Colon Cancer Support Group

I meant to say Avastin, I gotta stop typing so darn fast!! :(

I don't know Kadija. My hair is a little thin on top, but you really have look closer to notice it. And I've been on Avastin from day 1. So don't worry I don't think it's gonna be bad.

Thanks Russian! I always like to compare notes with you since we are receiving the same treatments almost....
You know how nervous I am about this upcoming round of chemo I am driving myself nuts.

Hi Kadija, I'm sorry to say but some people do get hair loss, but not everyone. Who knows, maybe you'll be one of those who don't. Here is the information I found at the manufactures website:

Avastin Side Effects

What are some of the possible common side effects of chemotherapy?
Because targeted therapies like Avastin work in a different way than chemotherapy, there are different side effects. Common side effects associated with chemotherapy include:
* Bleeding or bruising easily
* Diarrhea
* Fatigue
* Increased chance of infection
* Loss of appetite
* Loss of hair
* Mouth sores
* Nausea
* Rash on the hands and feet
* Tingling or numbness in fingers or toes
* Vomiting
Avastin is used with chemotherapy, so some of the above side effects may occur during treatment. Also, there are some common side effects more directly associated with Avastin. Your cancer care team will talk with you about what to expect and how you can work with them to manage side effects.

What are the most common side effects of Avastin therapy?
In clinical trials for MCRC, the following side effects occurred more often in people receiving Avastin plus chemotherapy than in people receiving chemotherapy alone:

Nosebleeds
o Nosebleeds were usually minor and stopped on their own by holding a tissue to the nose. Call your doctor if you feel dizzy or faint or if the bleeding doesn't stop after 10 to 15 minutes

Hypertension (high blood pressure)
o Standard oral medications were used to manage high blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you've had high blood pressure in the past

Proteinuria
o Too much protein in the urine, a possible sign of kidney malfunction

Additional side effects included weakness, pain, diarrhea, and leukopenia (a reduced white blood cell count). Please talk to your doctor about any potential side effects with Avastin

Caterina, I was on that site and that is where I saw the side effects. Are you, yourself, receiving it as treatment? I posted in hopes to hear from people that are on it, I know Russian is... and I also know we respond differently so I will keep fingers crossed all goes smooth.

BTW Kadija I have elevated blood pressure from Avastin. My normal BP is 120/80, by 11th treatment I had 135/95. My onc did not say anyhting I guess it's not considered high.

Hi Russian, we watch this type of thing in our research and we don't consider 135/95 high. It's probably high for you but since the oncologist doesn't consider the meds to be something you will be on forever he probably doesn't think its a problem. We would just consider it a temp thing and watch it over the course of treatment.
Cat

Wow Russian!! 11 treatments? Okay, I now have a little more confidence that I would do well since we are the same stage and if you did it I am hoping so can I!! :-)

Thanks Caterina for the information.

Kadija don't be afraid, Avastin is not bad. Good luck to you!

Russian