avastin and taxo - side effects?

[eric]

Caryn's next regimen will be Avastin with low doseTaxol. Wondering about any experiences? The schedule will be 3 weeks on and one week off.

Eric

[Sheila]

Eric
I was on this combo for about 6 months before dropping the Avastin...I was also on herceptin at the same time...3on, 1 off. The Taxol caused hair loss, but my counts have remained good even 18 months later (and still on Taxol). The Avastin caused high B/P to the point where I needed to be on meds, both Chrisy and I were on Lisinopril for the blood pressure...I am still on it. The nose bleeds and dry nose were bad on Avastin too, never gushers, but easily 10-12 nosebleeds a day (always made me wonder how my counts stayed up?)
For me the Avastin worked well, but I was caught up in the not approved status by the insurance company. I hope your wife Caryn finds this combo as easy as I did!

[eric]

Thank you Sheila.

[Pam P]

I've been on taxol & avastin since mid May. - 3 weeks on, one off. Overall it's been very manageable. I've had similar s/e like Sheila. Hair loss from taxol. I don't ever feel 'sick' but am extra tired for a couple of days after treatment. Some constipation. Nose bleeds - mostly when I blow my nose - not gushing.

The avastin did cause some issues, and a scare, in October, but it's sorted out now & okay. It made my b/p rise. They didnt' put me on meds right away, just were watching it. I got really short of breath. Had scans, echo. Found lvef was decreased, minor fluid around heart. Went to cardiologist - just monitor, have another echo in 3 months. Started lisiperil (sp) for b/p - within days shortness of breath gone & feel fine.

In May before taxol/avastin my ca2729 was 600+... it kept dropping dramatically down to 90 in October. So the combo was really effective. Unfortunately now my tumor marker has jumped up to 135, so it seems to be losing its effectiveness. I'm scheduled for a pet scan in mid-Dec. to see what's going on. My onc. thinks it might be time to change chemos again. Now that I've gotten used to this combo it's scary to think of it not working & having to try something new again.... you know the feeling. I woudn't be scared of the taxol/avastin from my experience.

[eric]

Thanks Pam.