caelyx(doxcil)-ovarian/peritoneum

Hi all - I am posting on behalf of my sister who has advanced ovarian which has spread to the peritoneum - she has cancer cells everywhere in the peritoneum.  No surgery was done due to this.  She has had 5 cycles of carbo + taxol (numerous problems - ileostomy due to blockage, dehyrdation, terrible breathing problems, platelets, etc.)  She was told that there would be a 10-20% success rate with caelyx (although her doctor told her she has two options - one to do nothing and let it ride its course and the other to try chemo again).   He mentioned taking the same chemo - carbo + taxol, or she could take caelyx.  She is gearing towards the caelyx.  I wonder if anyone could comment on this.

 Should she try the caelyx first?  I wonder if her breathing problems could be associated to the carbo/taxol, and it would be good to try something different.  Also, she wonders if the carbo/taxol have reached a plateau.

 Is there anything that you found to be effective for the side effects of caelyx that she may not be told from the clinic?   She worries about the side effects, such as mouth sores, because she has dentures.

I told her that she may not get rid of the cancer, but she can live with it.  Also, someone fits into the 10-20% success rate, and it might just be her, so I am encouraging her strongly to keep fighting.  Anything that anyone could add about her cancer that has spread to the peritoneum and/or chemo that helps with this type of cancer would be very much appreciated, and success stories of others with similar cancer.  Thank you all so much, and wishing everyone the best.  Barb

 

On 7/1/2009 caruba wrote:

Hi all - I am posting on behalf of my sister who has advanced ovarian which has spread to the peritoneum - she has cancer cells everywhere in the peritoneum.  No surgery was done due to this.  She has had 5 cycles of carbo + taxol (numerous problems - ileostomy due to blockage, dehyrdation, terrible breathing problems, platelets, etc.)  She was told that there would be a 10-20% success rate with caelyx (although her doctor told her she has two options - one to do nothing and let it ride its course and the other to try chemo again).   He mentioned taking the same chemo - carbo + taxol, or she could take caelyx.  She is gearing towards the caelyx.  I wonder if anyone could comment on this.

 Should she try the caelyx first?  I wonder if her breathing problems could be associated to the carbo/taxol, and it would be good to try something different.  Also, she wonders if the carbo/taxol have reached a plateau.

 Is there anything that you found to be effective for the side effects of caelyx that she may not be told from the clinic?   She worries about the side effects, such as mouth sores, because she has dentures.

I told her that she may not get rid of the cancer, but she can live with it.  Also, someone fits into the 10-20% success rate, and it might just be her, so I am encouraging her strongly to keep fighting.  Anything that anyone could add about her cancer that has spread to the peritoneum and/or chemo that helps with this type of cancer would be very much appreciated, and success stories of others with similar cancer.  Thank you all so much, and wishing everyone the best.  Barb

Hi Barb,

You said that her cancer spread throughout her peritoneum.  Have you researched HIPEC at all?  My husband has stage IV appendiceal cancer which spread throughout his peritoneum.  July of 2008 he had cytoreductive surgery to debulk as much cancer as possible followed by HIPEC which is an acronym for heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy.  I know that they also started using HIPEC in Ovarian cancer in 2008.  This may be something to look into and see if your sister is a candidate.  I must warn you that many doctors think this is experimental, but it is not.  Most doctors/surgeons are not very familiar with this surgery but it is worth doing whatever it takes to see if your sister would be a candidate for this procedure.  She may have to travel to get the care she needs, but it is worth it if she can be helped with HIPEC.  Good luck and God Bless!

 Cancer sucks!!

 

 

On 7/1/2009 caruba wrote:

Hi all - I am posting on behalf of my sister who has advanced ovarian which has spread to the peritoneum - she has cancer cells everywhere in the peritoneum.  No surgery was done due to this.  She has had 5 cycles of carbo + taxol (numerous problems - ileostomy due to blockage, dehyrdation, terrible breathing problems, platelets, etc.)  She was told that there would be a 10-20% success rate with caelyx (although her doctor told her she has two options - one to do nothing and let it ride its course and the other to try chemo again).   He mentioned taking the same chemo - carbo + taxol, or she could take caelyx.  She is gearing towards the caelyx.  I wonder if anyone could comment on this.

