Avastin?

Becs511

Anybody else out there on the IV chemo Avastin? I know it is now rarely prescribed and approved by insurance companies for breast cancer patients, unless the oncologist(s) make a strong case for it. It was found in (I think 2011?) that in the majority of BC patients in actually caused progression, but in certain cases, like with brain mets, there is some evidence that it halts progression and helps "calm" the brain down a little.

I know that can be taken on an every 2 week or every 3 week schedule, and I chose to go the every 3 week route, so it lines up with my every 3 week Herceptin infusions.

I had my first Avastin on Friday and so far, no issues, but I have a feeling, that like the majority of druges, the SEs maybe cumulative. They warned me that the most common side effects include bleeding problems, digestive issues, and dry skin (great cause I'm also on Xeloda).

So, anybody else on Avastin and if so, can you tell me about your experiences with it and what I might expect further down the road?

Thanks in advance!!

Peregrinelady

Becs511, although I have not had any chemo, I can tell you that my twin sister was on Avastin after being diagnosed in 2004. She attributed her survival of almost 4 years with metastatic BC to Avastin and was quite upset when her oncologist suddenly announced that overall survival was not increased with this drug and she would no longer get it. Her tumor markers went up for several months and the doctor offered a new drug (at the time) called Ixempra. She had her first infusion along with oral Xeloda and unfortunately had a reaction to it and passed away. I believe that the fact that she was on an anti-fungal drug at the time prevented her body from processing the Ixempra. I actually researched this and told the oncologist. It sounds like there has been so much progress in treating metastatic patients as my sister just went from chemo to chemo and didn't have the options that women have today with the anti- hormomals, even though she was 100% ER+. This is the first I have heard of Avastin causing progression. Has this been studied and proven? BTW, I do not remember her saying anything about side effects from the Avastin. I hope it works for you.