Avastin

[Millie-c]

Can anyone give me an idea on what side effects to expect on avastin?? Didn't think to ask the onc what to expect?? I'm hoping it's not as bad as chemo??

Thanks

Mandy

[GBIRVMIC]

Hi Mandy I'm on Avastin, there's a whole host of effects but no way as awful as chemo. I have a constant runny nose, watery eyes, a croaky voice, my legs and feet constantly ache, bleeding gums, metal taste sometimes, extreme fatigue, head aches, dizziness, skin hives around my neck...I think that's it!! I'm coping with it as the way I look at it it's doing me good and killing the Alien! Hope this helps and all the best. Love Michelle xx

[Millie-c in reply to GBIRVMIC]

Oh dear sounds like u are getting every side effect possible. Hope you doing alright with them. Do they last the whole three weeks till the next session or do they gradually get better like the chemo does?

[GBIRVMIC in reply to Millie-c]

Runny nose, headaches and achey legs are constant. My croaky voice is intermittent there's no telling when it happens... I did wonder if Avastin is cumulative as chemo is.. it seems it with me! x

[Millie-c in reply to GBIRVMIC]

Oh dear. I best get some supplies of tissues. I think whatever it brings I will see it as a good thing because of it meaning I'm killing the cancer. I just hope it's kind on me. Xx

[Lyndy]

Hi Mandy

I'm on round 7 of Avastin..generally feel much much better than on chemo. I have had high BP ..so now taking double meds for this and certainly had aches but even these are controlled by painkillers. Sniffles and occasional nose bleeds but all minor. I do get tired but on good days I am up for a six mile walk.

I've just had a break from treatment so that I could have root canal treatment at the dentists...let me tell you I would rather have Avastin any day!!

Lyndall xx

[Millie-c in reply to Lyndy]

Sounds like you are doing amazing lyndall. Thanks for your reply. Xx

[needcurlywurly in reply to Lyndy]

How long was the break please? I think I might have to have same as filling hasn't solved my problem. Thanks x

[Millie-c in reply to needcurlywurly]

hi needcurlywurly,

im not sure if lyndy will see your question?? maybe message them in messages??

mandy

[needcurlywurly in reply to Millie-c]

Thanks. Hope you are finding A vast in ok. Laura xx

[Millie-c in reply to needcurlywurly]

Had 1 session with my carbo:taxol and didn't get any other side effects, so far so good. Hope you are doing ok.

Mandy

[Hidden]

Millie-c, I had 18 sessions of Avastin and had the same runny nose, nosebleeds when you get up. So have neil med rinses to clean your sinuses every day. If your nose gets sore well you can get cream to sort that. Basically tiredness can hit you at any time but have a rest every day. You will get aches but nothing as bad as from Chemo. You will get out and about as usual mostly. I took breaks away in Malaga while on treatment so it doesnt stop you living. It does work so really it is worth taking.

[Millie-c in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply Suzuki. Was hoping to get a holiday soon so good news that it hopefully won't delay a little trip away. Xx

[Gleedy]

Hi Mandy. I have a mucky nose but use Neil med irrigation that I order from amazon. If my nose is sore I get Naseptin from my GP. I've only had avastin without chemo once but think these are definitely avastin related. Luckily no aches for me . Hopefully you would think get the full list. X

[Millie-c in reply to Gleedy]

Hi Tracey, thanks for your reply, I have my fingers crossed I don't get the aches as still have back ache when I walk from the surgery. Xx

[Chamber]

Hi Mandy

Just had number 16 out of 18 avastin.

Side effects I would say are, aching joints, sore nose and tiredness. However, very manageable compared to chemo.

Best wishes

Judy x

[Millie-c in reply to Chamber]

Thanks judy, I'm so hoping I don't get aching joints. Do you rub anything on them to hep or painkillers??

[Millie-c in reply to Millie-c]

*help

[Chamber in reply to Millie-c]

Paracetamol now and again. And I keep moving !

[Amyjo1969 in reply to Chamber]

What is paracetamol. Is it a prescription?

[Hidden]

What I found about the aches were the ankles and knees so took paracetamol and used tubigrip for support when things were bad for a few days. You dont get all the side effects they tell you at all, they give you that info sheet and its best not to google too much

[Millie-c in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Suzuki, good tips. Xx

[Amyjo1969]

I'm on 8th treatment and am so sore from my lower back to my feet. Is there something I can take for the soreness. I love my walks every day but by the evening I can barely move.

[coalole]

My nurse has told me that there should be no side effects with avastin. I will not need any pre-meds and the avastin will be infused every three weeks taking about half an hour. I will also not have any tablets to take at home.

I will need to supply blood and urine samples before each treatment.

As I am on a trial I have been having avastin, carboplatin and paclitaxol every three weeks, and pactlitaxol on days 8 and 15 of the 21 day cycle.

The only side effect I can attribute to the avastin is daily minor nose bleeds - there always seems to be bloody mucus in my right nostril.

I hope this is helpful

Diane