 Should she try the caelyx first?  I wonder if her breathing problems could be associated to the carbo/taxol, and it would be good to try something different.  Also, she wonders if the carbo/taxol have reached a plateau.

 Is there anything that you found to be effective for the side effects of caelyx that she may not be told from the clinic?   She worries about the side effects, such as mouth sores, because she has dentures.

I told her that she may not get rid of the cancer, but she can live with it.  Also, someone fits into the 10-20% success rate, and it might just be her, so I am encouraging her strongly to keep fighting.  Anything that anyone could add about her cancer that has spread to the peritoneum and/or chemo that helps with this type of cancer would be very much appreciated, and success stories of others with similar cancer.  Thank you all so much, and wishing everyone the best.  Barb

Dear Barb

I encourage you to continue to research for your sister and find what sits well with her.

I have been fighting advanced ovarian cancer for 3 yrs.  I did 5 cycles of carbo (had allergic reaction to taxol).  Your doctors may not have told your sister that her cancer is chemo resistant.  Meaning that chemo will not kill the cancer, but control it.  For me, my cancer has required me to have chemo every 5-6 months.  My second round included caelyx.  I found it had few side affects for me and I coped will for 6 cycles.  It did the maintenance work, but again, had to have more chemo again in 6 months as my CA125 increased.  My last lot of chemo was "palliative" chemo - Topetecan.  This was 1 small dose a week for 3 weeks and then 2 weeks off.  I have now stopped that and am on my own with no other options offered.

I had heard about the microwave therapy.  Yes, heat does kill cancer, but a Chinese herbalist told me the risks were too great.  But.... it is always an option.

I have always done a huge array of alternative therapies to support my immune system on all levels - Mental, diet, vitamins, meditation.  This has been a huge support for me but unfortunately has no come up with the miracle that I was hoping for so far.

 I wish your sister and you as her support well.  Keep positive, live in the moment, listen to your heart what feels comfortable when making decisions and take one thing at a time.

 Take care, remain strong and dont give up yourself.  Prayers for your family.

Kind Regards

Julie B

Hi all - Thank you to those of you who responded to my post.  My sister has been told that she will be having more carbo - up to 8 cycles.  She had some reactions to the chemo that delayed all 5 of the cycles she has already had, but the doctor said that she needs to have 8 cycles of her current treatment - carbo + taxol before she tries caelyx (doxil). 

 She inquired about IP chemo which goes into the abdominal cavity, but all three Oncos do not want to go in that direction, and do not have any positive things to say about it.  I'm not sure if it is because she has been fairly weak and frail since starting treatment, lost weight and has problems with her breathing.  Also, I do not see that she could travel or live elsewhere, as she is not very healthy right now. 

So she is starting a 6th cycle of just carbo (not taxol) tomorrow. Thank you all for your kind thoughts, and wishing everyone well in dealing with this disease.  Barb 

I don't know where you are seeking treatment but the same type of story for my mom. They would not do the surgery because they felt that the cancer would come back twice as quick. Taxol and carboplatin stopped working even though she did 6 cycles. We had a top notch hospital tell us to go home and plan her funeral. We went to Cancer Treatment Center of America and Dr. Charles Brown did her surgery (14 hours) where they removed her gallbladder, appendix, omentum, resected her colon (no colostomy), took layers from her peritoneal and then did a chemo bath with chemo heated to 106 degrees. To date she remains all clear from cancer and it has been 6 months now. Tomorrow is her 60th birthday. Thank you God, Thank you Dr. Brown and Thank you Cancer Treatment Center in Zion!!!

