Avastin & Abraxane - Anyone Else? |
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CalGal 
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Joined: Jun 04 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 159 |
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 Topic: Avastin & Abraxane - Anyone Else?Posted: May 26 2008 at 11:58am |
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Hello All - After the PARP Inhibitor trial worked for 6 months and then failed, I tried a "trial of one" which included Carboplatin (again). Unfortunately, it did not work at all. That word "Progression" is so ironic ... ugh, more mets ... My DH and I were really devastated ... We really thought my combo would work and there was some good science behind it ... I haven't posted much until I figured out my treatment (although I've been on the boards, in particular reading your posts about the A-A combo and Ixempra combos). I've been doing a lot of research, including a 2nd opinion - and I know you all know how that goes with gathering up records (even though I keep a full set at home - it needed to be organized and updated!) I've just started the Avastin (wks 1 & 3) and Abraxane (wks 1, 2 & 3) combo, with week 4 off. Tomorrow, Tu 5/27 is wk 2, so it's Abraxane solo. I managed to get in and see a thoracic surgeon super-quick and he gave me the quickest response possible, in terms of "next work day" scheduling, so from the Fri appt to the post-Memorial Day weekend, I will get a portacath installed tomorrow morning, before the Abraxane! I've held out (not getting a port) a long time ... and with this more frequent regimen, decided it was time. This surgeon was also reassuring about the port not interfering with work-outs! So good-bye needle-sticks (except for PET/CT's)!!! Are any of you on Avastin & Abraxane? If so, how is it going? Have you had scans yet? How are the SE's? Any tips on dealing with SE's from this A-A combo? Once again, my DH is leading the "Save
the Hair and Prevent Neuropothy & Nail-lifting Campaign" by using
the hypothermia products (caps, gloves & booties) on me. So far,
so good! They worked in the past, with my post-AC very short hair,
while using Taxotere & Carboplatin, and more recently, Carboplatin
again. My hair is finally back to where I like it and it feels like
me, so I'm doing everything I can to keep it! I'm just trying to stay as normal as possible ... After one cycle, I'm doing really well. I know the effects tend to be cumulative, so I'm wondering ... Thanks for any input! CalGal Trip Neg, BRCA1, Dx'd 9/04; Mets Dx'd 12/05
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BRCA1
9/04 Bi-lat lump, clear SNB 38x Rad'tn 12/05 Recurr bc & mets to liver 06 the year of chemo NED for 13 mos until 7/07 Lung met. PARP trial until ... 2/08 Liver mets again |
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trip2
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Joined: Jun 03 2007 Location: Under Palm Tree Status: Offline Points: 8549 |
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Posted: May 26 2008 at 1:11pm |
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CalGal I have no experience to answer your question but out here routing for you all the way that this works for you. |
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Stage 2 2003
Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
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Nancy
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Joined: Jul 23 2007 Location: Altoona, PA Status: Offline Points: 3814 |
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Posted: May 26 2008 at 1:20pm |
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Hi Cal Gal,
So sorry to hear you have to go through this again. Hard to believe that you have not had a port. Lori did not have one, but you have been through many more treatments. I can well imagine the devastation you and your hubby are expereincing. You have been through more than one person should have to experience in a lifetime of 80 or 90 years.
When you have cancer, even one hour of feeling great could be interpreted as "normal".
You must have some pretty amazing docs. Sounds like they are really looking out for you. I will be thinking only good thoughts for you.
Hugs,
Nancy
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thinkpositive
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Joined: Jun 24 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 111 |
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Posted: May 27 2008 at 2:22pm |
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I am on A & A since Feb 08. First diagnosed in March 06 and lung mets in Jan 08. Side effects are definitely better than previous chemo treatment of AC & Taxol. Don't have the stamina I would like but still working pretty much full time and able to cope. I do have a question for those on this regimen since I don't know if it is a side effect or just coincidence. I am experiencing a sore throat and cough. My GP diagnosed reflux and I have been taking Protonix - I also have some congestion and the nose bleed symptoms others have mentioned. I wondered if anyone else has experienced these side effects. It is going on 4 weeks - am I missing something? |
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dx 3/06 stg II 0/7 lymph
bilateral mastectomy 7/06 AC/Taxol lung mets 1/08 Avastin Abraxene 02/08/9/08 Brca neg Avastin Xeloda 10/08 Curagen 2/09 Ixempra 6/09 Lung Mets Gemzar/ Carboplatin 9/09 |
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CarynRose
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Joined: Aug 04 2007 Location: Robbinsville, NJ, USA Status: Offline Points: 960 |
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Posted: May 27 2008 at 3:37pm |
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Dear Think,
I had that too. As a matter of fact, I still get a very dry throat/soreness occasionally. My ENT also felt that it was from reflux and gave me Protonix.
