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I have recurrent stage IV and have had 2 Doxil treatments. The first one dropped my CA125 to 28 but after the second treatment it went to 38.2. I get number 3 tomorrow. Is this normal? I know it is not a huge jump but I am afraid it might not be working. Anyone else have this experience?
Hi,
I had 2 treatments but still do not know the results afteer the 2nd. The first dropped my CA from 108 to 91. What was your CA prior to 1st treatment? Have you been in remission?
I have the same concerns as you but have noticed that some people on the site mention that it takes a while for Doxil tor work. We all seem to have less info compared to Carbo/Taxol.
Good luck with the next treatment
GEPI
I was in remission briefly last year after taxol/carbo. I have since had taxotere/cisplatin (no results) then Gemzar where my marker took a jump from 31.8 to 47 in one week.
The lab we are using has normal CA125 at 34 and below.
Yes, this happened to me. I had 8 Doxil treatments earlier this year for a recurrence.
My CA125 started at 116 and after 2 Doxil treatments dropped to 39. After #4 it dropped to 13. But the next month it wet up to 14 and I got suspicious (I know it's only one point, but I know how my body works). Sure enough the one after that was up to 47 and it was 51 after the 8th (& final traetment) I had. It worked right away for me but then stopped.
I've heard different stories about delayed drops or immediate good results, so it's an individual thing. I'd give it a little time to see if the increase is a blip or a trend. I really hope you get good results and wish you the best of luck.
I, personnaly would never use DOxIl. I found that Topetecan would be a better choice.
I have done extensive reseach on our disease.
Guess what, carbo/taxol. First choice
Then, Topetecan.
NEVER DoXIl.
I found that dox., was a cause for demise.
Always reqest, no matter what your onc. says, Carboplatin.
Keep Positive.
Hate to differ with you about Doxil. I for one is in 14 month remission and I also know someone who is State IV is also helping her.
Thanks! That is good news. Always like the positive messages. Keep going!
After recurrence #2, my doc put me on Doxil, once a month. I am happy to report that I had minimal side effects that continued my very good quality of life. Unfortunately, after 10 monthly infusions, my CA125 is starting to creep up and am switching to Avastin and Cytoxin. Anybody else on this regimen?
Hi,
Following my previous post, today I had the 3rd doxil treatment and the results after the 2nd. So after an initial drop in the CA from 108 to 90s now it went up to 170. So if this is confirmed by the next CA my doctor is considering to start me in 3 weeks time with Gemzar/cisplatin/avastin (hopefully insurance will approve it).
How did your 3rd treatment go? Are you continuing with Doxil?
Regards
GEPI
My third treatment went fairly well except for 2 crazy days of 'radiation recall' after the pre-chemo meds wore off. I had some radiation to my pelvic area earlier this year and had pain there with the Doxil.
I have a CT this week and then CA125 next Monday. If all looks good I guess we stay with the Doxil.
Hi,
Thank you. I wish you that it all goes well. I would appreciate it if you keep me posted.
Regards
GEPI
I wish the same for you! Keep me informed as well.
Chris
my carboplatin, gemzar, avastin treatment is not working. dr. wants to change gemzar to either taxol or doxil. any suggestions of what i should do? already had 4 cycles. this is my 2nd recurrence. first line was cisplatin, taxol in ip chemo, 1st recurrence was carboplatin and taxol. any suggestions would be appreciated since my dr. is giving me the choice and i have no idea! pretty scarey....hope there is still lots of choices for the future!!
I have had carbo & taxol first. I was in remission for a few months after that. Next taxotere & cisplatin which did not work. Next navelbine, did not work, then gemzar which did not work. A round of radiation to shrink 3 tumors, now doxil. I feel good but wait for the CT and CA125 results in the next few days to see how it is working.
We are all different and there are many drugs out there. I think it is a shot in the dark. Do not give up. Hope!
Hi gonetothedogs:
I had carbo/taxol/avastin and I went into remission for almost 2 years. I'm stage IV. My CA 125 was down to 10 right after the treatment which took about 3 months. Now my CA 125 is almost 300 so I started doxil/avastin because I didn't want to do the carbo/taxol again because I don't want to lost my hair again, and that's why I chose doxil...apparently you don't lost your hair on it?. I just started today, so I don't know what's going to happen..Hang Tough!
i'm new to the board and very interested in this thread. i am a 2 1/2 year survivor 3C. I receive my 3rd doxil this week. CA went down from 196 to 149 after first treatment.
I had carbo/taxol, 8 month NED, and then gem/cis for 6 cycles that took the CA to 18, allowing me to take a 3 month break before starting doxil.
Looking forward to hearing the updates.
Hugs all around,
Katheen:)
Dear Racewife: I also have recurrent Stage IV and my second line of treatment this past May was Doxil alone. I had 2 treatments and made them take me off it. I developed acietes (7 liters worth in less than a month) and my CA went from 69 to 674. It just did not work for ME. I have read many successful stories from others on Doxil. See what your next CA is and because Doxil is every 3 weeks that is WHY I did not wait. My time is short enough so when it was not working I spoke up. In all fairness one of my oncologist said it takes 4 treatments to really see the benefits but who has that time to spare?? Good luck. (PS my 3rd line of treatment is now Avastin w/taxol which I will know tomorrow how it worked over the past 3 months)
Dear Celestdragon: You have made my day. My oncologist has my head filled and the depression deep in my gut that "you will never see remission once you moved to Stage IV". Well, you prove her wrong. And I will take a positive statement over a negative one anyday. thank you :), Ellen PS: I am on Avastin w/Taxol right now and the taxol made me lose my eyebrows and lashes again but didn't bother my little boy hairdo that is coming in (white Ha Ha). Actually while I was on Doxil was when my first hair, eyebrows and lashes came back.
Hi everyone! I am new to this site and really appreciate all the support. I hope i can bring some to all of you as well. I go today for a heart scan for the doxil. Hope it is okay! I have had taxol in the past and did lose my hair but so far on the gem/carbo/avastin i have it but it has just thinned. sure hoping the doxil works. it is very discouraging, but i appreciate the support and LOVE to hear about all of you beating the time frame! i was diagnosed stage 3 in june 07 and when it recurred in oct 08, my dr told me i had 2 to 3 years at best...i cant get that out of my head, so thank you all!! lets fight:)
You need to get that out of your head! Nobody knows how long any of us have. We are not statistics. We are strong women. Do not lose hope!
I had 3 Doxil treatments and was due to get my 4th one this Friday. The first 2 went well with no side effects but one week after the 3rd one, I had severe breakout under my arms and my hands became very irritated, swollen and painful. I also had a lesion on my tongue. I am still suffering these effects 3 weeks later. So they are switching my chemo. My CA 125 went from 40 to 155 over the course of Doxil treatment so it was not working for me at all. I know it works for some but I guess we are all different and now it is time to move on to something else.
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