On Jan 2, 2009 I posted that I might have been in trouble, but the ride was far from over. I have just completed to the day 5 years of Avastin and other coctails which I have had over a period of this time frame. For those of you that responded I thank you from the bottom of my heart, but those that know me know that I have the most positive attitude any one can have. Some one has to be the one that takes us to a cure, and I will continue to do whatever it takes to reach that goal for all of us. Unless there is someone out there that has been on treatment for more than 6 years then please let us know. All I know is that I am and will continue to be the longest living survivor in the WORLD that was on the original Avastin trial and continue to take this drug to this date. I feel very guilty sometimes when I mention this tilte but facts are facts and I'm going to do something about it. Hope, Hope, Hope. As I said I would keep you posted and yesterday I saw my oncolgist and WE decided to take this to the next level. So on Monday I will start a new protocol and I'm sure a lot of you are getting this treatment. Im going to stay with Avastin (I wouldn't take anything without Avastin, not after this 6 year love affair) and Alimta. There are other options available but we all feel very comfortable with this combo, and with my history with Avastin hopefully this will be the next level. It wont matter because Im going to beat this monster again even if they gave me manure with Avastin. 3 times and the beast is out. Keep you posted.
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Longest Living Survivor on Avastin goes to the next level.
- By SKIP1
- Posted January 6, 2009 at 3:11 pm · 31 replies
- In Survivor stories
- Shared with the public
Explore topics in this discussion:
Taxotere Cancer Taxol Acne Surgery Weakness Tarceva Avastin Lung cancer
31 replies
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- Newest first
- By pw
- Posted August 29, 2009 at 5:20 pm
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Wow, I thought my husband had the best attitude out there but yours is unbelievable! He just lost his battle two weeks ago but I wanted to let you know that years back he was on Avastin with awesome results for nearly 3 years and then was put on Alimta and had awesome results for nearly a year and a half and although I am no Doctor, my guess is that maybe those people who have success with Avastin may also have success with Alimta?! Some will have more success than others and do better longer but I wish you all the best with that fantastic attitude!!!! God bless you!
- By claires
- Posted August 29, 2009 at 9:24 am
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Wonderful news. Keep on going. We're all rooting for you.
- By Lucca
- Posted August 29, 2009 at 2:56 am
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I'm happy to hear about your great success with Avastin. I've completed 6 rounds of Avastin and Alimta. I thought my maintenance therapy would be Alimta, but the Doc just told me it would be both. My concern with the Avastin is the spike in my blood pressure and my swollen feet and ankles (they look like pods). Did you have this?
- By salgal
- Posted May 15, 2009 at 3:32 pm
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I have had 2 treatments with alimta/avastin/paraplatin and my primary tumor has shrunk by almost 50%. I have had few side effects....sore mouth, tiredness the first week, Still have hair and have been able to carry on with work and life pretty normally.
- By km1205
- Posted May 15, 2009 at 9:58 am
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Hello,
My sister diagonosed with NSLC stage 4 in Feb 09 she started Avaston with chemo 8 weeks ago. First cat scan yesterday tumors appear to be shrinking!
How are you doing to date?
So encouraging to hear 6 years!
- By MariasFriend
- Posted March 16, 2009 at 2:20 pm
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Congratulations. So happy to hear good news. My friend is now on Avastin.
What is the TV schedule and station. I definitely want to see it, and want my friend to see the interview.
Thanks!
- By meadowbreeze
- Posted March 16, 2009 at 6:17 am
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One more thing
CONGRATS ON YOUR TIME ON AVASTIN.
God Bless,
Linda
- By meadowbreeze
- Posted March 16, 2009 at 6:14 am
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Hi Skip:
I just started Avastin 2 infusions ago and I have it with taxotere and it's kicking my butt. I was so sick this last time around. I'm guessing the taxotere is making me sick. But, then I'm not sure.
Can you share with me any side effects from the Avastin. I know one side effect I have is acne in my scalp. I don't know of any other so far other than the usual nausea, fatigue, weakness, etc.
God Bless,
Linda
- By cynthialcsw
- Posted March 15, 2009 at 9:54 pm
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Whew! Did I need to read your note Skip?...yes! I've been on Avastin since June 08 and last Monday's c-scan showed (progression)growth of the (at least) twelve lung tumors. Two new tumors were discovered. Doc is adding Tarceva tomorrow. This is after fighting this beast for nearly four years with all of the "standard of care" treatments. I still have no symptoms of lung cancer except from the thoracotomy, and high blood pressure from Avastin. I think cancer hates "sassy" people, so Skip, keep "sassin" the beast...cynthia form MO.