Hi i just wanted to comment on your story. i am in the chicago suburbs as well. i was diagnosed stage 3 ovca in june07 and it has recurred. i had a second round of chemo with taxol and carbo which ended in march. i see my surgeon tomorrow and i am currently on nothing.. hopefully my ca125 will still be low, but if not probably chemo again.. got my fingers crossed. i feel i got good care, at Rush, but have wondered about CC of Am. heard mixed reviews of them. my drs. only gave me a 2-3 year lifespan so sure am looking for alternatives. do you know of any good naturalpath or homeopathic doctor? thanks...karen

We have not dealt with any natural or homeopathic doctors outside of CTCA. At CTCA you do get a naturpath, nutritionist, body mind person, oncologist, surgeon (if needed), etc. Both my mom and I have had massage therapy and Reiki. We have done meditation classes, Qigong and yoga. All of the services are free for the patient and free for caregivers. The only thing they ask is for a suggested donation for massages which goes to research. I cannot say enough good things about the place. Our outcome has been wonderful but even outside of that...the care, love and attention we receive there has been a blessing. I also don't believe that anyone can tell us how long our life span is. My mom was told less than six months and look at her now living a life without cancer. She celebrated her 60th birthday Thursday which was something we were told she wouldn't do in January!!!

Sorry, I posted this in the wrong place.

We have not dealt with any natural or homeopathic doctors outside of CTCA. At CTCA you do get a naturpath, nutritionist, body mind person, oncologist, surgeon (if needed), etc. Both my mom and I have had massage therapy and Reiki. We have done meditation classes, Qigong and yoga. All of the services are free for the patient and free for caregivers. The only thing they ask is for a suggested donation for massages which goes to research. I cannot say enough good things about the place. Our outcome has been wonderful but even outside of that...the care, love and attention we receive there has been a blessing. I also don't believe that anyone can tell us how long our life span is. My mom was told less than six months and look at her now living a life without cancer. She celebrated her 60th birthday Thursday which was something we were told she wouldn't do in January!!!

Hi all - I posted the original message.  My sister's last chemo was only carbo.  Her CA levels have really increased compared to what it was prior to her surgery being cancelled due to cancer cells throughout her peritoneum.  It is now around 3700 - her highest level was 700 before.  She has been told that this happens sometimes following surgery (she was opened up but no surgery was done).   Her Onco has again suggested Hospice, but my sister is saying that she wants to try caelyx (doxil).  She has only had carbo + taxol (5 times) and carbo once.  Unfortunately, her chemo is constantly delayed due to her platelet levels.  So she is waiting for better bloodwork, and then plans on trying caelyx.  I feel so badly for her, as her Onco is really not giving her hope - and it doesn't seem that there is anyone at the clinic who is either.  I just wish there was someone who could inspire her to keep fighting.  Barb

 

On 7/26/2009 caruba wrote:

Hi all - I posted the original message.  My sister's last chemo was only carbo.  Her CA levels have really increased compared to what it was prior to her surgery being cancelled due to cancer cells throughout her peritoneum.  It is now around 3700 - her highest level was 700 before.  She has been told that this happens sometimes following surgery (she was opened up but no surgery was done).   Her Onco has again suggested Hospice, but my sister is saying that she wants to try caelyx (doxil).  She has only had carbo + taxol (5 times) and carbo once.  Unfortunately, her chemo is constantly delayed due to her platelet levels.  So she is waiting for better bloodwork, and then plans on trying caelyx.  I feel so badly for her, as her Onco is really not giving her hope - and it doesn't seem that there is anyone at the clinic who is either.  I just wish there was someone who could inspire her to keep fighting.  Barb

Hi Barb,

          Just read your post about how your sister's blood count keeps going down after chemotherapy. I have known someone whose blood count was maintained very well coz of her diet. She included a lot of flaxseed oil, extravirgin olive oil, salads, fruits with vitamin c, like oranges,kiwifruit, strawberries,raspberries.If the doc advices against raw foods, boil the fruits/veggies and make sure her diet is very regular. Flaxseed oil can be mixed in a small cup of yogurt (the best way to take it as it blends very well) 1:6 spoons proportion (1-flaxseed,6-yogurt). Prayers and wishes for your sister. Hope this helps.