CT scan shows significant increase in lymph nodes plus rising CA125. Planned 2nd round chemo end October.

[Izzystep]

Well folks the news wasn't as good as I had hoped. CT scan showed one growth up from 1.5 cm to 3. Another up .5 to 1.5 plus another growth. The oncologist said lots of "blobs" here and there. As I am feeling well at the moment the dilemma is when to start treatment. Onc reckons best start 25th October, but earlier should I begin to feel ill. Treatment will be carboplatin, gemcitabine plus the wonder drug Avastin. I know some ladies are or have received this concoction in the past so any advice welcome. I am just going to enjoy the next 5 weeks before the battle begins again. Very hard on my family at the moment. Stress levels high. Thanks to everyone on this site for their help, support and advice. Izzystep xxxxx

[Hidden]

Dear Izzy,

I am so sorry, and sending you my best wishes for your future treatment.

love x G x

[Izzystep in reply to Hidden]

Thank Gwyn. Sad times but keeping my chin up. X

[Zannah]

I'm so sorry the news wasn't as good as you'd hoped. I hope that you have a really good five weeks before you start treatment.

Love

Zannah x

[Izzystep in reply to Zannah]

Thanks Zannah. Going away for a few days to get my head together. X

[Hidden]

Issy glad you kept us informed. Sorry it didnt go according to plan, but you will have a few weeks to go mad!!!

I am sure there are a few ladies who have had that regime on here. Sound like a good mixture to me.

This is the trouble with this disease, it always effects all members of your family. and as you say stress levels can be high. Take the thought that you will be having a good combination of chemo.

Regards Barbara

[Izzystep in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Barbara, hellish time for hubby and kids but we will all fight it together. I've got to be as brave as I can for all of us xx

[Izzystep in reply to Hidden]

Yes Barbara I think this us the best treatment for me at the moment. Not looking forward to it but some other ladies have had this and found it " bearable". XXX

[TrishLey]

Hi Izzy. I am just finished having that treatment and it worked really well. However my CA 125 was 154 in March when and when I started the treatment 6 weeks later it was 564. I had few side effect (I was sick twice during the 6 treatments) and had the odd headache. Best of Luck with it. I am staying on Avastin now for 2 years every 3 weeks.

[Izzystep in reply to TrishLey]

They will keep an eye on your CA125. Mine is 1900 so i am hoping for a reduction. Best wishes. Izzy xx

[nork2]

Hi Izzy,

Sorry to hear the news was not as good as you'd hoped. Sometimes even our optimism gets the better of us and makes the disappointment seem even worse.

Sounds like you are just a few months ahead of me in this journey. I finished chemo in June but ca125 creeping up again. Hoping to put off second line as long as possible, trusting my Onc to step in when enoughs enough. It's tough going back to it when you are feeling so well isn't it? But if we see it as a means to an end for more good times it will get you through.

Horrible news for family, always takes my hubbie at least a week to get back to 'normal' after a bad news appt.

Sending you strength and all best wishes for your treatment. Hope you can go and do something lovely this weekend in the good weather forecasted to kick off your chemo free time.

Lynne

xxxx

[Izzystep in reply to nork2]

So so sorry to hear your CA125 creeping up. Mine was at 63 after 1st lot of chemo. I was over the moon as it was in the thousand before chemo and de-bulking, but it has crept and up and last count was 1900. My onc reckons its good to be without chemo for 6 months so try and hold off a bit longer. My last was Feb 1st but onc said best to give treatment whilst I am feeling well. How we hate those " bad news" appointments. My hubby sits and stares, not really taking it all in. I sit making notes and thinking of my next question. It's hard on everyone in the family and friends as well. Best wishes. Keep us all posted on your recovery XXXX

[Btte]

Hi Izzy I have just finished 2nd round of chemo carbo/gem have not started Avastin as yet, even though I got the funding my onc is concerned for me because I also have Crohn's disease. I didn't find the treatment to unbearable, just waiting for results of C T scan and then maybe some more surgery to remove tumour in my groin prior to radiotherapy. I was quite upset before treatment and felt very negative thinking the last chemo didn't work so should it be any different this time, but the midway scan did show some shrinkage so am feeling a little better. I wish you and your family all the best and just make the most of every day. Love Btte. Xxx

[Izzystep in reply to Btte]

Hi Btte. I am so pleased that your 2nd treatment showed some shrinkage and that your CT scan results are good news for you. My onc has said they will start Avastin after my first gemcarb. hopefully this 2nd lot of chemo plus the very expensive Avastin will do some good. Keep us posted on your progress. Love Izzy xxxx

[citrine]

Sorry the news wasn't what you had hoped for Izzy. I hope that the treatment will be successful and in the meantime enjoy the next few weeks before it starts.

Sending loads of love and hugs

Mary xxx

[Izzystep]

Thanks Mary. Rotten news but going to go along with my oncologists recommendations. XXXXX

[Solange]

So sorry you had such disappointing news. Harder, too, because you can't protect the family from it.

Sending my best wishes for a good response from the treatment when you have it, love Solange

[Madz]

Really sorry you have had news that means chemo is back. I was sitting in my hairdressers yesterday enjoying being pampered with just enough hair to make it worth it and found myself contemplating all the what ifs - not good. My mets are still in residence but quiet at the moment and being rescanned in November to check out the lymph node that is growing so with you all the way and hoping that you feel well on treatment. Big hugs Amanda xx

[Izzystep in reply to Madz]

Oh Ananda you did make me laugh with your trip to the hairdresser. How funny. I used to comb my little bit to the right then left then straight down. Now it's like a mop!!!! So so curly and thick. The onc said the next lot of chemo will thin my hair so I am not wasting money getting it cut. Best of luck for your CT scan. Do keep us up to date xxxxx

[vipervictoria]

Hello, please ask for a PET/CT scan. This is your right as a patient. The NHS has them all over the place. This is much more accurate than a CT scan. I have a radiologist in my family. I am sure she would advise this too. Very best wishes, Vicky xxx