I wrote a couple of weeks ago and said I would update. I had been told surgery wouldn't be necessary for my Ovca after chemo. the issue is that there never was any kind of mass or tumor, and only after my 4th treatment did a genetic test show it was definitely ovca. So I did go to a specialist in gyn-onc and she agreed if it started in the ovaries, why not have them out? So they did a CT scan and put everything together and said in fact nothing had ever shown in my ovaries, no swelling no ascites--the only symptoms were some bloating and mostly the pleural effusions. The conclusion (for now!) is that it actually started in the upper abdomen in the epithelial cells that are all over your organs, and epithelial cells are "ovarian-like" and the cancer is treated the same. It does seem to be working. It's called Primary Peritoneal Carcinoma, for those keeping score... And the layers of cells on my peritoneum essentially are the tumor, so you can't cut them out.
Now as the for the other issue, the first plan was Avastin and Taxol, which no one on this list could make any sense of, but the argument was that the Ovca dose of Carbo is high so the Taxol would be less invasive. But then I got less Stoic about the foot pain and told them how much they hurt sometimes, even though it was intermittent, so they decided to give me a lower dose (6 instead of 7.5AUC with the Avastin for a while, then I guess another CT and keep checking numbers. I got the new treatment yesterday and so far feel fine.
Already a member? Sign in
Welcome to Inspire!
What - Inspire is a place where you can connect with people who share your health concerns and find information and advice in groups sponsored by organizations you know and trust.
Why - As a member you can use Inspire to let friends and family know how you're doing, contact others who share your health concerns, receive personalized updates and information about participating in surveys and clinical trials, and more.
How - Joining Inspire is completely free and usually takes less than a minute. Join now!
Update on questions about surgery and Taxol/Avastin
Explore topics in this discussion:
Taxotere Cancer Taxol Surgery Primary peritoneal carcinoma Pain Avastin Laryngitis
8 replies
- Oldest first
- Newest first
- By Shearaw
- Posted June 18, 2009 at 12:09 pm
- Report post
Wishing you good luck with the new dosing. It is so important for all of us to provide feedback to our docs and nurses regarding side effects, so they can make any necessary dosing adjustments.
- By tg4love
- Posted June 18, 2009 at 12:10 pm
- Report post
Do you know the cell type of cancer you have? I have something that maybe the same, but the important part is the cell. I've been dealing with mine for 13 yr. but the last 3 have been real bad. I am also on Avastin/Taxotere. I'm waiting for my CT results as I am writing this. The wait is terrible especially if you tumor marker has doubled in the last month.
I would like to know of the side effects of Avastin only. I am having nose bleeds from the Avastin right now. The Taxotere has so many side effects, at least for me.
Let me hear from you please.
- By smac5
- Posted June 18, 2009 at 12:23 pm
- Report post
The paperwork says "serous" (I think that's the cell type), although no one has ever told me what that means.
I've also never been on Avastin only, but there are other people who have on the list, so you can look them up. I know it definitely made my nose linings irritated, only a little bleeding but runny nose and laryngitis. Someone on the list suggested lots of saline nasal drops and nose moisturizers like Ayr or Simply Saline. You can get them in any drug store.
I wish I could help more. I was on Taxol and thought Taxotere was supposed to be milder for neuropathy, but never was on it.
My thoughts are with you.
- By smac5
- Posted June 18, 2009 at 12:24 pm
- Report post
Thanks--in the beginning, when I was teaching, I just did what I was told. now that class is out, I'm getting feistier and feel good about it.
- By FavoriteAunt
- Posted June 19, 2009 at 7:29 am
- Report post
Taxotere is milder on neuropathy. I was once switched from Carbo/Taxol to Carbo/Taxotere just for that reason, and it did help.
I'm surprised they didn't give you Carbo/Taxol to start with since that is the norm, but they must have their reasons. Sometimes surgery is not called for and chemo alone is - each case is different. The key is trusting your doctor I hope you get good results and feel good.
- By Laurel-J
- Posted June 19, 2009 at 8:13 am
- Report post
I too had received the usual Taxol/Carboplatin for treatment of my initial ovca. During recurrence, I was given Taxotere/Carboplatin due to the neuropathy. Taxotere has much less neuropathy associated with my treatment. You mentioned you have peritoneal disease.......... did the Oncologist speak of IP thererapy where the abdominal cavity is bathed in the chemo? My best thoughts and wishes are with you as you await results!
Laurel
- By llj
- Posted June 19, 2009 at 9:23 am
- Report post
Praying success for your treatment and soothed feet. Spoil yourself, indulge yourself, that's what my friends made me do while I was going through chemo and thank God for that...
- By zircons
- Posted June 19, 2009 at 11:36 am
- Report post
I had or have primary peritoneal also. I did have surgery because it was all over my abdomen, on the outside of my colon so a part of it was removed and had my ovaries out also. Had carbo and taxol. That was three years ago. Numbers are slowly creeping up. After CT waiting to hear next step. However, I had not symptoms just a CA125 of 128. Good luck with your treatment.
Add to the discussion