Avastin is the new drug of choice

Went to Weinberg yesterday and found out that my CA125 went up to 89.3 (up 20.9 points). Dr. Im changed me to Avastin, which is not a chemo but an anti-angiogenic therapy--or a biological as RN Pauline called Avastin. It is supposed to cause the blood vessels to shrink from the cancer tumor, blocking the supply of oxygen and nutrients, and hopefully, causing the tumor to starve. Side effects are possible nosebleeds, high blood pressure, kidney malfunction, reduced white blood cell count which can increase chances of infection. The good news about Avastin is that, unlike chemotherapy which attacks all fast-growing cells whether good or bad, it only works on the blood vessels leading to the tumors. Avastin also doesn't attack hair follicles so I may have hair re-growth. I get it by IV once every three weeks. Then get blood work 10 days after each infusion to check that it's not doing damage to anything it shouldn't. A cancer killer that allows me to have hair, what a wonderful drug! Die, tumors, die! Hope it works.

Jenna (3 mo) and Tyler (2.75 yrs)

Megan and Alex took Jenna for her 3 month photos 8/15/09, added some of Tyler and then both. Tyler had a great time, telling me later over the phone about a wagon he got to sit on. He loves that they are going to the babysitter together. He reminds everyone she's his little sister. Isn't it great being a big brother!

Taxol 13

Wrapped up #12 series of Taxol 8/6/09 and have a "bye" next Thursday. Dr. Im is still deciding whether or not to continue Taxol #13 when I go back for chemo 8/20/09. Since Taxol is holding the 3 nodes static, changing to another chemo doesn't seem necessary. Don't know what a new drug might have in the way of side effects and don't know if it would even work. So think it will be a wait-and-see situation. Main side effect for Taxol is the neuropathy with my fingers and feet. Feet are more dangerous as I don't want to fall and possibly hurt/break something. So I'm careful when walking and/or going up/down stairs.