I completed my second line chemo in early Feb and this week had my post chemo pet scan. Unfortunately the result is not as good as the first time and the scan shows some cancer in the abdominal cavity, ie basically the chemo was not very effective and there is little change from the pre chemo status. The oncologist says it’s good that it has not gotten bigger, but I expected more. There is also a small volume of ascites in my tummy (nothing I can feel and see). Also, moderate pleural effusion (that was showing on previous scans too), which doesn’t light up on the scan, but no doubt is an effect of the cancer. My ca125 is at 20.
The plan is to continue with Avastin and keep an eye on it, which means another scan in a few months.
I am feeling well, except for some minor Avastin side effects, and trying to enjoy living, but these things constantly play on my mind.
Love to you all
Grace
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I’m sorry it wasn’t the news you were hoping for, but take heart in the fact that you are feeling well. Fingers crossed the Avastin keeps things in check for a nice long while 🤞
I am so sorry to hear that this last Chemo did no good, except maybe keeping you stable.
What kind of OV do you have? Is it high grade or low grade?
Is it clear cell? Are you BRCA negative?
I am not a fan of Avastin, but I am nearly finished with Carbo and Caelyx for my first recurrence, which has knocked the recurrence back.
I have heard that Caelyx by itself can be very effective and it is pretty easy to tolerate.
I am also not a fan of watching and waiting. Even when you feel all right the cancer can be growing and invading organs or lymph nodes, so with your ascites and pleural infusion, I would not feel comfortable with just Avastin.
I would think about other options including a second opinion.
Sorry if this sounds depressing, but I want to encourage you to look at other options. Don’r Wait.
Thanks Linda. I know that the ‘wait and see’ approach is frustrating, especially for the less patient ones, however I also feel that I need a break after the last chemo series. I think jumping from one chemo directly to another is not ideal either. Plus it will give us an idea if Avastin on its own is doing something or not.
My diagnosis was stage 3c, high grade, serous. Btw, does the type matter? Are treatment options different for each type? I am Brca negative.
Being high grade means your cancer is fast moving, but usually responds well to treatment.
But BRCA positive responds even better, but gives you the cancer, including breast cancer, in the first place.
Some women can have their tumour tested for BRCA also, as some cancers have their own weird DNA.
If it tests possible, it can give you even more options.
Please just take a short break.
Our cancers can move quickly when untreated.
The CA-125 marker is not a good marker for you, and with a pleural effusion, I would seek more aggressive treatment sooner rather than later.
You had a year NED on Carbo:Taxol, so that worked for you. Carbo/Caelyx is a lot easier and I would choose that now.
Best wishes,
Laura
Sorry to hear the results wasn't as good as expected, but it does seem the chemo kept the cancer under control for a while.
If you are feeling well then certainly give your body a little break from chemo, some good food, whatever exercise you can manage and build your strength for what lies ahead ... and certainly go and do the things you enjoy, that will take your mind off the worry at least for a bit.
Hopefully the Avastin will keep things in check for you.
It’s disappointing when we don’t get results we want but I suppose the news that the treatment has kept the disease stable is good?. The CA125 is also not bad and you’re not feeling poorly so the potential is there for further options.
I hope the Avastin does it’s job and keeps things steady and you keep feeling ok. Hugs and love ❤️Xx Jane
Oh gracee the avastin does it’s job and you can continue I am sorry for the disappointment but hope you can feel “stable” is ok..
I had scan last week and am praying for stable or less but I shall know on Thursday.( The wait is awful.) I so hope you can enjoy your life without too much pain etc and good luck on avastin and hope it does it’s job. X
Hi, just runny nose and some bone/muscle ache, but not very strong. I can still do everything and move normally, including exercising, gardening, and my favourite pastime- dancing.
Hi Grace. Thinking of you. Yes, a break while keeping a close eye on what may be happening sometimes really helps and gives our immune system more of a chance to recover. Sending big hugs from Australia
All the very best to you. You appear so strong and brave. After OC and chemo, surgery and more chemo, I'm on Avastin with agonising side effects but I'm sticking with it. Ascities was the worst experience of the lot for me, I never knew what I'll was until I had that twice. I had drains inserted which gave instant relief. What a trial we've been through, a war, but stay strong friend. I'm with you all the way. Xx
My as it’s have just been discovered on ct scan and at the moment it must be very little, as I can’t feel anything different. Not looking forward to the day when it becomes painful.
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