As far as the nosebleed goes, the ENT recommended saline nasal spray several times a day to keep the membranes and scabs soft. That way they can stay ON the irritated area and allow healing. Once they heal, he suggested that I start using a Nettipot to keep my nasal and sinus passages clear and moist.
Caryn
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Orig dx 6/03 - St.2a, IDC
gr.3,0 nodes, TNBC/BRCA1+ 7/07 St 4 mets to nodes/lungs. PACA/Rads NED 11/07-10/08 Lepto mets 10/08 Rads for 4 brain tumors 4/10. Leptomets return 6/10 |
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BrendaF
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Joined: Dec 07 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 401 |
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Posted: May 28 2008 at 4:24am |
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CalGal, when I switched oncs in january, after starting treatment, I asked the new onc what she would have prescribed for first line therapy in mets. She said A & A, but qualified that by saying that since I had significant leg bone pain with taxol in '05, that might have changed her thinking. She says bone pain tends to be more severe with Abraxane. Oddly, I have just finished taxotere (with carboplatin) and leg pain hasn't been an issue at all.
As for nosebleeds, I was still getting spontaneous bleeds two years out from original taxol until I started regular nasal irrigation last summer. I had them some with this recent regimen of carbo/taxotere, but the neti pot helped to keep them mostly under control. It's really an annoyance to have your nose start dripping blood onto a clean shirt....
I am really sorry that your recent treatment failed you. I've followed your progress since I was first dx on both boards and I'm really cheering for you.
Brenda
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aaklwalker
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Joined: Jan 28 2008 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 21 |
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Posted: Jun 19 2008 at 4:12pm |
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CalGal - I hope all is going well with your treatment, I have been on A&A for 12 weeks. First scans were great - one tumor has been reduced from 10cm to 8cm. Side effects are not too bad - nosebleeds, hairloss and fatique are pretty much it. Next scan in 3-4 weeks. Let me know how you're doing on it.
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Dx 1/06; Lt Rad mast 3/06; Reoccurrence rt lung; stage IV 1/07
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CalGal
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Posted: Jun 20 2008 at 2:50pm |
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Hello Everyone -
I've had 4 treatments so far .... I'm kinda wondering when the various SE's kicked-in for people. 5/20 A + A 5/27 Abraxane only 6/3 Avastin only (wbc too low for Abraxane) 6/17 A + A 6/24 (Abraxane only) & 7/1 (A + A) pending. Got Neupogen so I won't have the low wbc 7/7 or 7/8 - PET/CT scan. Walker - I hope I have scan results like yours! Congratulations on your 20% tumor reduction! I really hope and pray that I too will have reduction ... I'd really like to get back on the right direction and stay on this treatment. My SE's are fatgiue (harder to get to the gym than on other treatments!); vision changes in terms of close-up - guess I need some reading glasses; hair thinning (I've been using the hypothermia caps, gloves and booties). I really hope that I can keep my hair ... It's okay so far, but I'm considering a shorter cut. I sure hope I don't have to bring those wigs out from the back of the closet! No nosebleeds ... (yet?) Think - I also recently had a tickle in my throat and my throat was almost sore (which is usually my first indication of getting sick) and my right nostril was running, later both, and I've had both a dry cough and well as deep and powerfl sneezes. I too have a lung met. Pam, Nancy, Brenda & Caryn - Thanks for your concern and support! CalGal |
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BRCA1
9/04 Bi-lat lump, clear SNB 38x Rad'tn 12/05 Recurr bc & mets to liver 06 the year of chemo NED for 13 mos until 7/07 Lung met. PARP trial until ... 2/08 Liver mets again |
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Nancy
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Joined: Jul 23 2007 Location: Altoona, PA Status: Offline Points: 3814 |
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Posted: Jun 20 2008 at 3:14pm |
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Hi there Sweetheart,
You are a "Warrior Goddess".
 "Our Warrior Goddess" You should have your picture on the front of Time magazine. On the front of every magazine. You and CarynRose and many, many of the other gals on this site are a blessed inspiration to everyone elseSo glad you posted to let us know how you are doing. You are a fighter. Harder to get to the gym???? Gads woman, that's tenacity!! I look all the time for your posts. Keep us informed CalGal. Love you, as I do all of the ladies here.
