Has anyone been on Procrit for anemia and therefore had a rise in CA12

Posted by rebeccaz @rebeccaz, 2 days ago

I was diagnosed with high grade serous Ovarian Cancer 4 1/2 years ago, Stage 3. A year ago, after initial surgry and 5 different Chemos, I had a lot of disease in my abdomen and near my liver. I was started on a second round of Carboplatin single agent, and it has worked wonders so far. My last two Scans showed no signs of the Cancer. However, due to some kidney damage from Avastin, I now have CKD and am chronically anemic. I had several blood transfusions, but four months go switched to Procrit. It has worked well for me, keeping my Hemoglobin in he high 8's or 9's, but my CA125 is now rising and there are some old studies that indicate that the Procrit could make the cancer cells grow, although the studies have never been repeated. My Oncologist jus thinks that the Carbo isn't working s well anymore, but I'm wondering if I should go back to transfusions. There aren't a lot of drug options left for me due to my kidney issues. Elahere was working for me for a few months but in addition to retina inflammation, I developed pneumanitis and was hospitalized, so no one wants to retry the Elahere.
Btw, I'm almost 83 so I've had a long, good life so far, but we always wish for more. I'm still quite functional though I need to pace myself more due to the anemia, but I tolerate the Carbo quite well otherwise.
Thanks for any input.

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