Rucaparib

[fendweller]

Hi everyone, phone consultation this afternoon after six cycles of paclitaxol and carboplatin, last one four weeks ago, first recurrence ,CA125 down to 14 ,cancer shrinkage .going to start Rubcaparib 2nd week in April, feeling very apprehensive ,side effects sound awful , struggled with chemo, had bad side effects ,legs and feet still painful,so dreading the next fight .Words of wisdom will be greatly appreciated .My husband said I should be pleased and I know it could be worse news , but I can't seem to get a grip ,apologies to you ladies whose news isn't so good, I'm sure you must be thinking ,"what's she winging about " I should be grateful .

[27-359]

I have been on Rucaparib three weeks now, and apart from feeling tired, have not had any side effects. I am wondering if they kick in a bit later.Of course, I don't know if it's working. I hope so, but I am not BRCA.

Jenny

[fendweller in reply to 27-359]

Thank you Jenny ,that's reassuring ,I'm not BRCA either .x

[delia2]

Hi. You have every reason to whine. I couldn’t have faced carbo taxol a second time. I had carbo caelyx and it was easier. Then five weeks til starting Olaparib. I’ve been on it almost a year and it got rid of my remaining cancer. The side effects can be annoying but nothing at all like carbo taxol. If it works it’s so worth it! Be kind to yourself and try to enjoy the next two weeks. Xx

[fendweller in reply to delia2]

Thank you for reassuring me ,I've been worrying about it for a while now , once I start I'll be OK ,its the waiting and wondering that gets me.Cheryl xx

[Frenchhouse3]

Hi Cheryl, well done for getting through the awful chemo again, you have done brilliantly and have a nice low CA125.I’ve been on Olaparib for 15months now and it’s nothing whatsoever like Chemo.

You may get odd little side effects but these are usually only minor.

All the very best to you xxxxxxxxxx

[fendweller in reply to Frenchhouse3]

Thank you, I have to admit I'm dreading it ,but will be better once I start , thank you for your reassurance ,I'll try to stop fretting now.Cheryl xx

[Frenchhouse3]

Hi Cheryl, I think it’s very normal to be anxious and fretful because it’s new. I was terrified too , especially as I don’t like swallowing pills. My husband told me to take a large gulp of water with each one and it works!

I do get loose sometimes but that may be due my stoma.

Most side effects are very mild and they wear off in a relatively short time.

Lots of love and a big hug.

Xxxxxxxxxx

[fendweller in reply to Frenchhouse3]

Thank you ,I'm starting to feel calmer about it now ,I'll be better once I start ,rather than wondering .xxCheryl

[Lizzieanne]

I got myself in a state over starting Rucarapib at end of December. Really havent had any problems. Do think I dont have as much stamina, had slight nausea but did something to take my mind off it so didnt need medication, do have sluggish bowels but take Movicol or lactulose. I dont know if its working. Had a PET scan and no sign of my bone mets but two lymph nodes were highlighted in my chest and my team think this could be because of my Covid vaccine. Just pray it is. Hopefully you will be ok as do understand some ladies have struggled with the side effects. Let us know how you get on and good wishes x

[fendweller in reply to Lizzieanne]

Thank you for your good wishes ,knowing that you ladies are coping with it OK really helps , the information about side effects sounded dreadful ,like chemo but with no breaks , just want to get started now. XxCheryl

[JustKBO]

Hi there I have been on Rucaparib for a year and it is so easy compared with Chemo. After the first month Although I felt ok my bloods showed it was adversely affecting my white platelets and cholesterol so they lowered my dose and it’s been fine since then.

Fatigue, difficult bowels, mostly wind 🙄 are my only issues so I’ve experimented with what and when I eat which has improved things and if I need 40 winks at any time I just take them.

I take the tablets mid morning and bedtime and have no nausea. I get very thirsty and make myself drink lots of water.

Don’t be anxious about taking them I thank God for them every day and just pray they continue to work for me. Good luck x

[fendweller in reply to JustKBO]

Thank you for replying , I know everyone's different but that's made me feel so much better ,bring it on .xxCheryl

[Pianoplayer731021]

Hi Cheryl, I’m BRCA negative also. I have been on niraparib since last July. I’ve had to stop it twice because of low hemoglobin and now my liver enzymes are high. They take you off for a week and then check your blood again to see if you can start it up again. I had the Pfizer vaccine and I am supposed to get my second one done today. That first shot has made my leg muscles so achey. I talked to the nurse yesterday and she still advised me to get the second one. I’m not looking forward to it at all. All this medicine pumping through me, you wonder about any of this stuff. Anyway, hope you do ok with your new treatment. Just remember, we can complain on here and we have many ladies with good listening ears. Donna xx

[fendweller in reply to Pianoplayer731021]

I was wondering about the liver and blood problems ,I'll just have to wait and see how it affects me .I've had a couple if people tell me they didn't have any symptoms after their second vaccination ,but they both had the Oxford one ,get it done with ,hope it will be easier this next timeCheryl x

[win_56 in reply to fendweller]

Cheryl, I started on the highest dose 1200mg but my platelets and Hemoglobin dropped significantly and had to have blood transfusions, and now down to 600mg the past two weeks, Went for consultation today re bloods and they bare holding!

[fendweller in reply to win_56]

I've been told I'll be on two tablets a day ,but don't know has many mg that is , oncologist did say he would reduce the dose if I had problems . Hope you improve on the lower dose .xx Cheryl

[Pianoplayer731021]

Thanks Cheryl!