2nd line chemo with carboplatin/gemcitabine - My Ovacome

My Ovacome

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2nd line chemo with carboplatin/gemcitabine

nikki9 profile image
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I have had first cycle of the carbo/gem and have seen about five bruises appear has anyone else experience this and any other side effects. I had carbo/taxol before and although sick and weak didnt have any bruising many thanks everyone hugs to all nikki xxx

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nikki9
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Fitzy profile image
Fitzy

Hi Nikki

I have just had my last dose of carbo/gem and have had problems all along the way with low white bloods/platelets. Have had my chemo postponed at every session, apart from this last one yesterday, so instead of finishing at the end of Jan, I have only just had my 6th dose (with final gem top-up next wk). The gem is known to attach your immune system. The bruises are probably as a result of your platelets being low, which will show up at your next blood test. I was told not to worry too much about this as platelets eventually do come back up on their own. If you have low white blood counts and, like me, have your chemo postponed, you can ask for a 'neulasta' jab to boost your immune system, but I only had these after my 3rd and 4th sessions (didn't know about them to begin with and they are expensive!). Hope you dont need them. I am also on a trial drug which I think may have been exacerbating my side effects so hopefully you wont need any boosters. Good luck with the rest of your treatment.

Colette

Janesunnyside profile image
Janesunnyside

I am about to have my first carbo/gem next wednesday so will let u know how I get on. I have heard one of worst side effects is low bloods

LucyJ profile image
LucyJ

Hello Nikki

I too experienced bruising when on carbo/gem. Last year I started first line chemo in July on carbo/taxol - as you say, sick and weak because of it. After four doses had CT scan prior to operation for Primary Peritoneal (which is treated as ovarian) cancer. The scan showed some shrinkage, but after op (end of Oct) surgeon said it had not been as much shrinkage as they hoped, so in Dec started on Carbo/gem as they did not feel the taxol had done anything for me. But it (gem) did make me really tired and, like you, I had bruising. It was around where the chemo needles had been. My skin sometimes still shows red where bruising was. Have been told it will eventually go, but who knows. Also, although ok after first dose, my next two had to be put back because of low white bloods/platelets. However, my next scan showed no 'visible signs' although probably still there, but nothing big enough to show up. So I have three months hols from chemo! and see the onc again at end of May. Even if I then go back on chemo, I am pleased the carbo/gem gave me this break. I do hope it works really well for you.

Take care.

nikki9 profile image
nikki9

Thank you all so much, my onc did say something about whit e platelets, which I experienced with carbo/taxol, but was so upset the oc had returned so quickly I wasn't taking it all in. I am having 2nd cycle on 20th April, they couldn't give me an earlier date due to Easter. Is carbo/gem any better than carbo/taxol, it seems to be stronger. Good luck and hugs nikkixx

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