Avastin

[27-359]

Just a quick one ladies. I have had two sessions of Avastin added to Carbo/Taxol and wondered if anyone else had suffered side effects of loss of balance and "shaky" hands.

I am moving around like a little old lady (which I suppose I am really!) and am hoping that this is not going to be with me for the next sixteen treatments.

Jenny

[HelenMA]

Hi Jenny,

I have had three sessions of Carbo/Taxol with Avastin and can't say that I've had either of these side effects. Sorry that isn't much help really but it seems that everyone reacts differently to these drugs!!

Helen x

[27-359 in reply to HelenMA]

Hi Helen

Thanks for replying. As you say, no one set of side effects fit all!

[Katmal-UK]

Hi Jenny

I don't recall those side effects when I was on it. Might be worth having a word with your oncologist. Kathy xx

[27-359 in reply to Katmal-UK]

Hi Kathy,

Yes, I am seeing my onc the week after next, and will discuss it then. I hope that the wobbles and shakes might have improved by then.

[LesleyGreengran]

I didn't have anything like that. Avastin made my nose a bit bloody and made me more tired, but that was all, but I had it with carbo/gem

[27-359 in reply to LesleyGreengran]

Hi Lesley

Thanks for replying. Yes I am a bit sniffy and very tired but that is manageable. I am so unsteady that when looking up to hang washing on the line, I nearly fell over!

[Hidden]

I did take a while to unfreeze in the mornings but that passed when Avastin was finished. I was fumbly and putting receipts into tiny wallets at work wasnt easy. That feeling came and went. But also remember the Taxol does affect your hands and feet so that could well be the culprit. Wishing you well, the Avastin did work for me though so all the sinus problems and aches and tiredness were worth it in the long run

[27-359]

Hi Suzuki

Yes, I suppose it could be the accumulative effect of the Taxol as I am coming up to no. five.

I am so glad the Avastin worked for you......it cheers me to hear positive news.

[Lyndy]

Oh that's why I've got shaky hands! I hadn't connected the two ..thanks Jenny!

Just to add to things a bit I also got high BP... So watch out for that but I think it's reasonably rare xx L

[Millie-c]

Hi Jenny, just wanted to wish u well. I just had my first avastin so can't be of much help. I hope it sorts itself out, or maybe have a word with your onc.Xx

[27-359 in reply to Millie-c]

Hi Millie

Yes I will add this little query to the rapidly growing list for when I next see him.

[27-359]

Thanks Lyndy for the BP advice. The good times just keep coming don't they! However I am pleased that someone else has experienced the shaky hand syndrome. Sorry if that sounds a bit insensitive but I am sure you know what I mean.

[Damelza]

Would it be the steroids that you take after treatment, they can make a person shaky amongst other symptoms

[27-359]

Hi Dr

Hi Dr else

I suppose it could be the steroids but I haven't experienced the sensation before and am now on my fourth treatment. The effects could be accumulative I suppose

Jenny

[SusanAM]

Hi Jenny I was on carbo/taxol with avastin for 5 doses of chemo (the 6th was just the carbo/taxol because I was having surgery). I had shakey hands while on the combo. I ended up using a stylus for my phone because I could not type with my fingers. I did not cook because I was too shakey. I finished the chemo and am now on avastin alone. No more shaking.

Susan

[27-359 in reply to SusanAM]

That's really good news Susan. Hopefully when I finish the chemo and am just having the Avastin I will improve too.

[Tesla_7US]

Jenny, I had terrible loss of balance, loss of hearing and quickly grew cataracts. If I bent over at the waist I'd fall over! I started running into doorways and hitting my head on walls in the house whilst going around corners. Please remember that no one gets ALL the possible side effects. Tesla

[27-359 in reply to Tesla_7US]

Hi Tesla

Nothing to do with my post, but I just wanted to wish you all the best for your colon op. next week.

Jenny

[27-359]

Thanks for the reply Tesla (I think!) O have actually noticed that my eyesight seems to be getting worse. Did these side effects stay with you, or did they get better?

[Tesla_7US in reply to 27-359]

jenny, thank you for your kind words. I actually started getting optical migraines from chemo. I think it was from the Cisplatin. I noticed vision problems right from the start of the carbo taxol and eyes keep getting worse even though my chemo finished August 10. I've gone to the eye doctor 3 times in the last 5 months. She tells me chemo is very hard on the eyes and a known side effect. Very important to keep eyes lubricated. The carbo taxol dried them and the lids out terribly. Getting new glasses after my anastomoses surgery. Tesla