Update from Laura for whoops! bad news:

[Lindaura]

Well, after my CA-125 rose from 10 to 69 in the 3 months from my first post treatment check up, with no symptoms and feeling like the poster girl for great health after treatment, I was too stunned to wait and see until my arranged Oncology appointment on 15 of October and CT scan on 7 of October,

So I had another blood test run this Tuesday.

Results came back Friday morning. CA-125 rose to 101 in a week and a half.

So, there I am. Pretty certain I am on my way to a recurrence.

Suddenly, I am not in a hurry for treatment, but resigned to having it.

Therefore, I have decided to spend the next three weeks preparing. Getting my finances in order for our little business and taking care of all the maintenance jobs involved.

Also planning to splurge on restaurants that have an interesting Vegan menu, as I know I won’t be into eating later on.

Have let my family know what might be happening. I really can’t think of any other cause for the rising CA-125 levels.

One good thing, is that I am BRCA1 positive, so I am confident that treatment will be successful and that afterwards I can go in Olaparib.

Downside is that I have a weird blood syndrome that causes my bone marrow to get very depressed during chemo and I am worried about the Olaparib causing the same problem, and I want to be on it forever, but I don’t want to keep having blood transfusions for the rest of my life...

Meanwhile, I am in great shape now, so I do not expect to be as disabled this time as I was on first line, and I know how to fight the nausea and indigestion. Shame about the hair though...

Best wishes to you all,

Laura

PS: any hints about Olaparib side effects, let me know!

[Maxjor]

Hi my friend---as many have said--that feeling when you know you are recurring (or strongly suspect) is just not a good one. I won't forget mine any time soon. Anyway--I ended Carbo/Caelyx in March and had very minor "stranding and "sand" left--oncologist said he thought my immune system might mop it up but got me on Olaparib starting in April (In the U.S., oncologist has to tell insurance company you had "successful response" to chemo which my oncologist said I did) and 3 months later on Olaparib, I was NED. They actually said those words....that was July. I have had a few blood tests and two scans since and yesterday got my results of my latest blood test and it's 5--holding steady at 5 for a couple of months now. I am BRCA2. My side effects do not stop me from doing ANYTHING. I work close to full time, socialize, exercise (religiously) daily--swim mostly, spin sometimes, walk all the time--and really think that helps the side effects. You should get a prescription for a stomach pill (the kind they use for GERD) as if I forget to take it, I get bad heartburn-and taking it, nothing at all, then fatigue--but nothing near as bad as my immunotherapy trial so I just grin and bear it, and joint pain. Its intensity can vary and I believe humidity exacerbates it, so hoping the autumn weather will help. But with all this complaining, I am HAPPY and feel great to be NED and LOVE not going to hospital for IV chemo and 6 weeks between blood tests! So for now, I am a big fan of Olaparib and hope you have similar results that continue for a long time if not forever! I was so afraid to start but it was unfounded. Wishing you luck on this journey and know that the chemo is slightly easier to tolerate mentally knowing this is what follows. I assume you will be on a maintenance dose? oxoxoxo Judy

[Lindaura in reply to Maxjor]

Thanks Judy,

Thanks so much for your speedy and life affirming response.

That makes me feel a whole lot better,

Thanks so much.

Gratefully,

Laura

[Seasun36-uk in reply to Maxjor]

Thanks for your informative post Judy....and the reminder about (daily!) exercise 🏃‍♀️🏊‍♀️🤸‍♂️🏋️‍♂️ I needed that reminder! 🙂 So pleased that you are doing so well xoxo

[mumclark]

A girl afte my own heart! I hope is isn”t a recurrance buti if it is you are ready to smack it in the face and stamp it out!!

Enjoy every day but on a bad day just go with it!!!

Hoping you get good news!

Love Cheryl x

[Lindaura in reply to mumclark]

Thanks, Cheryl,

But really can’t think of another explanation.

