Avastin and Olaparib

[Mysticmeg123]

Hi everyone.

I am seeking some advice from this fabulous forum in the hope you can share your experience.

I have been on Avastin since March 2021 and then a combination of Avastin every 3 weeks and Olaparib twice a day since February. I have now come to the end of the 18 sessions of Avastin and will be only on Olaparib going forward. MY CA125 has consistently been 3 for a year.

I am obviously pleased that I don't need to take Avastin any more, but, at the same time, I feel anxious because there is no clear evidence as to whether it is the Avastin that is keeping me stable or the combination of both Avastin and Olaparib.

Has anyone else been on the same regime and now only on Olaparib? Has your CA125 been affected?

Thank you so much in advance for taking the time to read this and hopefully share your experience with me.

[delia2]

Hi. Are you BRCA or HRD positive? That would have a bearing on the effectiveness of Olaparib. If course no one knows the answer to your concern; all we can do is look at data from trials and hope we’re among the ones successfully treated. It sounds like you’re doing really well. Long may it continue! Xx

[Mysticmeg123 in reply to delia2]

Hi Delia2 thanks for replying. I am HRD positive.

[delia2 in reply to Mysticmeg123]

That bodes well for the Olaparib!

[Mysticmeg123 in reply to delia2]

Lets hope so Delia. Are you on this regime?

[Guilane]

Hi, I believe the cut off for Avastin was 18 sessions purely because of funding but this has now been extended to 22 sessions if you fulfil their criteria. If you should want to carry on with Avastin for a bit longer and it’s not too late. I’m repeating here a post I sent to Hidden a few days ago with the info. Here’s the link england.nhs.uk/wp-content/u...

It's on the Cancer Drugs Fund list. The part I come under is page 33 OLAP4_v1.0 (CONT) particularly number 14 (15 months is the crucial sentence regarding length of treatment).

I’m on the same regime as you. I didn't really understand all the criteria so just gave my Onc the info and Hey Presto 22 cycles instead of 18.

I hope this helps. Gill X

[Newbery3 in reply to Guilane]

how dud you tolerate the avastin? Was it as bad as chemo? I'm starting mine tomorrow with my last chemo then every 3 weeks 20 cycles but I'm just not sure of what to expect from it, any advice? Thanks so much Rhian

[Mysticmeg123 in reply to Newbery3]

Hi Newbery. The Avastin was a doddle. None of the horrid side effects of the previous chemo. I had a bit of joint pain but it was really bearable and an ibuprofen usually took the edge off it. I did get nose bleeds initially ( nothing major) but they were very infrequent. Honestly, you will be fine. Its half an hour and that's it. Please let us know how you get on. Good luck x

[Newbery3 in reply to Mysticmeg123]

Awww thank you for mailing back sk quick! 🥰 that's really put my mind at ease, my oncologist is a Debbie downer and every time I speak to her she makes me anxious! If it wasn't for this site I'd be a mess X will let you know how j go

[Mysticmeg123 in reply to Newbery3]

Hi. Its very frustrating when you don't get the reassurance you need. I spoke with my nurses and not my oncologist about the Avastin and they were super supportive and made me feel very comfortable with the whole process. They even gave me the whole bag of saline instead of the little to flush out the port because it made my skin glow afterwards 😜. You will get regular blood tests to make sure your bloods are ok before every infusion. I know not everyone has this, but I also had CA125 checked every 3 weeks whilst on Avastin which was really helpful as it made me feel positive about the treatment. I am sure if you speak to the nurses they will be able to give you more information. Oncologists can be very doom and gloom because they don't want to be guilty of giving you false hope. Everyone's experience is different Newbery and I really hope yours is similar to mine. Please let me know if you need any further information. I can only share my experience with you x

[Newbery3 in reply to Mysticmeg123]

Really helpful 🥰thank you! I never think to ring my nurse as you have to leave a message and she takes about 5 dags to get back to you as she's super busy x thanks

[Mysticmeg123 in reply to Newbery3]

hey there! How did you get on with the Avastin? Hoping all went well 🤞

[Newbery3 in reply to Mysticmeg123]

Hi 👋 I've been ok just floored really, but the chemo is finished now. I have been really emotional though this last few day's 🤔 think it's just because I'm weak, next avastin 22nd so will see how I am after that as I haven't experienced it on its own but it can't be as bad as the chemo 😊 thanks for asking 🥰hope your doing OK? Rhian xxx

[Mysticmeg123 in reply to Newbery3]

you will see a difference once you only have Avastin. Sending you hugs x