Gem/carbo?

[jules144]

Hi all, I start third line chemo tomorrow and its gem/carbo, has anyone had this and how did it affect you? Did you lose your hair?

thanks 😁

Julie x

[Pixiepurple]

Hi Jules144,

I had my 3rd session yesterday & so far no hair loss. I've heard from ladies you don't loose your hair but it thins it a bit. I get tired in the evenings for the 1st week, but besides that all good so far

Best of luck xx

[jules144 in reply to Pixiepurple]

Thanks Pixiepurple, that sounds encouraging, good luck with the rest of your treatment xx

[Doggies221]

Hi, sorry you’ve to deal w a recurrence:(. What type of OC is this treatment for, if you don’t mind sharing? Crossing my fingers it’s easy for you.

[jules144 in reply to Doggies221]

My first recurrence last year was inoperable (on bowel liver and peritoneum) but caelyx and carboplaten shrunk it by 75%. Then I was on niraparib for 9 months but that just stopped working. I was first diagnosed in 2015 with high grade serous 1c, then it came back in 2023! Thank you xx

[Doggies221 in reply to jules144]

Wishing you a very successful and easy treatment, Jules!

[Kjpip]

Hi Julie,

Like Pixiepurple, I've just had my 3rd session. It has made me really tired this week but thankfully nothing like the nausea I had with carbo taxol. I haven't lost my hair either, although I think it might be starting to thin a bit as I'm losing more strands than usual. The worst thing about gem carbo is having to have the day 8 treatment, which makes me feel like I'm always at the hospital!

Good luck, I hope it goes well for you xx

[jules144 in reply to Kjpip]

Thanks Kjpip, the first session as left me feeling ok today, but I guess that's the steroids (so it'll be ok staying up for election results!). Yes it does seem strange that I have to go back next week too. Good luck with the rest of your sessions xx

[NewtonEmma1900]

I have already had carbo/taxol/avastin, carbo/caelyxand Niraparib. I have been on carbo/gem since April and am just about to have cycle 4. This combo for me has been harshest. I only have a few scraps of hair left and I am back to wearing my turbans. It has also been my worst experience of fatigue and being short of breath going up hill. We all react differently to the various chemo drugs though. Sending best wishes for a successful treatment. 🙏

[jules144 in reply to NewtonEmma1900]

Thank you. It sounds like we've had the same treatment except for Avastin which I haven't had. You're right, it seems like we all have different reactions.

Hope the rest of your treatments go well, take care x

[thehusband]

Hi...My wife had this year's ago and was meant to have six lots. It worked very well for her & she ended up having 8. She didn't lose any hair, felt a bit (but not too much) tired at times. All in all it was the best chemo & combo she had. I wish you the best of luck with it.

[jules144 in reply to thehusband]

Thank you for your reply, it's good to hear that it worked well for your wife. xx

[Leniko]

hi – I was on Carbo/Gem but got hives from the Carbo, so they discontinued it after two treatments. I was then just on Gemzar. My hair did thin, but I didn’t lose it. The Gem made me quite fatigued. The Gem alone didn’t work for me, so I hope you do better with it. Everybody is very different as far as what works for them. Best of luck.

[jules144 in reply to Leniko]

Sorry it didn't work for you, hope another treatment did.

I had my hair cut short in case it comes out, not really that bothered though, I had it cut short so it wouldn't be messy if it comes out.

Thanks for replying xx

[Leniko in reply to jules144]

I did the same the 2 x’s I lost my hair from chemo. Less traumatic.

Currently, Immunotherapy (opdivo/yervoy) seems to be shrinking my tumor and lowering my CA125.

[Ljwatten]

Hi Did not lose my hair but make sure you get the support you need phys therapy massages etc