Gemzar/Avastin

[jane65]

It looks like Gemzar/Avastin will be my next chemo and I'd appreciate any info about how frequently the treatments are given. The nearest I can figure is 3 weeks of treatments, and then one week off.
I'm not sure if both drugs are given the same days, or frequency of each, and how long the treatment is each time.

Also, do the side affects start with the first treatment, or build up over time?

I must have read posts on this in the past, but when it doesn't apply to you, the info. isn't retained.

Thanks for the help.

How nice that we have the Holidays to keep our minds thinking happy thoughts.
Jane

[jane65]

Hi,
I did hear that one of the side affects of Gemzar is flu like symptoms. I'm glad you have a couple of normal days in between treatments.

I know there are serious side affects with Avastin, and I'm also concerned, but I trust my oncologist and he seems to be in favor of my having it. If he feels it's necessary for me,  I'll discuss it with him again, and then we'll make a definite decision.

Take care of yourself, and have a Happy Holiday Season.
Jane

[Conners]

Hi Jane, I am on Gemzar which I have every Monday for three weeks and one week off. The side effects do not build up and are better than Doxil and Carbo Taxol. No hair loss. I feel great on Tues. due to the steroids and then Wed. and Thurs. I am in bed. I basically just don't feel well and ache. Tylenol has helped. Friday I am a little better and Sunday better. Then you start again. I don't know about Avastin. I don't think they will give that to me from what my husband has read and the tumor on my colon. I wish you the best. Enjoy the holidays. Conners

[Hindat]

His name is Dr. Nagourney and he is in Long Beach.  His website is www.rational-t.com.  I talked to my doctor and he is going to look into it but he wasn't too keen on it.  I don't know why.  I would rather try it instead of just trying different chemo's that may or may not work.  

[KTzip226]

This sounds hopeful. Who is this Doctor and where in California is he located?


KT

[Hindat]

Hi Jane,

  That is correct on the schedule.  I think of one of the reason it quit working for me was he had to decrease the gemzar due to my platelets getting too low for treatment.  I had the full strength the week before Thanksgiving and I am wondering if that made a difference but I only had the combo round and nothing the next week.  I will be having a ca 125 done on the 9th, I would be suprised if it has come back down.
    I read about a doctor on another message board that takes a live sample of the cancer and then test diffrent chemo's to see which will kill the cancer cell.  He has put many people in remisson this way and also saved some after they were told there was nothing left for them.  He is in California.  You can have the sample sent to him, it cost 3500 and currently insurance companies and medicare doesn't pay for the test.  I want to do it, don't want to keep guessing and going  from one chemo to the next.  I am going to talk to my doctor about it on the 9th.  Then I will come up with the money somehow.  I wish you and your family a Healthy and Happy New Year also.  Take Care.

Linda

[jane65]

Hi Linda,
Thanks for your response, it sounds like your Avastin/Gemzar treatments were in a 3 week cycle.
Am I correct?
One combo, one Gemzar alone, then no chemo the third week.

I'm sorry it wasn't the chemo you hoped would work for you, I wish you good luck with whatever your oncologist and you plan for the next assault on this monster disease.

Happy Holidays and a Happy and Healthy New Year to you, and your family!
Jane

The no hair loss is a relief, especially since I live in NJ and it does get cold here.

[Hindat]

Hi Jane,

   I am currently on Avastin/Gemzar.  I get Avastin and Gemzar together one week and then the next week I get Gemzar alone. Then have a week off.  I don't know how much longer I will be on it since it seems the Gemzar has quit working for me.  I started out with it and Carbo and it was working great but then I had a reaction to the Carbo and he took me off it and added Avastin.  My ca 125 was going down but after the first round of Avastin it went up and has continue to go up since.  I am thinking of adding Cytoxan to the Avastin and see if that works.  The side affects have not been bad slight nausea but am more tired with this one.   No hair loss and I hope that I can go to something that won't cause it.  First time I have had hair in two years.  I know that this has been a good combination for others so I wish you good luck with it.  Merry Christmas, Hope we all get good news in the New Year.

Linda