GemCarbo with Avastin

[giovannabett]

Is anybody else on these. My prognosis isn't wonderful but I have a very fulfilling life. Hoe is anybody else coping with this combination?

[Whippit]

Hello Giovannabet

I finished that chemo combination at the end of February and remained on maintenance Avastin until earlier this month. How are you feeling? Are you tolerating the initial onslaught OK? I found the first dose was a bit of a shock but my body soon adjusted and I had very little in the way of side-effects except to feel tired towards the end of the course.

I hope it goes well for you. You made me very happy saying you have a fulfilling life. That's the main thing isn't it for those of us with a not-so-good prognosis.

Last Saturday I went to a show in London and I laughed my socks off for over 2 hours. I've never laughed so much in my life. At the finalé I jumped up along with the rest of the audience to clap and shout and generally show appreciation. What really shocked me was 2 hours of laughter and focus on a great show took away all pain and stiffness and I strode out of that theatre and home with not so much as a limp.

Quality of life is indeed is a very important factor. It doesn't necessary keep us alive but boy does it make things better!

Sending you love and hugs. Let us know how you're getting on with the Gem/Carb Avastin combination.

xx Annie

[giovannabett in reply to Whippit]

Thank you SO much, what a lovely reply. Maybe the consultants have to draw a bottom line to help you take in news that is really shocking, I ALWAYS feel good and I am never inactive, tired or down but it is strange that cancer is determining my future!! Your reply about the treatment course is so wonderfully reassuring.

Thanks

[Hidden in reply to Whippit]

Hi Annie, well your reply brightened my evening. It is great to get out and have a laugh and a good one at that. In the summer I met a cousin who didnt know I have cancer and I never mentioned it to him. It was so refreshing meeting someone outside your life and not having to discuss medical issues. Ironically enough he runs a mobilility and medical aids business. So I never got to ask him for family discount. I know I will have to apologise to him but I did enjoy the chat talking about relatives etc but it did me the world of good. I am just on the Avastin at the moment, back to the onc in January and ct scan then Feb or March. I hope your next treatment goes ok and that you get a long break. Best wishes

[Whippit in reply to Hidden]

It's good to get out of our usual routines. My near neighbour's husband died recently so I invited a neighbour in for coffee. Up till now we'd passed in the street walking our dog and had exchanged a few words.

We found so much to chat about and didn't stop chatting and laughing for nearly two hours - not least of all sharing our perceptions of some people in our road. It did us both good.

xxx

[giovannabett in reply to Whippit]

I have had my birthday today, know that the treatment is just round the corner but I know the Headland Unit at Treliske well, so apart from my veins dropping, hopefully I take it on the chin, I will submit a progress report!!!

[Whippit in reply to giovannabett]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Hope you have a great one. Forget about treatments and enjoy the day!!!! xx

[giovannabett in reply to Whippit]

I certainly did!! Thanks a lot for the good suggestion!!

[HopeP]

I'm on this combo as second line, just got through fourth cycle and apart from tiredness feeling quite good! Bit nervous about the Avastin as an ongoing treatment but planning a holiday three weeks to the day after I finish the chemo so I have something to look forward to.

Do hope you cope ok too. Best of luck x

[giovannabett in reply to HopeP]

I like your spirit. I am due to start the course on Monday 8th December 2014. Hoping to go to friends in Norfolk for Christmas if treatment times permit.

[EilyEire]

Im on this at moment 8 cycles 3 to go, all goin good TG, tired for about 3 days after ,no nausea ,so not to bad good luck

[charleee]

Glad you are living life to the full, thats what keeps us going. xxx

[Hidden]

I had Gem with Avastin for six months and now on Avastin only. Have sinus troubles and tiredness. I know the Gem didnt like my white cell and decided to attack them but I got through it ok. My hair thinned. Would you believe I came across a pre surgery and chemo photo today, must have been taken 16 or 17 years ago. I looked at it and thought oh that was when my hair was thick. I am on this for control and hope for the best. Like you, I am able to get out and lead a good life. I went back to work in June, I do 12 hours a week. You have to concentrate and the time frame is just enough to do it without too much stress.

I was able to get away in Sept as long as it wasnt a long flight and I wore flight socks. So all in all cant complain

[Whippit in reply to Hidden]

Just goes to show, with a bit of luck we don't have to give up on holidays, trips and treats. I'll start my 3rd line of chemo after February some time and have been eyeing up my ski boots wondering whether I shouldn't have one more little schuss. xx

[Hidden]

Well Annie, why not, if you are well enough to go and enjoy skiing or even go and stroll around like my daughter does of course book it. My daughter fell once and never got back up on skis after. She broke her thumb. She goes off with the pals and reads a book or walks around while they are on the slopes