When cancer returns, is chemo just as effective?

[LKGower]

Hi everyone,

Just wondering if anyone has had similar experiences, basically my cancer has returned in my liver and pelvic region. It showed up on my last ct scan which was 2 months after my liver resection. Initially before surgery I did 6 rounds of xeloda and avastin and I had a complete response.

This time I am on the same with the addition of oxaliplatin. After the 2nd cycle the pain I was having started fading to the point I wasnt having any symptoms. But after the 3rd cycle the pain is back, not as bad but it's there. It's stressing me out that chemo is working :/

Is there a chance that chemo might not be effective this time round even though I had such a good response first time and also taking a new drug?

I don't see my oncologist till end of week, it's just doing my head in! I don't get scanned till end of January. I don't think I can wait that long! Don't even know if my cea is dropping. Seems like every time I ask something, my oncologist says he'd have to check my notes. So frustrating!

Lisa

[livingbyfaith]

It worked for my husband after cancer spread, they have so many options now. Oxi worked for him however they had to reduce the dose. If one stops working they try another. My husband actually died after two hernia surgeries, not really from the cancer. Just keep buying time, we are all praying for a cure.

[stu]

Hello there,
How was Christmas? Hope you have been managing ok on chemo.
I can only share what my mother experienced but she did get the same outcome second time round. However she did have some pain management issues that required addressing. As chemo progressed towards the end of her two week cycle her colon became very sensitive and she experienced considerable pain . She also had tumour encapsulation and as it shrank she was in sever pain. We did seek advise on this and it helped get ahead of it and it all became quite manageable. Her Cea levels started heading up after the third cycle , not good for the nerves, however her scans were wonderful.
Your doing great but oxa is a big hitter.
Take care and hoping for good news in the New Year!!
Stu x

[LKGower]

Thank you for replying,

I did have a lovely Xmas and new year thank you. Hope you both did as well

Let's hope 2014 is a good year!

Rising cea would have def been nerve racking! But glad to hear her scans were good.

Oxali is a killer!! I hate the cold sensitivity side effect with a passion. I don't know how anyone could handle doing it in winter :/

Well I see my oncologist today, no scans to go off but hopefully he can tell me if my cea is dropping, as it's always been a good indicator for me. Just need to know if chemo is working to out my mind at ease a bit.

Lisa