Still optimistic though,

Best wishes,

Laura

[Katmal-UK]

Hi Laura. Firstly Im sorry to hear you are facing a recurrence. You may not lose your hair btw, I didnt when I had my 2 recurrences. As for Olaparib, well Ive been on it for 4 yrs 9 months now, NED with CA125 holding steady at below 3. Few side effects, mostly occasional dizzyness, nausea and some loose bowel issues but thats probably about it. I still work full time, albeit reducing soon to have more 'me time' lol. Good luck going forward xx Kathy.

[Lindaura in reply to Katmal-UK]

That is fantastic news, Kathy!

I hope I will do just as well.

Thanks so much,

Laura

[Kryssy]

It's strange how we seem to know before any tests that the beast is on the march again or that the chemo has stopped working. Shame most of us didn't have any of those feelings when those very first cells in us decided to go mental. I like your attitude, Laura. We get less scared as we go along. Now, for me, it is what it is whereas this time last year I was pooping myself. Actually, wouldn't mind pooping myself today bearing in mind my dilemma. xxxxx

[Lindaura in reply to Kryssy]

Hi Kryssy,

Read about your latest agonising symptom and how even your beloved adopted country has let you down.

It is very disheartening, when our doctors, whom we depend on so heavily to look out for us, let situations like this, that cause such pain and danger, to continue, even when we have told them that something severely wrong is happening to our bodies.

I hope your recovery is swift from this latest catastrophe.

Kind regards,

Laura

[Seasun36-uk]

Hi Laura,

You were one of the first ladies that I ‘met’ on here & you don’t feel far away, as I am in Glos & you are in Bath!

I think your plan of preparing things sounds good.

I hope it isn’t...but if it is, you will be ready and in a good place health-wise.

Enjoy some lovely restaurants! 🥗🥘🍸and keep exercising 🔆🔆

Linda xoxo 🧡💛🧡💛

[Lindaura in reply to Seasun36-uk]

Hi Linda,

I hope you are doing well.

Where exactly do you live? Are you close to Bath?

Happily, after my first 3 month check up when I was totally clear, but still suffering from aching legs (still suffering from achy legs and joints, left over from chemo), I took my daughter back to the states to visit family for ten days.

It was great and all had been fine since our return, except for this hitch, which was just unexpected, because I had convinced myself that I would be one of the lucky ones and not experience a recurrence.

Now, I feel hopeful that treatment with Olaparib will keep the cancer at bay, if indeed this is what is happening- after second line treatment.

Where have you been treated?

I have the RUH in Bath.

Hope you will be a lucky one!

Laura

[Nancy222]

I admire you for the way you're preparing for whatever comes up. Hugs.

[Lindaura in reply to Nancy222]

Hi Nancy,

Thanks for your happy words.

How are you doing over there in Toronto?

Hope your latest treatment was successful.

Say hello to your hubby for us,

Kind regards,

Laura

[Nancy222 in reply to Lindaura]

Hi Linda,

I go for my 3rd Caelyx treatment on Friday. So far, so good. I seem to be tolerating it well. Hope it continues. Feeling fatigued so I rest a lot.

We've had really hot and humid weather. Can't wait for autumn weather to kick in.

Hope things are going better for you.

XXOO

[Lyndy]

Hi Laura

I know that recurrence is depressing...my ca125 did a very similar leap.... but that was in January and I am still not on treatment yet and feeling well.

Mine has come back in 3 lymph nodes and so far they haven’t impacted on my health.

Soooo you might be able to spin things out depending on what exactly is happening inside...my Onc team are chilled about delaying my next treatment and I have used the time to look at trials xx

[Lindaura in reply to Lyndy]

Gee, Lindy,

I don’t think I could wait with 3 lymph nodes affected.

I’d rather get treatment and go onto Olaparib to keep future recurrence at bay.

Glad you are feeling good now, but my opinion is, it’s time!

Be well,

Laura

[Clearcell-lady]

Hi Laura,

Keep your fighting spirit in top form and you will achieve much. Thinking of you and glad you are planning to organise better your affairs. It always helps to have a firm focus. Best of luck for your treatment.

Maryanne

[Lindaura in reply to Clearcell-lady]

Dear Maryanne,

So glad to hear from you!

Hope you are doing well.

