Caelyx and Carboplatin for second line Chemo: Any tips?

[Lindaura]

Hi, me again, Laura.

My daughter is nudging me to ask the forum what they have experienced with Caelyx alone and Caelyx combined with Carboplatin.

I thought I read some posts over the past year complaining of unbearable side effects from Caelyx. But maybe I was confused..,

I will be starting this chemo combo shortly and trying to learn what to expect, although each of us reacts wildly different to these regimes. Any info will help.

Thanks in advance,

Laura

[lorraine71-Australia]

Hi Laura, I have had quite a lot of Caelyx over the last 4 years Caelyx as a single chemo 3rd line treatment and yes some of the side effect were hard , rush and blister , my skin was very dry use plenty of moisturizers, also my lost a couple of toe nails but I did get through the 6 treatment one a month and had good results, all side effects were manageable with the help of your team and the great advice from our ladies,

5th line I had Carbo/ Caelyx and I don't know why this was a lot easier then single Caelyx very few side effects managed to keep my part time job had 8 treatments good results again, Caelyx has been the most positive chemo for me, my history is as soon as I stop my 125 goes up,

We are so different in how we handle chemo I have read on here other ladies who have had Carbo/Caelyx and have found it not too hard so I hope the same goes for you.

Take care Lorraine xx

[Manchesterlady]

Hi Lora

Can’t give any advise on drugs, as I’ve only had carboplatin, but I’m sure the ladies on here will be able to help . Good luck .

Sheila .

[babyboy1]

Hi Lora, I've just finished 6 cycles of carbo/caelyx and have had very little side effects, slight nausea and bit of diarrhea but no skin trouble, neuropathy etc, had scan after 1st 3 cycles, 88% of tumour had shrunk, so hoping after a scan on 22/10 and see Dr on 29/10 hoping all gone! Was 1st on carbo/taxol, felt worse on that, plus it didnt work for me, have found carbo/caelyx very manageable and once more have had very good results!🌻😀🌻

[Lindaura in reply to babyboy1]

Well that’s encouraging! Thanks!

[Bubbles-1]

Hi Laura,

Had the combo caelyx/carbo in the summer and found it very tolerable. Skin rash from the sun (you should be ok now!) slight constipation, tiredness and dry skin but nothing major. Drink plenty of water too. Left with 2 nodes but these shrank whilst on chemo and still shrinking with the parp Rucaparib. Hoping it goes really well for you.

Michelle xx

[Lindaura in reply to Bubbles-1]

Fantastic! Very encouraging.

Thanks so much and good luck to you!

[Hidden]

Hi Laura

I was on that combo a few years back for 2nd line. The side effects of Caelyx were hard to take. Mouth ulcers for one, meant my food had to be blended. BUT, my onc reduced the dose after the 2nd infusion by 10% and it was all tolerable after that. It can give you red and sore hands (the drug colour is red and it shows on your hands - fortunately not on your face or we'd all be looking like Donald Trump).

We all respond differently to these drugs, as you've said e.g. I didn't lose any toe nails (as Lorraine above did).

To me it was all a small price to pay for the splendid remission I'm still in - thanks also to Avastin as maintenance.

My onc said I'd lose 10% of my hair but I don't think it was even that much - no one noticed except me. Diarrhea was always a serious problem for the 1st week - needs treating with a major laxative - don't bother with prunes or any minor treatments.

Judging by what I've read on here, most of us get a good result from Caelyx.

Best wishes. Pauline.

[Lindaura in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for all the detail. That’s excellent news!

[ScardyCat40]

I have just started single agent caelyx last night so also interested in other people’s experiences. I have had my first treatment as an inpatient because I was admitted after coming in for pre chemo checks. Scan is showing table disease but I am having lots of problems with ascities and pleural effusions

[Lindaura in reply to ScardyCat40]

So sorry to hear that you are sufferiystill so badly.

Hopefully the Caelyx will make The ascites and pleural effusion disappear.

Best wishes,

Laura

[Tesla_7US]

Had 6 months of carbo/caelyx with excellent results. I did have side effects. The worst was a blistering, itchy pink rash all over my torso. Had ocular migraines with no pain and bright whirling flashes of light rotating in circles. Ice your hands and feet to prevent hand foot syndrome. Lost 50% of my hair, but still look pretty normal. Do not go out in sun without 100% sunblock!!! My face, arms and legs are now covered in brown blotches and irregular freckles which I've never had before. Floss and brush your teeth well. My CT scan showed large liver tumor and hundreds of seedlings now GONE. I pray this NED lasts!

[Lindaura in reply to Tesla_7US]

Well, the results sound great, but your side effects make for a cautionary tale!

Hope you stay well!

Laura

[Tesla_7US in reply to Lindaura]

The excellent results were worth the discomfort. :).

[babyboy1 in reply to Tesla_7US]

Great News, worth it for NED!XX🌻🌺🌻

[Lewisriley47]

Hi Laura, I found this the easiest of the 3 previous chemos that I have had, I would say though make sure you keep hydrated and keep your skin moistured. Best of luck Pam x

[Lindaura]

Great news,

I am much encouraged and will make sure I am well hydrated and moisturised!

Hope you stay well,

Laura

[Nicky911]

Hi - am on 2nd line carb/Caelyx and am finding side effects manageable. Tiredness and a bit of constipation first week ( alleviated by Macrogol) and as others have said dry skin especially on the hands. Just put lots of E45 on. Hope treatment goes well xx

[Lindaura in reply to Nicky911]

Thanks, Nicky, off to stick up on every recommended moisturiser.

Sounds like this is manageable!

Hooray!

[Minihoncho51]

Hi Lindaura have to say I took that combination for the 6 months and had

No side effects what ever ,some patients are different just stay away from

Any things where you could get infections, stay safe,

[Nictan]

Hello, I’ve had 3 cycles of Caelyx and carboplatin as 3rd line chemo , tummy problems after first one, no skin issues or ulcers thankfully. I’ve just been today for the results of halfway scan and sadly it has not worked at all for me and there is only a trial as a remaining option, no more treatment.

Take heart from all the positive posts from the ladies it has given good results to, hoping it does the same for you too.x

[Lindaura in reply to Nictan]

Oh Nicky!

That is terrible. Are you really sure you should give up on it after 3 treatments?

Perhaps the dose can be raised on the Caelyx?

I have heard that they are experimenting with only Carlyx and dripping the Carboplatin...

Don’t you give up and don’t let your doctors!!!

Also, how about Hycamtan?

Some are trying that with good results...

Best wishes,

Laura

[Lindaura in reply to Lindaura]

This came to me from another lady on Carly’s:

The doctors say this chemo does more of it’s work at the end of the treatment so I am expecting this tiredness to continue until the end .

Please try to ask your doctor to keep you on it.

Good luck,

Laura

[Annr5h]

I’m halfway through my treatment 2nd line and I’ve been great on caelix and caboplatin infact after two treatments my CA125 went down to less than 5. So I’m delighted xx

[Lindaura in reply to Annr5h]

That’s an amazing result! Congrats. Hope it works the same for me.

All the best,

Laura