avastin

ellen53
ellen53 Member Posts: 2

I have 1 more chemo to go and then the oncologist suggests I try Avastin. Has anyone tried this?

Comments

  • Tethys41
    Tethys41 Member Posts: 1,382 Member
    Avastin

    I was on it during chemo and for maintenance afterwards.  The typical side effects were much less than those with chemo, but there is a potential for some pretty serious side effects, such as bowel perforation.  I'm heavily into the integrative approach, and knowing that Avastin addresses the VEGF pathway, now I'd want to find out if that is even an issue for me, before agreeing to take it.  There is a blood test that measures VEGF.  Your pathology report may also shed some light into this, as some will identify whether the tumor is VEGF driven.  There are alternatives to Avastin, such as bindweed extract. 

  • ellen53
    ellen53 Member Posts: 2
    Tethys41 said:

    Avastin

    I was on it during chemo and for maintenance afterwards.  The typical side effects were much less than those with chemo, but there is a potential for some pretty serious side effects, such as bowel perforation.  I'm heavily into the integrative approach, and knowing that Avastin addresses the VEGF pathway, now I'd want to find out if that is even an issue for me, before agreeing to take it.  There is a blood test that measures VEGF.  Your pathology report may also shed some light into this, as some will identify whether the tumor is VEGF driven.  There are alternatives to Avastin, such as bindweed extract. 

    I can't tell you how much I

    I can't tell you how much I appreciate this information. I had not heard the term VEGF before.  I will look into your suggestions.