What chemo?

[Ang80]

Hi

My mum was diagnosed with stage 3 OVCA in March 05. She has had 2 reoccurances since, all treated with carbo and taxol. She seems to reoccure every 12 months. She is due to see oncologist tomorrow as her CA125 was 80 last month. We think they will start chemo again.
Is carbo and Taxol a safe option? She has painful feet and ankles from all the other carbo and taxol.
Some people mention taxol weekly, is that an option?
Her scan in clear.

Any ideas are welcomed.

Thanks

[Aussie000]

Hi there,

My mum is stage 4, diagnosed in May 2005 and has had a 4 year break from carbo/taxol and has just gone on it again last month, her CA125 is down to 10 from 35 and it seems to be working well, she isnt feeling sick, but has the hair loss this time, where as when she was on Avastin/Gemzar/Carbo she didn't lose her hair. I'm just so grateful that I get another Xmas with her. :)
Her oncologist said that by staying off carbo/taxol for so long it allows the body to forget it had that chemo which means second time round her body is responsive to it again.
So maybe if your mum has a choice she could try another chemo combination and save the carbo/taxol for down the track as it really is the best first line treatment so the longer she is off it the better it may work later. I don't know about weekly taxol but make sure she has a PET scan to see how far the cancer may have progressed.
I wish you and your mum all the best and another cherished xmas together.  Carolyn :)

[geemom1123]

My mom is also battling a reoccurence.  She is taking carbo/doxil and not taxol.  She feels much better and is not having the neuropathy in her feet that she had with the taxol.

Wishing you and your mom the best,
Joanna

[Teresa222]

Many top Oncologists do not begin chemo again until there is evidence of disease on the scans.  You might want to research this philosophy before your Mother's next appointment. Their idea is that we can only take so much chemo and there is no evidence that shows starting chemo before there is visible disease is more successful. In fact, they believe the opposite.

You have my best wishes on whatever they decide. She is doing great in her battle.
Teresa