Chemo not working

[Vinney52]

Hello lovely people. We've had disappointing news relating to my Mum's chemo which doesn't seem to be doing much after 3 sessions. This has been a shock as I understood her type of OC to be the most common form which should respond to chemo. They are offering her Avastin as her last chance to get her to surgery. However the potential side effects are scary. I haven't come across this scenario and wondered if anyone else had poor iniital chemo results and, if so, what was the next step? We could really do with some good news!

[Trickysite]

I am not on Avastin but many ladies here are on it and coping well. Frankly, the side effects of all these drugs are scary but the medics weigh up the pros and cons and if that is their advice it is probably good advice. The alternative is to go for a second opinion. With best wishes to you mother.

[Ruebacelle]

Everyone is different I was on avastin for over a year and it slowed the progression Good luck

[Morini]

Sorry to hear your Mum isn't gatting the hoped for benefits from chemo.

I've just had my 16th maintenance Avastin (2 to go). For me, the side effects have been a lot less than the chemo. My bloods have always been ok for each dose. I've had lots of joint aches but been able to lead a good life with only over the counter medication.

I always think these things are so individual that they're worth a try because they monitor you well and I can always change my mind and stop.

Hope your Mum gets a positive outcome.

[LesleyGB]

Hi - I was on Avastin for 18 cycles (6 alongside carbo and taxol). My only side effect was being a bit tired and achy, but I led a normal life while I was on it. That was the only side effect, but the list of possible ones were frightening, as were those for the chemo (which only made me a bit tired bald!). I think we have to be warned of the even vaguely side effects just in case. Best wishes to your mum (and you of course). x

[Vinney52 in reply to LesleyGB]

Thanks - yes they obviously have to give you all of the possible information of the upside and downside. It is the discussion around higher risk of bowel perforation which scares us, especially as the disease seems to have spread to the bowel. It is like being caught between the devil and the deep blue sea

[Leniko]

I’m sorry to hear. Can they try another chemo? Avastin kept me in remission for years w minimal side effects. Good luck to your Mum. 🙏

[Frannyfrank52]

hello. I was inoperable at first stage 4 . In June of 2019. My first three months on chemo didn’t do enough and was still not a candidate for surgery however I continued three more months till Nov and was operated on end of month after that did chemo for two months then with Avastin , dropped chemo and was on Avastin alone for two years till I reoccurred then chemo for six months with mixed response. Now on parp for four months and still not cancer free. Hope this helps !

[Vinney52 in reply to Frannyfrank52]

Thanks - good to hear that the chemo did help eventually. Wishing you all the very best with your latest treatment regime.