Hugs,
Nancy
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CarynRose
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Joined: Aug 04 2007 Location: Robbinsville, NJ, USA Status: Offline Points: 960 |
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Posted: Jun 21 2008 at 7:07pm |
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CalGal,
Did you try to get into CTCA after you finished with the PARP inhibitors? (Pardon my chemobrain)
If the issue was insurance, please PM me. I found out from the Controller that they will work with insurance companies on a case by case basis. I can get you set up with them if you want it.
Hugs,
Caryn
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Orig dx 6/03 - St.2a, IDC
gr.3,0 nodes, TNBC/BRCA1+ 7/07 St 4 mets to nodes/lungs. PACA/Rads NED 11/07-10/08 Lepto mets 10/08 Rads for 4 brain tumors 4/10. Leptomets return 6/10 |
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CalGal
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Posted: Jun 21 2008 at 8:31pm |
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Nancy -
Wow! Thanks for the kudos! I really appreciate your support. I've worked out my entire adult life and always feel better when I do. With a weekly treatment schedule and more fatigue, it's more difficult ... CarynRose - I appreciate your offer. But right now, I'm just past the halfway makr on my A + A treatment. Hopefully, my scan will be good and I'll keep on it. If not, then it's back to trying to figure out the next best option. Does CTCA do 2nd opinions - and those can turn into primary care ... I think the nearest CTCA is in Washington and I'm in CA ... when you first starting posting about CTCA, I checked their locations. Actually, I'm interested in your description of how things go with the onc's there and treatment options, and the rest of it ... When you first got on your "quad treatment" I was really surprised ... and concerned about toxicity as well as using up too many treatments (don't want to run out). But the 4-combo got you to NED! That's what we all want. I'd be interested to chat with you - online or over the phone about CTCA. I still have your e-mail address ... I'm not just in CA, but I'm in Los Angeles ... and believe that I have extensive medical center options for treatment here ... than pretty much anywhere else ... Between treatment and 2nd opinions, I've been to UCLA, USC, City of Hope, BreastLink ... and escaped from my former HMO ... and there's still some cancer centers within an hour that I have not checked out ... Thanks for looking out for me! Congratulations on making such a difference at CTCA (per your FORCE post I think) and at the FORCE conference! CalGal Edited by CalGal - Jun 21 2008 at 8:34pm |
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BRCA1
9/04 Bi-lat lump, clear SNB 38x Rad'tn 12/05 Recurr bc & mets to liver 06 the year of chemo NED for 13 mos until 7/07 Lung met. PARP trial until ... 2/08 Liver mets again |
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Wendy2
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Joined: Apr 10 2008 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 213 |
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Posted: Jun 26 2008 at 9:22am |
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I've had 7 A & A treatments since April 29. Three weeks on, one off. So far my biggest side effect is the baldness - AGAIN. I have a bit of reflux and leg aches day 2 & 3, but pretty much going as usual. I was wondering what other SE were after longer treatment. I've heard of neuropathy and nail darkening - have a wee bit of nerve pain in one finger. It's great to be on here and get all this info. The support is fabulous and we can check with each other for those of us whoare behind or ahead of others to pass on the info. God Bless you all. I'm thankful for this site.
Wendy2
P.S.
May cancer markers started at 125, then 66 to 48 this week. Had cough that subsided after three treatments. Hopefully this means it's working. CT at end of July. Edited by Wendy2 - Jun 26 2008 at 9:23am |
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dx 3/06 TN, taxotere/cytoxin x4; radiation x 40; mets. to lungs, lymph nodes 3/08 - to begin chemo 4/29/08 Abx/Avas., 9/08 Avastin maintenance, 1/09 - off meds to see if Avastin causing headaches
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JulieG
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Joined: Jun 17 2008 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 46 |
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Posted: Jul 10 2008 at 9:48am |
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CalGal-
Have you developed any more SEs from the A&A? I start monday with A&A and will have it every 21 days. I've been on Avastin since 2/08 so I am very familiar with the nosebleeds and sorethroat. I am already bald from Ixempra and Xeloda (since 12/07) so that doesn't concern me. I also have some moderate neuropathy. I am wondering how bad the neuropathy gets. I am also on radiation and very fatiqued so I wonder if it will get worse.
