Update--Not Looking Good

[Jan214]

I went for my onc appt last Tues and it was not good news. Back in Oct I had a CT scan and it showed there were 13 tumors in my liver and a few in the pelvic area. I was kind of shocked because up until that point (2 yrs) there had been no evidence of disease since my original surgery,  just a rise in my CA 125.   I have been on chemo constantly since I was dx in Sept 2006.  My CA would get down to 8.5 or 22, but it always popped back up again.  I had hoped to just go on like that with microscopic cells, but it didn't work out that way. He put me on a Doxil/Carbo cocktail which works well for some, but not for me.  I had another CT at the end of January and the chemo did not work at all. None of them are gone, none of them have shrunk, and on top of that there are a few more in my liver and in my pelvic area.

My onc put in a request with Aetna, my insurance company, to try and get approval for Avastin. I heard that Gemzar and Avastin were put on the list of acceptable ovarian cancer drugs with Medicaid and I think the insurance companies generally follow what Medicaid does, don't they?

I know some of you have been on it, but I don't remember what all you had to say about it so I would appreciate hearing your experiences with Avastin again.

I don't know if there is any plan past the Avastin. He says we are looking at a month to month situation here. I am really weak, sick and tired all of the time.  My liver started hurting a couple of days ago. I have been running a fever & we don't know what from, but he called in an antibiotic just in case.

I am going to have my records looked at by MD Anderson and I think John's Hopkins too. I have family up there so that would be convenient.

I hope this is making sense. I have been putting off writing this, because my brain just isn't working well these days and I just keep erasing everything I write.  

Well, I don't know what else to say. I hope the ins co approves the Avastin. I really hope it is my miracle drug because it has come to that. I really need a miracle.

I will let you know what happens. Thank you all for you support. It really has kept me going this last couple of years.

Jan

[lvfrogs]

Jan, It is ok to post and ramble. We will be able to figure it out I am sure and it is just so good to hear from you as I have been thinking of you so much. I am sorry to hear this news and the insurance companies. Well, they suck! There really isn't another word for that. I hope that you will be able to get the Avastin and it will prove to be a good thing for you. I wish I could give you a big hug. Colleen

[Hazel30]

Sorry to hear about the ct results.  Just wanted to let you know that my Mom also has Aetna insurance and avastin is approved by aetna.  My Mom has been on it for her 2nd recurrence after topotecan was not helping and its been about 4-5 months and we call it our miracle drug.  It is so very tollerable.  Seems like many women have nothing but good to say about it so I hope the same for you.

[dian07]

I just want you to know I think of you all the time and I am so sorry to hear of your present situation.  This stuff really stinks.  Hang in there, Jan.  Please know I carry you in my heart.
Peace.
dian

[dawnlyn]

I am so sorry to hear of the CT results, I am praying for your miracle, and also praying that  you get an answer soon on Avastin, you are in my thoughts. Love, Dawnlyn

[TrudieC]

Jan, thank you for letting us know what's up.  I am so angry that you are having to fight so hard.  I will pray with all my heart for a miracle for you.  Love, Trudie

[SimplyStar]

At my age I am not usually thought of as a "cussing" woman,  but double dam this OVCA,  with such a large group of wonderful women fighting it, it seems to me that we need a whole lot of miracles here and now. It is hard for me at times to accept the way things turn out, but Jan I want you to keep fighting  and I want you to win.  Check out that vaccine Jan, I have been reading more and more about it, some reports make it appear to be a good choice.