.
    Sorry we missed seeing each other while I was there, but it just wasn't to be with your treatment and our son's severe flare up with his arthritis. He still has not had his treatment because of a cold and bronchitis for three weeks so he is getting really stoved up now. We are still recovering from jet lag but didn't catch his germs so far.
    I am glad the combination of cisplatin/gemzar is working for you. Envious of the weight loss too!!
    I am larger now than ever in my life, including pregnancy! My oncologist says that he would rather I be on the heavy side. I'm trying not to get any bigger.
    (((Hugs and Prayers))) Saundra

    Great News Kathleen
    Bonnie's right maybe you won't need any more then 6 cycles. My Dr also believes in breaks. I usually help make the decision when and if I can take anymore. You sound like your doing well and I hope it continues with only few doses and then take hopefully a permanent break.I will praying for ya.
    Prayers and Hugs
    Sandy
  • kayandok
    kayandok Member Posts: 1,202 Member
    #6
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    Thanks!
    I appreciate so much all your responses and words of encouragement!! I check in tomorrow for round 4, and although I am not looking forward to it, I am less frightened.

    Saundra, sorry to have missed you too. It just wan't meant to be this time. I hope your son will be feeling better soon, and you can bounce back from your long trip. Love the pic in front of "kinkakuji" (golden temple). Very cool!

    Warm hugs,
    Kathleen

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