Please post an update as we would like to know how you are doing and what challenges you are facing, if any.

Thanks for your supportive words.

Kind regards,

Laura

[Manchesterlady]

What a wonderful attitude . Wishing you all the best luck

Love Sheila xxx

[Lindaura in reply to Manchesterlady]

Thank you, Sheila,

Hope you are doing well also.

I fon’t Know if positivity helps, but it doesn’t hurt!

Wishing you well,

Laura

[Katiebairdie]

I like your attitude, getting ready for what might happen.

There have been lots of good outcomes for ladies on olaparib. I was on niraparib for 9 weeks and it did affect my blood. Had a transfusion (3 pints) and onc told me to stop the drug immediately. Also advised olaparib would have the same effect. Saying all that we are all different and I will try anything that I’m offered.

Best wishes

Kathy x

[Lindaura in reply to Katiebairdie]

Dear Kathy,

Good to know and also depressing. I am hoping they will give it to me anyway and just give me periodic transfusions.

My bone marrow snapped back to its usual self after my last Chemo, so I am pretty sure that it can snap back again. But that will need to be monitored.

I wish there was an antidote for red blood cells like there is for white cells (neurlasta).

Maybe there is.

More research, I guess, before I see the team.

But thank you.

How are you doing now?

Best wishes,

Laura

[Lindaura in reply to Katiebairdie]

Update on my research about anaemia and PARP inhibitors.

I read about the treatment monitoring for anaemia and they say, yes, stop treatment, but only for a short time, letting your blood recover with the transfusion, but then start it up again, perhaps at a lower dose.

The benefits of Olaparib far outway, receiving a transfusion once a month and you will need to be monitored anyway.

So here is the article:

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi...

Please read it and take the appropriate secrion with you on your next Oncology appointment.

Best wishes,

Laura

PS: that’s my plan.

[Katiebairdie in reply to Lindaura]

Thanks, worth a try

[Ge0rg1na]

Bloody CA125! Our lives used to be so trouble free before we got cancer. When we felt well, we enjoyed our good health now though we can't enjoy feeling well as that b***** marker brings us back to our new reality. I suppose that's why we become stronger, mentally, especially when we can share our fears and frustration with other sufferers who understand. Let's hope for miracles that it's down again in your next blood test! Gina

[Lindaura in reply to Ge0rg1na]

Dear Georgina,

How are you doing now? You have had such a rough time of it for the past 8 years!

Please post an update for us.

Thanks for your support,

Kind regards,

Laura

[Ge0rg1na in reply to Lindaura]

Done but it doesn't reflect how well I feel, apart from the itching! Gx

[Coldethyl]

Wishing you well - your attitude is amazing and will stand you in good stead should you need further treatment soon x

[Lindaura in reply to Coldethyl]

Thanks,

Ethyl,

Hope you are doing okay.

Keep smiling,

Laura

[Hidden]

I was told CA125 can rise for all sorts of reasons, it is just a number. Wait until the CT scan results before you come to any conclusions. Good luck. Lyn xx

[Lindaura in reply to Hidden]

Dear Lyn,

Because I have no symptoms, no pain, digestive complaints or any other signs of illness, the sudden rise of my CA-125 from 10 to 101 is kind of indicative of recurrence. Your CA-125 can rise because of some kind of bowel or stomach inflammation, but I have none of these. Just a rising CA-125, and I just think it is prudent to prepare myself for what comes next.

The ladies here have all given me pointers and I have continued to research all this, so I feel pretty good about planning ahead.

Hope you are doing well,

Laura

[jdm600]

Dear Lindaura, I am new to this site and don't post much but read your stories frequently. I am hoping and praying for the best for you! Your attitude is awesome! Don't forget to try to keep moving. I hope you can take supplements/whole food vitamins that help a lot with side affects. God bless.

[Lindaura in reply to jdm600]

Thank you for your kind words.

Have you posted a question about your own health yet?

