Avastin...Cpt11

My husband was dx'd in 2/2007 with GBM.  Tumor was a butterfly glioma with most of the left front lobe tumor removed.  The right side was untouched because that would have been too aggressive.  He completed radiation and 11 cycles of Temodar, which further reduced both parts of the tumor.  Our recent MRI showed a finger growth in the left hemisphere, so we are discontinuing Temedor and starting Avastin/CPT11 soon.  How hard is the Avastin/CPT11 on the body?  What are the side effects I can expect?  Thanks for the info.

The combo has been easy on me. I've had 8 rounds, every 2 weeks since early January. Only real complaint is diarrhea, which has grown cumulatively worse over the last couple of months. It's pretty much a daily thing, but usually controllable by immodium. There is some fatigue like all chemo, but I'm doing far better than I was on temodar. 3 stable MRIs so far. I wish you the same good luck I've had.

My mom did the Avastin/CPT11 protocol for over a year, with amazing results, the was switched to just Avastin to keep the tumor away once her MRI's were clear.  Her biggest complaint with the CPT11 was the fatigue and how long she had sit around while getting the infusion.  She didn't suffer any of the other known side effects, but did develope an allergic reaction to the Avasitn.  That was easily controlled by administering benedryll during the chemo.   My mom was diagnosed in August of '05, and the Avastin/CPT11 coctail has kept her in the game today.  Good luck!