How long does it take Avastin to start working? What if it isn't working?

[Cher96]

I finished my chemo on Sept. 17th and had 3 Avastin infusions without chemo (2 with chemo for a total of 5) I had a CA125 test yesterday before my treatment and it went up to 152 from 53!! I'm so totally freaked out. It was lower before surgery, when I had 4 chemos (45). It shot up after surgery to 125 as I was told it would, and then it came down to 53. But now it's higher and I don't know what this all means. Is the Avastin not working? What happens next. I fear the cancer is spreading and I'm not responsive to the medicine. I wish the surgeon had gotten it all, but he didn't. I think I should have a second opinion about surgery, but not sure with who or if they would be able to get any more cancer out with more surgery. I'm so depressed. I was hoping that the Avastin would keep me stable for a while, but I can't seem to catch a break.

Joan (Cher 96)

[Lyndy]

Hi Joan Sorry you are feeling so worried. Don’t forget that the ca125 is a tricky beast and can go up for all sorts of reasons; covid booster? Infection? Inflammation somewhere?

You don’t yet know if this is a trajectory or a blip.

Avastin works by preventing new growth forming blood vessels which allow the cancer to grow. It may well be working for you. Don’t give up yet.

It can cause things like mouth ulcers, nosebleeds and infection in the membrane of the nose (I had this)… so that’s another possibility.

Maybe be have a chat with your CNS or oncologist to see what they think but they may also be guessing.

Chemo has been your friend before, so don’t forget that if the worst happens and it is back, there are other combinations to try xx

[Cher96 in reply to Lyndy]

thanks Lyndy

[SUE7777]

Hi Joan, Just wanted to also mention that not everybody has a CA125 which is a reliable marker, your oncologist should have an idea about this. I had surgery where they didn't get it all and I had Avastin which worked but not completely. There are lots of different options so try not to worry, I know it's easier said than done. Take care Sue xx

[Cher96 in reply to SUE7777]

Thanks Sue have you had any experience with different options?

[SUE7777 in reply to Cher96]

My CA125 is reactive but I know that that's not always the case. Yes I've had other treatments and I know there are more out there plus Clinical Trials. All the best Sue xx

[Ruebacelle]

Only way to know is w a pet scan. One foot in front of the other.

[OvacomeSupport Partner My Ovacome Team]

Hi there Joan

Thank you for your post. I’m really sorry to hear you’re feeling worried and depressed right now. I can see you’ve had some informative replies from other members of the forum community and I wonder if you have been able to discuss the concerns you have with your clinical team?

I wanted to share a resource with you written by The Foundation for Women’s Cancer, a non-for-profit organisation based in the U.S, who support research, education, and public awareness of gynaecological cancers. They published a booklet in 2017 which explains more about CA-125 and how it is used in clinical settings: foundationforwomenscancer.o...

This explains that many different things can cause CA125 to increase or fluctuate and that this marker varies from person to person. On page 7, there is some specific information explaining that Avastin (also known as ‘bevacizumab’) ‘may cause elevated CA125 values despite having a positive treatment effect.’ I hope a conversation with your oncologist will be able to offer personalised guidance on this.

If you would like to talk through anything with a member of the Ovacome support team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call us on 0800 008 7054 or 07503 682 311, email us at [e-mail] or chat with us directly through the forum. We’re here Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm.

Best wishes

Annie

Ovacome support

[Cher96 in reply to OvacomeSupport]

Thank you so much for this message. I have a call in to my oncologist and am waiting for his response. You have put my mind somewhat at ease with the knowledge that Avastin could still be working even though my numbers have increased. My cancer journey over the last two years has been a series of setbacks, so it's difficult to be positive all the time particularly as we approach the holiday season. Thanks again.Joan (cher96)

[Iwillbeatit]

Hi CherThank you for following me. I am sorry to read about your oc after having breast cancer. I feel for you. Sorry Avastin did not work for you. It did for me while I was taking it and for 6 months after. It then started growing again everywhere. I then went back onto chemo again for 6months. Then onto a parp inhibitor which I have now been on for 5 months. I had a scan last Friday and get results on the 15th. I get terrible cramps in my ankles and feet excruciating. I wish you luck keep positive.

[Cher96]

It certainly is a "wait and see" situation for all of us. Sorry about your cramps. I had that with Neulasta. I'm taking magnesium and cramping has gotten better. Not sure it's related. Trying to make the best of it all since I am feeling ok now that chemo is over.

[Hidden]

Hi,

Avastin didn't improve my Overian it didn't work my scan showed slightly enlarged tumors.

My latest meds are three sessions with Cealyx chemo, after eight of these I'm evedently going with Olaparib twinned with another drug to be decided later if all is improved.

I must say I'm feeling quite well with little side effects, I await an updated scan later.