Avastin

[cerise]

Hi everyone

I wondered what anyone's experience was of Avastin? It's been suggested to me but as I feel I'm doing well (chemo,op, chemo) I'm not convinced that the benefits out weight the side effects etc. Decisions, decisions!!

Thanks, Sue

[Hidden]

Hi Sue,

It is not an easy decision to make..but you need to speak to your oncologist or specialist nurse more indepth about this....I don't suppose they would suggest this if they didn't think it was of benefit to you...."Spanishanna" was on this for a long time with success (you could look her up) or speak to Ruth Payne on 0845 371 0554 best wishes x G x

[cerise in reply to Hidden]

Ha, at meeting on monday, he gave me one sheet of info and four of side effects, then expected me to consent there and then! I have a list of questions for him to answer first.

Many thanks for replying.

Sue x

[Coco]

Dear Sue

I had Avastin and had no side effects at all. Unfortunately for me it did not keep my CA125 down so I was taken off it and went back on Taxol. However, my oncologist is keen to get me back on it again, now my marker is within the normal range. I believe there is new research to say it can be beneficial at certain stages. Personally I wouldnt hesitate, there are a lot of people refused the drug. I start it next week.

Lots of love. x

[cerise in reply to Coco]

Thanks for reply, information is power!

All the very best with your treatment.

Sue x

[Hidden]

Hi Sue,

I wonder if you have the same oncologist as me, as I am at the same hospital as you and you"ll be very lucky if you get any information out of the oncologist I have love x G x

[cerise in reply to Hidden]

Mr black, red or ????? Pick a colour - ha! Not impressed at all. Love x

[Hidden in reply to cerise]

Hi Sue,

Ha ha got it in one!! ...no chance of getting info out of him.....you have my deepest sympathy... I have the same oncologist...if I was you I would give Ruth Payne a ring talk to her..she will be able to help I'm sure love and best wishes x G x

[Revy in reply to Hidden]

Hi Gwyn, just wonder if I have same Oncologist as you and Sue. Sounds like it. I have been under his care for 13 years and am now on my 12th course of chemo. I often ask the Macmillan nurse for info and she usually comes up with what I need to know!

Revy X

[Hidden in reply to Revy]

Hi Revy,

This is so good to know,to be honest I have no doubt about his expertise and this is why I stick with him, a friend of mine couldn't stand him and changed oncologist, but she died.... don't get me wrong I am not saying that the one she changed to wasn't any good....but I do think he knows what he is doing but not a good communicator but we can't have it all...your comment has made me feel so much better I go to see him on Thursday...so thank you so much for this encouragement...I have an awful lot of other patients complain when I am there but have still decided to stick with my gut feeling and now you have confirmed it...thank you again for this love x G x

[muckypup]

As it is not made available to everyone,I would consider myself,personally,very lucky to be offered it.

If it was me I would take the opportunity to have it,if the side effects are intolerable or it's not beneficial then it can be stopped but surely it is worth trying.

My husband who has bowel cancer with spread to liver is having some chemo at the moment with avastin,he has been told there is no guarantees(as there always is) but he is only his onc's 2nd patient to be given it.He is coping quite well,gets tired and sometimes feels a bit spaced out but that could be the chemo anyway.

Good luck whatever you decide xx

[LizK]

It didn't work for me so have just been taken off it and put on Megace instead. Apart from bleeding gums I had no apparent side effects from Avastin and felt really well when I was on it so would go for it if I were you.

Love Liz X

[cerise in reply to LizK]

Hi Liz

Thanks for replying. When you say it didn't work for you, what was the expectation? I am doing extremely well after chemo, full hysterectomy and on to last chemo sessions, thankfully. My oncologist said Avastin would give me three extra months, presumably before recurrence but that has to be guesswork. Plenty of questions for Monday!

Good luck with Megace.

Sue x

[Hidden in reply to cerise]

Hi Sue. I'm fairly new to this site. I'm on maintenance Avastin & I'm wondering if you did go on Avastin & how it worked for you.

Best wishes Pauline

[GeorgeSuffolk]

Personally I would jump at the chance as following my initial treatment last year, chemo, op, chemo my cancer came back very quickly and the subsequent chemo's did not work, I think maybe if I had been given Avastin after my first lot of treatment it might not have come back so quickly.

They are talking about giving it to me now as all else has failed but seems a bit late now!

Love George x

[LizK]

Hi Cerise,

The expectation was that it would prevent the cancer from growing and thereby give me an extra 4 to 6 months. I had a full hysterectomy in January and 6 sessions of chemo which ended 3 months ago. I sailed through with good results. I was, and still am, fit and active. I could walk 5 miles during chemo without any problem and at the end of chemo everything appeared to be normal but after 3 months of just Avastin my CA125 started to rise and has continued on its upward trend, so my Consultant said there was no point continuing as it obviously isn't working. I feel fine and just can't believe I'm not!! Everyone is different so it will hopefully work for you.

Love Liz X

[poleglass]

In northern ireland it hasnt even been released for fundind yet and when it is it will just be offered to first line chemo patients diaognosed a 3c.if i was you i would go for it as i wish i could be given the chance to try avastin but i am 3rd. line chemo so wont be offered it.feeling miserable today have sore throat and heavy cold.had my 14th. taxol on monday and have been in bed from yesterday with bad joint pains all over and extreme fatigue. i get so sick of the struggle sometimes.so sorry just feeling sorry for myself tonite hugs to all you fellow o.c. sufferers.you all know how i feel as you have been there yourselves.x

[Be-Positive]

Hi Sue,

I wrote a post recently about Avastin: healthunlocked.com/ovacome/...

A few people mentioned about cyctisis etc. I think it is a side effect of the Avastin although one of the posts said the Oncs said it was not related to the Avastin. Might be worth a read and maybe message on of the ladies who commented. I hope that helps xxxx