Hello Everyone,
I just had a reoccurance after three years NED.
I am now on Carboplatin, Gemzar, and Avastin week 1, Gemzar week 2 and nothing week 3 for six cycles. ONC said Gemzar is hard on immune system and he was right. Week three and platelets are at 40.. Constant bloody nose.
Had Anyone else had this treatment and what results and side effects did you have? There is so much shared info here, often more than we can get from doctors office.
Love and prayers to all
Carol
Hi Carol Sorry to read about your recurrence especially after such a good remission. The good thing is that having had a good remission this usually bodes well for having treatment which puts you back into remission. I suspect that the constant bloody nose will be the Avastin, having had it myself and having the same thing. The bloody nose will subside after treatment stops. All I can recall from chemo is feeling progressively crappier as the cycles progress. I think what with everything going on I'd be staying indoors a lot and the usual advice is to avoid crowds is to be well heeded. I hope you do well. Big hug, Kathy xx
Hi Carol. Yes, the bloody nose is Avastin, and it will stop after a while. But ask your GP or oncologist to keep an eye on your blood pressure: a (fairly uncommon) side-effect of Avastin is interference with kidney function, which can first manifest itself as an increase in blood pressure. In my case my BP shot up suddenly, virtually overnight, after a year on Avastin, which up till then was doing a great job at keeping the cancer in check - so I had to come off it. But I repeat that this is a fairly uncommon side-effect. I wish you well with your continuing treatment.
I’ve had the bloody nose with Avastin too. I also had the low platelets while on Gamzar. I had two transfusions of platelets and two of regular blood while on the Gemzar. Those got me through my 6 months of treatments. I always feel incredibly grateful to blood & platelet donors. I’ve been doing well. I’ve been incredibly busy visiting school all over the country since November. Schools have all been closed here now so I’ve time to take a breath and catch up on things.
A recurrence is awful! It’s such a shock. I found the Gemzar, Carbo, Avastin regimen easier than the Taxol, Carbo, Avastin one. Be very good to yourself during the next six months. 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
Hi Carol. I have not had Avastin, as not funded here, and because I have a genetic blood issue It would be extremely high risk anyway. I have however had Carbo and Gem last year for second line. Gemcitabine is extremely hard on bloods, and I had four blood transfusions over the course of treatment. I also had to have a treatment break. I did grit my teeth and made it through the whole course, but it was hard. Hope this answers your question.
TY for your experience. You are right. The Gemzar is really hard on
blood levels. They dropped quickly after first cycle.
How are you doing now? Hope you recovered quickly and treatment worked.
It’s scary with the corona virus r everywhere.
XX Carol
How can I get relief for ascites?
Integrative? Success with supplements - food choices prolonging remission?
Olaparib question please? 
Losing my resolve and feeling defeated.