Thanks for any info you can give me,
JulieG
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Dx 2/07 TN
Mastec Lft Brst, 11 lym node Cytoxin/Taxotere 6mth biwkly Mets to lung, liver and lymph nodes 12/07 Ixempra/Avastin/Xeloda 6mths Rad x14 Avastin/Abraxene every 21 days |
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CalGal
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Posted: Jul 10 2008 at 3:22pm |
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Hi JulieG -
I'm fortunate in that I'm tolerating the A & A (plus Zometa) very well. I'm waiting for PET/CT results now - will get them tomorrow - and I'd love to be on this treatment combo for a very long time. I'm really hoping that it's working. Initially, my onc was going to give me Avastin every two weeks and Abraxance every three weeks. I asked my onc to change the Abraxane to weekly (for 3 wks, 4th week off) as I've read that is more effective and an outside onc I had a consultation with said the same thing. I'm a real believer in the hypothermia (cold) products. I'm using the caps, gloves and booties! I still have my hair! However, the caps come in one size - and I could use a large if they had it. My hair has thinned on the sides between my ears and temples - about 1.5 inches - where the gel portion of the cap does not cover! But it would only show if I wore a pony-tail. For me, that is proof that the caps are working. The same thing happened when I used them back in 2006 with Taxotere & Carboplatin. (Back when I started chemo with AC, I lost my hair - and despite trying to prepare, it was extremely traumatic for me). My mom had a 13 yr battle with bc, until it got her. Besides other things, she suffered with neuropothy and nail-lifting on varioius chemos. While not all get either symptom, I've used the gloves and booties and have NOT had either one! (As I recall some people have suggested B-6 to prevent neuropothy, but I haven't tried it). I do have fatigue, but I usually start out strong and then fade. Naps help. Not to be negative, but to be realistic, I bet your fatigue will increase. When I did rad'tn (38x total) back on my initial dx, the fatigue was cumulative. I worked p/t at my f/t job. I had to get up early for work, but I kept going to bed earlier and earlier, finally at 8:00 pm! So, if you're on rad'tn - there's cumulative fatigue from that ... Plus, fatigue from the A & A combo ... I had that almost sore throat shortly after I started this combo, but it never got bad. I also tend to blow my nose a lot first thing and then at night. A couple times per day I get that "drippy" nose (where it suddenly comes on and drips to my upper lip - so I now carry those mini-tissues in my purse), but so far, no nosebleeds! I hope you're able to tolerate the A & A really well! If you want more info on the hypothermia products, let me know. CalGal Edited by CalGal - Jul 10 2008 at 3:22pm |
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BRCA1
9/04 Bi-lat lump, clear SNB 38x Rad'tn 12/05 Recurr bc & mets to liver 06 the year of chemo NED for 13 mos until 7/07 Lung met. PARP trial until ... 2/08 Liver mets again |
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thinkpositive
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Joined: Jun 24 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 111 |
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Posted: Jul 10 2008 at 4:01pm |
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I am hoping for a much lighter schedule - anyone else experienced past treatment 18?
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dx 3/06 stg II 0/7 lymph
bilateral mastectomy 7/06 AC/Taxol lung mets 1/08 Avastin Abraxene 02/08/9/08 Brca neg Avastin Xeloda 10/08 Curagen 2/09 Ixempra 6/09 Lung Mets Gemzar/ Carboplatin 9/09 |
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JulieG
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Joined: Jun 17 2008 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 46 |
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Posted: Jul 10 2008 at 4:41pm |
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Thanks so much for the info CalGal. I am definitely not looking forward to the fatique issue with rad but I only have 8 more to go (14 in all) so I'm hoping it won't get too bad. I am also planning on taking next weeek off because I will be doing chemo Monday this week, I usually do it on Thursdays and recoup over the weekend.
My hair is already gone (I don't even remember what I look like with hair any longer) but I may be interested in the booties and gloves if they help. Does it keep you cool? My family would probably love it as I keep the thermostat set really low because I am always hot. It doesn't help that we live in South Louisiana, it is like a steam bath outdoors down here.
I am excited that you did not mention extreme nausea. With the Ixempra I had been on nausea was getting to be a real problem. Even with Emend I was very nauseated and had esophigal spasms. So it will be nice if I don't have to deal with that. I have not had the nails seperating from the nail beds yet. My nails are extremely sensitive but I keep them very short and that seems to help.
I am anxious to start these new treatments so the drugs can start killing that nasty beast inside of me.
