Avastin

[Lorent]

Hi Ladies, feeling a little confused at the moment, I start my chemo on Tuesday , carbo/ taxol, my first gyn oncologist said I would have avastin also, which I at the time was ok with that, then went to see oncologist at my local hospital were I will receive my chemo, she said that she would not be putting me on avastin as she didn't see the benefits of it for me, I said I would go with what ever she thought best, Then I get a call from my cns at 6.30 this evening to say the oncologist has decided I will be given avastin, don't understand why a few days before she has had a change of heart. What do you ladies feel about this drug?

L x

[Bobbyo1]

I was on avastin for eighteen cycles at three week intervals and I was fine and it was working the only reason it stopped was because of funding now I having six sessions of carpalatin on last treatment 13th June let you know what happens but if they decided for you to have avastin go for it

[Lorent in reply to Bobbyo1]

Thanks Bobbyo for your quick reply, reading up on the side affects, so not looking forward to them , do let me know how you get on, will keep you in my prayers

L x

[Katmal-UK]

Hi, I was on the Avastin trial back in 2007/8. Had Avastin every three weeks for a year during which time I worked full time (had a day off every3 weeks for the treatment then back to work the next day). The only real side effect I had was a 'snotty' nose. Went through boxes of tissues! I was in remission for four and a half years. Id definitely say if your offered it take it. I wish you well xx Kathy xx

[Lorent in reply to Katmal-UK]

Thank you Kathy, I have spent today reading the post sent to me by you wonderful amazing ladies, I will go ahead with the avastin, hope to sail through it like you

Take care

L x

[harpist_UK]

I had Avastin for the last 3 cycles of my carboplatin/taxol treatment and now continue with it on its own till 18 cycles completed. It is not classed as a chemo drug but as a biological therapy and deprives any remaining cancer cells of blood supply. It has much less in the way of side effects - doesn't affect hair growth, for example. The only issue I've had with it is raised blood pressure (this is common on Avastin) and stinging in the nose from time to time. The infusion only take an hour so it's not a marathon to go to the hospital for it. I think if you get offered Avastin you take the chance, but remember everyone is different and your treatment is tailored specifically to you. It is not available everywhere, sadly, and some fight to get it. I feel very well, by the way!

[Lorent in reply to harpist_UK]

Thank you harpist, hope you will carry on feeling well, , best of luck with your remaining treatment.

Take care

L x

[harpist_UK in reply to Lorent]

Thank you - fingers crossed you beat it into submission too!

[LesleyGreengran]

I was on avastin for 18 months and then the cancer started coming back so they took me off for a complete break before I started chemo again. In had few side effects, mainly nose oozing blood in the morning but that went away after a few months. My blood pressure and kidneys stayed ok. Everybody varies a bit in their reaction to it. I did have more energy after it was stopped. I'd go for it again of it was offered but there's no funding now after first line.

[Lorent in reply to LesleyGreengran]

Thank you Lesley , I will start receiving it next Tuesday, hopefully all is not as bad as I am thinking,

Take care

L x

[giovannabett]

I think that Avastin worked for me but the combination of Gem and Avastin gave me spontaneous nose bleeding and decisions were made to stop any form of maintenance drug of Avastin that I would otherwise have had. Gio

[Lorent in reply to giovannabett]

Thank you Giovannabett, will start Tuesday , probably not feel so anxious once the first one is out of the way,

Take care

L x

[valo]

Hi. I had A vast in with my 6 treatments of chemo , now having 12 3weekly treatments on its own. It had good results from trial, I am grateful to have been offered it as I know because of funding certain post codes are denied it. Had no side effects so I would say. Go for it. Good luck

[Lorent in reply to valo]

Thanks Valo, I will be starting chemo Tuesday along with avastin, think I'm just nervous of what's to come,

Take care

L x