Avastin for maintenance therapy: Any experiences to share?

Posted by marfish @marfish, Jul 15, 2019

I’m new to the group. I’m starting treatment for first recurrence to include Carbo/Taxol/Avastin, after which I’m supposed to continue Avastin as maintenance. Hoping to hear how this has worked for others. Thank you.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Gynecologic Cancers Support Group.

Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Sep 23 4:42pm

In reply to @sylvieanne "Sorry, new to chats. I’ve been on platinum treatments and Avastin for my last 6 chemo..." + (show)

@sylvieanne While we wait for other members who have been on Avastin to respond I'd like to welcome you to Mayo Clinic Connect and to our Gynecological Cancers Support Group.

It must have have been very good news to your when your recent CT showed no evidence of cancer. I did not have ovarian cancer and so have not had C-125 tests. My understanding from what I have read is that there can be variations in C-125 due to a variety of factors that are not necessarily related to ovarian cancer.

CA-125-Mayo Clinic:

-- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ca-125-test/about/pac-20393295

What did your doctor says about the C-125 number? And your bone pain?

charlotte12 | @charlotte12 | Sep 23 5:19pm

In reply to @sylvieanne "Sorry, new to chats. I’ve been on platinum treatments and Avastin for my last 6 chemo..." + (show)

I receive Avastin currently as maintenance therapy, right after I finished 6 cycles of chemo,
which also included Avastin. I'm scheduled for my 15th infusion and will have had 18.
My experience with it include many side effects, some have subsided, others hang on. Fatigue is one
of them, also bone pain but tolerable. Fatigue and bone pain are more prevalent in the first week after the infusion. I force myself to fight the fatigue and do some physical work instead of staying in bed. It gets better in the 3rd week then it starts all over. Your CT scan shows no evidence of cancer-that is very good news. There could be various reasons why the CA125 went up, but it is still in normal range. Is your oncologist concerned? How often is your CA125 checked? Mine is tested every 3 weeks with the infusion.
I understand that any rising CA125 can cause worries.

sylvieanne | @sylvieanne | Sep 23 6:02pm

In reply to @naturegirl5 "@sylvieanne While we wait for other members who have been on Avastin to respond I'd like..." + (show)

My doctor was surprised, and is trying to get a CT scan sooner than planned. I downplayed my bone pain, worried that she would stop the Avastin. I’m taking Tylenol to help the pain.