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I am to start both Avistan and Gemzar this next Thur. I have had 3 l/1 yrs. of chemo, radiation, etc. and now am facing this. Is anyone taking both of these and could you please share with me the side effects and how you are doing with them? Thank you
Cancer Taxol Pain Radiation therapy Avastin Breast cancer Ovarian cancer
Hi Eve,
I have taken both of those drugs during my ongoing chemo...never took them together though. The Gemzar is either fairly well tolerated or you have a bad reaction to it, like i did. Most women have a fairly good reaction to it. And, I had absolutely no bad reaction to the Avastin. It was like i was not taking any drug what so ever, although it perhaps did not do what was expected of it. My guess is in combination with the Gemzar it may work quite well. I don't want to scare you with the side effects i had with the Gemzar because they are VERY rare, most women do well,just the general side effects that you can get from most all chemo. Good luck to you.
In my experience both drugs are well tolerated most of the time; chronic use of Gemzar can also be associated with low platelet counts.
Thank you Ghost 55 and Falcon for replying to my question on Avastin and Gemzar. I had such negative reactions to Adrymycin and Taxol-was wary of these two. Once again I have peace and will just trust that I will do well. Trust you both are doing well. Thanks.
I am presently recieving Gemzar and Avistan therapy, it started in April/2008. I was diagnosed in December 2005 with (R) Breast Cancer with met. to bones. It is an ongoing battle. My side effects to this medication is extreme tiredness, nosebleed, some gum soreness, weight gain and voice hoarness. My treatment was withheld this past week because my platelet count was low. I have been through a couple of other Chemo Therapy treatments which included Taxetare, Tamoxifen, Lasodex and some Radiation therapy in the last 2 1/2 years. All in all I feel pretty good except for the constant pain which is acompanied by the treatments/medications and the areas of the metasesis (L) hip, pelvis, and L2 & L3 spine. I find pain management is a important and necessary key to be able to function in my areas of ADL (Ativities of Daily Living). Jesus Christ is my Saviour and with him him anything and everything is possible, my battle is already won.
Hi had a major side effect from Avastin which effected my heart. I had to be taken off it. But if you can tolerate it , it is an amazing drug. But if you have rapid heart beat or palpatations, cold sweats contact your doctor right away.
Yes, I took both of those after about the same amount of chemo and radiation. I ended up in the hospital because the Avistan (i think) was hardening my lung walls and I had a hard time breathing. When I first started, I could not take it so they cut the dosage in half and then finally one quarter, but it still got me. Good luck. I have been off all medication since August 07 and they put me on Hospice, but I am still going well. I think I will be kicked off Hospice soon.
Darrell
Ovarian Cancer Treatment Improved By Novel Medication
http://www.tealtalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=368
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