- By mare
- Posted March 15, 2009 at 8:13 pm
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Hello fellow Avastin warriors,
Stage IV, been on Avastin 14 months now. Scans this past Friday showed I continue to be stable. HOORAY!
Thanks to you Skip and all those who went before us to help find this drug.
Good luck, and prayers coming your way.
Mary
- By wyvonne
- Posted March 15, 2009 at 8:09 pm
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I'm just curious has how you manage 16 cycles of Alimta. My husband had 3 and is so unwell that he will not do another. I've noticed that on this site there are so many that have done loads of cycles. Our doctor seemed to think that most people could tolerate 4 and at best 8. How are you feeling and what is your quality of life like. Curious!
- By bloom
- Posted March 15, 2009 at 7:55 pm
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How is it going with the Alimta & Avastin? I start this regimen on Thursday and I am a bit nervous about the side effects having already been through 6 rounds of carbo, taxol & avastin. So, I am looking for some good news about the aforementioned regimen. Here's hoping its going well for ya!
- By lung
- Posted March 14, 2009 at 12:07 pm
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hi im lung is there any body out there that has leiomysarcoma on the lungs the persons that had it for the lungest ,thank you
- By jr1
- Posted January 8, 2009 at 9:22 pm
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Hi Barry,
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I try to be positive, but I'm afraid I am not that good at it. My doctor doesn't offer me any good bedside manners, however, as a physician I have faith in his treatment of my Stage IV NSCLC. Because I was told that I basically had no life span, it is hard not to think about it. I am a 15 month survior and I didn't think I would make it this far. You give me so much hope. I can't thank you enough for lifting me up. I feel Avastin has been a big part in my stability right now.
Janet
- By jr1
- Posted January 8, 2009 at 9:22 pm
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Hi Barry,
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I try to be positive, but I'm afraid I am not that good at it. My doctor doesn't offer me any good bedside manners, however, as a physician I have faith in his treatment of my Stage IV NSCLC. Because I was told that I basically had no life span, it is hard not to think about it. I am a 15 month survior and I didn't think I would make it this far. You give me so much hope. I can't thank you enough for lifting me up. I feel Avastin has been a big part in my stability right now.
Janet
- By Richard60
- Posted January 7, 2009 at 8:14 pm
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I was also told that I had 3 months and that it was unlikely that chemo would work. That Oncologist was asked to retire after my wife complained. Apparently he had been slacking on the job for a while and had numerous patient complaints. That was in Hawaii. When we got back to California I was assigned the best doctor in the world as far as I am concerned. I have had various treatments but no surgery. I am on my 15th cycle of Alimta now and have also had Avastin. My CEA is hovering around 2.0-2.3, and the tumors are still shrinking.
I hope you have more good results. We both probably have the same positive outlook, which I beleive is at least 50% of the battle.
Life is good,
Richard
richnjoy@gmail.com
- By peyz33
- Posted January 7, 2009 at 7:45 pm
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Lisa - I got your message - today sucked - how did the scan go???? I'm praying for you !
I love you!
k
- By peyz33
- Posted January 7, 2009 at 7:44 pm
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You have my "awe" and support - you give me hope - and trust me - I just had a pity-party so I want and need some - I read your post and now feel like a total loser - but that's how one grows up - I need to grow up some .........
karen
- By SKIP1
- Posted January 7, 2009 at 7:40 pm
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Hi Stella,
Nice to hear from you again. Thanks for your kind words and support. As I said Avastin and I are having this love affair and it's just time for a new chaperon. I will kick butt but only if we can all learn from it. You keep up the good reports, and G-D bless you on your scan. Just do me a favor walk in wherever your having your scan on your right foot first. It's been my good luck charm for 5+ years and I want to pass it on to you
Love Skip
- By Stellyq
- Posted January 7, 2009 at 7:22 pm
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Hey Skip, two year Avastin survivor here, and as always grateful to you for all that you have done for the cause. I honestly believe without Avastin I would not be here. Going for my three month scan tomorrow.
You go kick Butt!!! We all are praying here!!!
Love
Stella
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