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Starting Olaparib (Lynparza)!

FNR
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Hello,

Im new to the site and I hope you can help me. On October 7th I had A total abdominal hysterectomy, plelvic Peritonectomy, total omenectomy, extensive retroperioneal trans abdominal lymphadenectomy and ureteolysis and peritoneal washout for suspected ovarian malignancy. On the 28th of October I was advised by my doctor that I was stage 3C high grade serous turbo- ovarian cancer and needed 6 rounds of chemotherapy. I was also advised that I was BRACA1 + and will be needing to go on Olaparib (Lynparza) after my 6th infusion of chemo has finished. 

I saw my Oncologist today and he advised me that I will be starting on this meds next week after my CT scan and results. He advised that my CA125 is normal and he can know more after my CT scan. However due to my BRACA gene,I need to go these maintenance Meds! He also went through some of the common side effects which has made me so nervous and extremely emotional!!

It's a lot to take in after going through all I have already gone through!

I have read the leaflet with describing what this medicines is and what the side effects are! However there are some questions I have regarding some of these side effects and also would like to know what meds or vitamins I can take to reduce the side effects?!

1: Anaemia - what can I eat or what vitamins can I take to help with this side effect?

2: Risk od infection: Can I take MULTIVITAMINS, Vitamin C,D, ginger , turmeric shots to help with my immune system?

3: Blood Clots: can I take Aspirin to reduce this side effect? Can I travel by plane in a few moths time whilst on these meds?

4: Am I able to resume to a normal life, like being able to have a glass of whine, having massages or facials, start exercising?

5: Indigestion or tummy pain : I was diagnosed with Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, have 3 large ulcers and 2cm gallstone in which I am awaiting for a surgery date to remove the gallstone.  I am taking 40mg of Omeprazole twice daily. Extremely worried that this meds can make matters much worse for me.

Apologies in advance for all these questions but I'm truly overwhelmed with everything I have gone through and still have to go through with no guarantee that this evil disease doesn't come back! 

Thanking you in advance.

Fatemeh

  • Dear Fatemeh

    Thank you for contacting us here at Macmillan Cancer Support.  My name is Rae and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists.

    You certainly have been through a lot, and it is understandable that you are feeling overwhelmed.  I will come back to that at the end of my information and suggestions.

    Olaparib, as you are aware, is used to treat adults who have advanced ovarian cancer with an abnormal BRCA gene.  It is given after successful treatment with chemotherapy.  The drug website has useful information including tips for managing some common side effects.  Eating foods that are high in iron, including leafy vegetables, beans, meat and fish can help.  You can also speak to your doctor to see if there are any medications or supplements that can be used to treat anaemia.

    A balanced and varied diet is the best way to get a healthy supply of vitamins and minerals.  If you are considering taking vitamins or having ginger and turmeric shots to help with your immune system, you should always get advice from your cancer doctor or specialist nurse.  This is because some vitamins and minerals could interfere with how well some cancer drugs work.  There is also evidence that taking high dose antioxidant supplements during cancer treatment might make some treatments less effective.

    Long journeys and air travel can increase your risk of getting a blood clot.  Wearing compression stockings for travel can reduce this risk.  Please ensure that you let your team know that you are considering travel whilst taking Olaparib.

    Aspirin can cause severe complications in people with stomach ulcers, therefore you need to talk to your doctor if you are considering taking this drug.

    We are glad that you are in a place where you are considering your ability to return to your usual routines and past times.

    Exercising safely can have so many benefits both during cancer treatments and following it.

    Taking good care of your skin can help to give it a boost and improve self-confidence.  You should check with your cancer team though before using any skin care products or attending for a facial when receiving cancer treatment.  Look Good Feel Better can help support you with practical tips and workshops.

    Massage can give benefits such as a reduction in stress, improved sleep patterns and an overall feeling of wellbeing.  Talk to your cancer team before having a massage.  Some massage techniques may need to be adapted due to being on cancer treatment.  These organisations and websites deal specifically with complimentary therapies and cancer care.

    There are no known interactions between taking Olaparib and consuming alcohol, but it can cause many of the same side effects.  Taking them together may increase your risk of diarrhoea, fatigue, and nausea and vomiting.

    There are no known interactions between Olaparib and omeprazole, but if you are worried please speak to your cancer team.  If you are worried about the effect of Olaparib on your gastro-intestinal tract and issues of ulcers and gallstones, please consult again with your team. 

    It is common to have different emotions when diagnosed and go through treatment for cancer.  Feeling overwhelmed is one of those emotions.  It is important to seek help with your emotions if needed.  Talking about how you feel is a very important way that you can deal with your emotions.  Our nurses on the support line would be more than happy to talk things through with you, 0808 808 0000.  We also have a partnership with BUPA, where up to 6 sessions of free counselling are available for people struggling emotionally because they are living with cancer.

    Our online community also offers support through connecting with other people undergoing similar diagnoses and treatment. 

    Best wishes

    Rae, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

     

    Ref/RC

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