I would like to refer to Harriet' s comments in "4th round" wherein she says "The new trend seems to be Gemzar."
I'm in my 10 month of reoccurrence treatment on Gemzar/Carbo and my CA125 now fluctuates between 8-10. The last PET scan I had showed no sign of the breast cancer in lymph nodes under my breast bone, and only 1 small spot of PPC (1.5 cm) in my abdomen. I was diagnosed with breast cancer 12 years ago and it reoccurred along with the diagnosed PPC3 years ago. I had the surgery and Taxol/Cisplatin then a rest for over a year until the CA125 climbed over 50.
Both my GYN/Oncologist and Breast Cancer oncologist agree that Gemzar/Carbo is the Cadillac of maintenance treatments and I will remain on it as long as it works. I asked for time off, but they said that once you quit a particular chemo you can't go back. Therefore I would question Drs. who want to go back to previous chemo treatments until they have tried Gemzar. They also said that once you have a reaction to a "platin," you can't take any platins.
I have a lot of faith in both doctors as their treatments are working. I don't like the treatments, but it has become a way of life for me and I am thankful for every day.
One thing I would like to add if any breast cancer survivors read this is to have a hysterectomy. I feel that if I had had one after my mastectomy, I would not have PPC today.
I hope this information might be of help to someone out there, and remember "Keep the faith."
Teal Warrior Gayle