Rucaparib

Hi Georgette,

It's my first recurrence too and hopefully the last!.I've been on Rucaparib for 3 months now. On the plus it has reduced my tumour marker from 212 to 79 so I'm really pleased with that. I have experienced some  side  effects. The first month I got nausea and constipation. But with treatment for both that has been manageable. Last month I developed quite bad anaemia and my haemoglobin has struggled to stay stable. I've had a blood transfusion and now I'm injecting myself every 3 weeks with a hormone to help me produce healthy red blood cells. Fingers crossed, so far so good. 

I think everyone reacts differently but I feel quite positive about this treatment. It's less intrusive than chemo and the monthly blood tests mean you can keep an eye on what is happening.

Good luck with your treatment

All the best

Sheila x

Hi Sheila,

Thank you so much for you reply,it appears difficult to find anyone on this drug. I had womb cancer which is fine,but it was the fallopian tube serous high grade and so it is that, that has returned on my momentum,small bit on the bowel,and also on the lung. I will complete my carbo/gem of 6 rounds mid October ,my CA125 tumour marker has gone down from 532 to 39 so I am happy with that.

I am hoping that the Rucaparib will keep this back,but have to wait and see,but it I'd great to know that you have had a good response and long may this continue for you. It is always difficult when you tart on something new and I know we are all different etc.

So her is hoping that you stay well. Please keep in touch if you have the time.

Take care,Georgette xx

Hi Georgette,

thank you. Rucaparib only got NICE approval last Oct so it is very new. It's also very expensive which I'm absolutely sure we are worth every penny haha. Its hard to find people that are on it. 

Brilliant to see that tumour marker drop! That's amazing. Lets hope you keep up the good work. 

Its so annoying getting a recurrence but fingers crossed with good management we can improve our health. I have high grade serous ovarian stage 3. They took my momentum but a few stray cells started growing on the peritoneum. 

Good luck with the Rucaparib. I will keep you updated how it goes. 

Take care

Sheila x

Ah thanks Sheila, it would be great to compare notes,even though we know that people are affected differently. I must admit I did not realise that Rucaparib was that new. I am stage 4 now,but because I am fairly fit otherwise I suppose that is why they decided to give it a go. I looked at the price the other day & could not believe the price, but hey ho!! as you say they must think we are worth it. I am now looking forward to finishing my chemo, but have been fairly lucky with side effects,and did not lose my hair this time which was a bonus. I do get swollen ankles but that has been looked into and they say it will go once I complete the chemo.

Take care, and I sincerely hope that you can keep going forward on Rucaparib.

Georgette xx