Thanks again for the info,
JulieG
Thanks again for the info,
JulieG
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Dx 2/07 TN
Mastec Lft Brst, 11 lym node Cytoxin/Taxotere 6mth biwkly Mets to lung, liver and lymph nodes 12/07 Ixempra/Avastin/Xeloda 6mths Rad x14 Avastin/Abraxene every 21 days |
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CalGal
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Joined: Jun 04 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 159 |
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Posted: Jul 10 2008 at 4:54pm |
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Julie -
Glad to help. I haven't had any bad nausea ... so little, that I forgot to mention it!  When I do, it usually means I need to eat and then I feel better. I still eat everything that I ate before ... although I can't go as spicy!The hypothermia products are by www.elastogel.com The website is supposed to be improved, but the last time I checked, it was pretty lame. The products go in the freezer and then are transported in a cooler filled with dry-ice (although the night before, DH and I pack them in the cooler. They're much colder (effective?) this way. Caps are good 20-30 min, gloves & booties 45. So, I have 3 caps and 2 prs of gloves & booties. You definitely need someone to help you with them. The products can be painfully cold! The caps lose their extreme cold pretty quick. But the gloves and booties, esp the gloves, I tend to keep on for a couple minutes, then take them off a minute or so ... particularly right after they've been put on. CalGal As for the fatigue, maybe it won't be so bad since you're doing 14 of them! |
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BRCA1
9/04 Bi-lat lump, clear SNB 38x Rad'tn 12/05 Recurr bc & mets to liver 06 the year of chemo NED for 13 mos until 7/07 Lung met. PARP trial until ... 2/08 Liver mets again |
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Wendy2
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Posted: Jul 12 2008 at 2:15am |
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I have my first scan on the 22nd, hopefully mine will be as positive as yours. I've just finished 9 treatments and have a week off - YEA - WBC is a bit low but all in all, not bad. Good luck to you on your second scans - my onc. too said Avastin to continue after chemo.
Wendy2
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dx 3/06 TN, taxotere/cytoxin x4; radiation x 40; mets. to lungs, lymph nodes 3/08 - to begin chemo 4/29/08 Abx/Avas., 9/08 Avastin maintenance, 1/09 - off meds to see if Avastin causing headaches
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Barb T.
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Posted: Jul 15 2008 at 2:48pm |
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This has been a very exciting post for me. I'm going to begin A&A
in 2 wks. Have been on Avastin/Taxol for a year but now having bad
allergic reaction. I will be receiving A&A every other week. Has
anyone done that? Started doing A&T that way because of the side
effects of Taxol. I also experienced hoarseness, runny nose w/Taxol.
Sounds like Abx will be about the same. However, the good part is that
there will be no more steroids! I have some hair, not a lot, but
comfortable enough not to wear a wig. Wonder if I'll lose it all with
Abx. Have any of you been on A&T and then switched to A&A? If
so, what do you think? What have been the results of your scans? Also,
I never did the cold paks w/Taxol. Should I consider it with Abx?
Thanks! You are all such warriors! I have learned so much from all of you. |
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Barb T.
1st bc 3/03 New bc 2/06 with Mets to liver/chest/lymph nodes Avastin/Taxol Avastin/Abraxane - 7/08 |
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Leo the Lion
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Posted: Jul 16 2008 at 1:53am |
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Cal Gal,
It sounds like you & I are in similar situations. I just started taxatere. I can't do Avastin as in March I had 3 brain mets, which were Gamma Knifed, very successfully. Then my onc tried Xeloda which did not work. I realised that when I started having severe pain on my side. Which frightened me. That was the 1st time I had pain from the cancer. I am fortunate to still only have the cancer in soft tissue.
So this taxatere is my 4th type of chemo & I would like more info on the hypothermia products. I always say the better you look, the better you feel. The hair thing has always been my bain.
Love to hear from you!
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May 2005 Stage 3 Triple Neg
Chemo 6/05- 9/05 Mastectomy ,lymph nodes 10/05 Radiation 1/07 soft tissue recurrence 10 rounds Doxcil 1/08 left lymph node recurrence 3/08 brain mats |
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Cal Gal - how long have you been on the A&A regimen? I started in February with the 3 weeks on 1 week off schedule and had the CT PET after 9 treatments..... good results the lung mets shrank and a couple were not visible. I finish my second round of 9 next week and will do the scan the week of the 21st. I am wondering what to expect after that. My oncologist indicated that I would most likely still be on the Avastin but wanted to get the scan results before he made any other predictions. 
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