Kind regards,

Laura

[jdm600 in reply to Lindaura]

Hi Lindaura, No I haven't posted about my health. I am the healthiest 65 year old that I know. But in June I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I was totally freaked out as I have never had a surgery!!! So I had a successful surgery and now doing 6 cycle chemo, Carboplatin and Taxol. Have had 3 cycles so far. Dr caught it in early stage (2b) because I had horrible pain, ovarian torsion. She said my pain was my blessing. I am very thankful. I remember my husband and I were so afraid.

[Lindaura in reply to jdm600]

That’s great news, despite the horror of your diagnosis!

You are doing okay? Not too many side effects?

Good for you,

Best wishes,

Laura

[jdm600 in reply to Lindaura]

I am doing ok. The greatest side affect for me is severe leg pain. Some fatigue but the whole food multi vitamins help a great deal, I'm sure. 2 days before the mass was found, we had adopted an 11 year old boy who has lived with us since he was a baby. So we are trying to keep life normal, that's the one word I found myself crying over...Normal. And I feel bad complaining at all because you Strong ladies deal with so much and you just keep right on going. So I say, "Hooray for you".

[January-2016-UK]

You may not have to start treatment for some time if there's nothing or very little to be seen on the scan, so you may continue to be the picture of health for sometime to come. I agree with you about not being so disabled as first line; you know more about what to expect and are able to deal with side effects.

[Lily-Anne]

You may not have hair loss on treatment this time it depends on the drug and the route.

I had CA125 that rose and fell so have you another test booked? I was told a minimum three week gap between tests for them to be accurate. I’m guessing it’s a good indicator for you?

My CA levels used to stress me out. As you’ve got a few weeks before your scan anything could happen. It could easily reduce

What is your plan for after the scan? I was given a choice of options/scenarios and wish I’d put some thought into it so I was prepared.

Are you serous g3?

LA xx

[Lindaura in reply to Lily-Anne]

Hi, Lily-Anne,

Thanks so much for writing!

I am High grade serous, Stage 3 after diagnosis.

My CA-125 was a great indicator from the onset.

From 3000 down to 9 at the end of treatment in March.

10 at the end of May.

69 at the end of August.

101 - 2 week’s later.

I am planning to get another test in 2 week’s, scan in 3 week’s, Ongology team a week later.

If my scan shows nothing, but my CA-125 goes up consistently, I will opt for Chemo. As I am BRCA1 Positive, I will get the same chemo, Carbo/Taxol, but I will ask for less Taxol, because of the neuropathy.

I expect treatment to be successful and am planning to go on to Olaparib forever.

Fingers crossed this all works.

Fingers crossed your treatment gets better.

Kind regards, Laura

[delia2 in reply to Lindaura]

Hi. There's a trial called Athena that's testing parp inhibitors and immunotherapy as maintenance after first line chemo. They're doing it at UCL as well as in the US. I'm not sure you'd be eligible because 6 months have elapsed since chemo but you might check it out.

[Lindaura in reply to delia2]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[Hertsmum]

Hi Laura

Sorry to read of your poss recurrence but glad that you sound so positive and have a plan you believe in - that’s half the battle!

As you can see from Kathy’s post Olaparib can have amazing results so here’s to you being in that group!

Good idea to get organised and enjoy FOOD over the next few weeks. One of my joys in life but now on liquid diet. Yours on chemo won’t be so restricted but I know it badly affected my tastebuds and lots of fav foods didn’t taste right.

Love & hugs

Madeline. Xxx

[Margiedolly]

Dear Lindaura, sorry to hear about your ca-125 scores. I do have good news, though, regarding Olaparib side effects!

I've been on Olaparib for 5 years, and I can say the side effects are small compared to Taxol/Carbo! The worst is the nausea, but that's easily resolved with Zofran and/or Marinol. I've had aches & pains in joints, but these are from my osteoarthritis, which I had 10 years before my treatment began for ovarian cancer. So, all said, my side effects seem minimal.

Best of luck to you, good thing you're staying on top of things!

💖Margaret

[Lindaura in reply to Margiedolly]

Thanks so much fo this , Margaret,

I have plenty of anti-nausea drugs!! Good news about Olaparib is giving me a boost.

Do you still get regular testing, even after five years?

Best wishes,

Laura