Avastin not working - what happens next?

[microferret]

Hi all,

I don't know what I'm looking for here; perhaps a little reassurance, or perhaps just a clue as to what, realistically, might be in store.

My beloved mum, who will be 70 in a week, was diagnosed with Stage 3 Primary Peritoneal Cancer in the summer of 2015. Since then she's had 2 lines of chemo, with about 8 months of no significant progression in between. She finished carboplatin and caelyx in the spring, and was on Avastin in order to help slow tumour growth; but we got an email from Prof J a few days ago saying that her CT scan wasn't so good this time - so it's coming back, and quickly.

The consultation is on Thursday. I'm being destroyed by the waiting game. I know it's not so long to wait, but every second drags and feels like ten.

What does this email mean? It must be bad. What will the options be? Has anyone had Avastin not work, what happened next? What could the third line be and is there any hope of at least a short period of remission or must I prepare for the worst?

Her being gone seems unthinkable. I try to brush away thoughts of the future but it is hard.

Any experiences that people would like to share are welcome. Especially - but not limited to - positive ones.

[Lyndy]

Just wanted to send you a hug....let's hope the Prof has some answers for your Mum. Avastin doesn't always work but now they have realised they should be able to suggest a different course of action- there are many ladies on here for whom the future looked bleak but who have come through that hard time. Try to have a good weekend- distract yourself if you can. I will have my fingers and toes crossed for you on Thursday XxLyndall

[microferret in reply to Lyndy]

Thank you for your sweet message. I'm hoping for the best.

[Neona57]

Sending you and your mum a big hug. I have not been offered avastin so don't have any knowledge but know there are other treatments out there.

[microferret in reply to Neona57]

Thank you - let's hope that they can offer her something else! I can't bear the way this awful disease seems to tighten its iron grip on the people we love.

[annieH1]

Hi !Avastin didn't work for me either.I had disease progression.I was put on 6 sessions of Carbo and after that because I was BRCA positive I was given Olaparib.Are there Trials your mum can go on,I would ask that of your Onc.Sending you caring thoughts x

[microferret in reply to annieH1]

Thanks Annie. My mum's not BRCA and I think her cancer is platinum resistant but maybe there will be some trials. I guess we'll just have to wait for the consultation. Wishing you the very best of luck with your journey, I've heard very encouraging things about Olaparib (and Niraparib!).

[Karenredding1]

I was on Avastin for about 18 months when it stopped working. Scan didn't show much change but ca125 was climbing. I am now on cysplatin and feel so much better. I hated the way I felt on Avastin! Doxel is probably my next option if I have to stop cysplatin.