Doxil-avastian (Recap of Lost Posts, Topic Created by LadyMox on Nov 27, 2018)

This recap includes posts that were lost during CSN's data outage from 10/29/18 to 1/30/19.

LadyMox

Nov 27, 2018 - 2:22 pm

Has anyone taken doxil-avastian? What were your side effects and did it work?

 

cmb

Nov 27, 2018 - 11:04 pm

Different Chemo Cycles

I haven't taken Doxil or Avastin, but my front line treatment consisted of four different chemo drugs. The first four cycles were Paclitaxel/Carboplatin, followed by four cycles of Ifosfamide/Adriamycin.

I don't know which of the four drugs was most effective but I have been NED since I finished chemo. I hope that changing to a different set of drugs after your first chemo cycles will work in a similar fashion for you.

The Adriamycin that I had is the older from of Doxorubicin, versus the newer Doxil. I did have worse side effects with Ifosfamide/Adriamycin, but I can't say which of the two (or both) caused the problems. However, I have not suffered any long-term effects from chemo, except for some mild neuropathy in my toes (which I attribute to the Paclitaxel/Carboplatin).

 

Blondeandblue

Dec 20, 2018 - 8:53 pm

doxil-avastian

Had a bad reaction to Paclitaxel and had to switch treatments (first time around, years ago, no problems with taxel, but this time I had a reaction).  Just started on Doxil and plan to add Avastin after 3 to 4 treatments.  So unfortunately I can't comment on side effects yet.  So far just typical side effects from Doxil.  My doc highly recommends Avastin.  Just want to ease into it because of my Taxel reaction.

 

Prairie

Dec 20, 2018 - 10:18 pm

Doxil & Avastin

I’ve been on both, not at the same time, but one after the other. The doxil caused a lot of skin rashes, and and feet peeling, enormous blisters on one foot, sore throat. Can’t remember if there was fatigue or nausea like other chemo drugs I’ve been on. The doxil allowed by CA125 to creep up over 100. Avastin followed. I don’t recall any side effects, but my CA125 went up over 400, so we discontinued the Avastin ahead of time. 

 

KatnHat

Dec 23, 2018 - 5:30 pm

Doxil and Avastin

I had my first infusion of Doxil on Wed. the 12th and will hopefully get one of Avastin on the 26th (insurance has approved via phone but not written). Doxil caused a bit of nausea and back pain from my tumors, but wasn't bad... yet. Hoping for the best as I'm fighting off fast-growing tumors now. Doctor told me to be optimistic.

 

Universe

Dec 23, 2018 - 7:59 pm

Wishing for the best for you

Wishing for the best for you KatnHat

 

KatnHat

Jan 01, 2019 - 3:42 pm

Insurance has denied paying for Avastin

My doctor appealed once; now we have a chance to appeal. They said Avastin used with Doxcil has not been studied. I feel if I start researching, I'll find it has been. I think it's a big thing at Sloan Kettering. The NCCN supports using Avastin by itself or with carboplatin and paclitaxel. I'm carboplatin resistant so can't use that combination. So frustrating! My sister helped us out with the first dose (almost $7,000) and we hope to get support from an organization that pays a partial amount. I will file a grievence once I talk to my doctor on the 9th.

As for my side effects, I had bad nausea and vomiting for about 8 hours that started 3 days after the infusion. I don't think this response is typical. I also had pretty severe pain in my shoulder tumor, could not lift my arm up. I hear that's the tumors reacting to the Avastin by getting inflammed. I hope those suckers get blasted! Now I'm feeling fine, no nausea or pain.

Sorry for the long rambling! Happy New Year (and health) to all!

 

Universe

Jan 02, 2019 - 12:06 pm

KatnHat

Hope they agree soon. And you are so blessed to have a wonderful sister. May the Universe resolve things for you ASAP.

 

evolo58

Jan 06, 2019 - 3:41 pm

Nausea is definitely common.

I don't know whether it's the Doxil or Avastin, but back wihen I had Carbo-Taxol, strangely, I really wasn't nauseous. This time around, I learned to carry an emergency Zofran tablet around. During the first few days, I'd be fine for a few hours, then (foghorn sound effect), Fortunately, not too many sessions with Ralph and Chuck, but it's not easy to get around when you are concerned you're going to barf soon. Also fortunately, once the Zofran takes effect, I'm fine.