Ovarian cancer and use of inhibitor

FormerMember
FormerMember
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Hi I have been undergoing treatment for nearly eighteen months, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer December 19, taken into hospital with chest infection next thing told I had cancer total shock as had no symptoms, and had felt well, it was whilst running bloods something showed up, anyway last year I had six cycles of Chemo followed by debulking surgery last July followed by two more cycles of Chemo. I went into remission in October but cancer back by January didn’t even make the three months. So back on Chemo for a further 8 cycles 4th cycle this week so should be scanned in next month, according to ca125 marker had come down by two thirds after first two cycles. So I am keeping everything crossed that may get away with less Chemo. I have spoken to consultant about going on an inhibitor, which he was hopeful I could go on as long as Chemo worked. I am stage three. Just would like some views on if it works well and from what I have read it’s side effects similar to Chemo. I must admit I have been lucky just suffering tiredness and lack of energy, lost hair first time round but haven’t this time round. So would just like some views. I am very possative person and really hope it works for me.

  • Hi Dooney I've also recently joined. Thank you for letting us know about Niraparib. At least we won't be going in with rose tinted spectacles if we manage to be given it. However it does seem as if it is a necessary evil. Especially as I am reading how quickly it can return. I hope you start to feel a bit better soon. 

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Phoebe

    I am stage 3 too.  I have been on Niraparib since January this year.  The side effects are not great but nowhere as bad as chemo.  I have my first scan next week  since starting taking them so am hoping they are doing their job. 
    It’s good news that your markers have gone down by two thirds.  My markers had gone down to 40 following 8 chemos and a major op last year.  Am a bit concerned as they are now at 137, am just praying that they don’t go up any more

    Sending positive thoughts

    Carole x

  • Good luck with the scan Carole. Do you know if Niraparib reduces cancer or just keeps it at bay?

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to newmay21

    Thank you.  My understanding of Niraparib is that it stops the cancer cells from dividing  so really us keeping it at bay 

  • Thanks, I see my consultant this week so hopefully will get more information then.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to newmay21

    Hope it’s positive for you 

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to newmay21

    Hi newmay

    I was told by my consultant that Nariparab stops cancer cells from repairing themselves and growing. Hope that helps.

    Regards

    Anne

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Hi CJH

    My CA125 markers increased the same as yours. Mine are 153 but my consultant is not concerned with the number. He says they are only concerned if the numbers increase by a big amount. I'm on Nariparab and my count has been pretty stable. The number is just a guide for them and if they stay more or less the same they are not concerned.

    Hope this helps.

    Regards

    Anne x

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Hi Carole

    good luck with your scan and I hope it’s all positive and your markers are stable, it’s a never ending battle eh, but it’s lucky we can take the Niraparib to keep it at bay. I speak to oncologist next week so fingers crossed my scan was good and see if I need the rest of Chemo. Keep me posted and I let you know how I get on.

    Jayne (pheobe log in name) x

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Hi Anne

    Thank you so much for your comment on the CA125 markers.  It was such a relief to read what your consultant had told you about the numbers.  I have a CT scan next Thursday and a blood test the week after that.  I am so keeping my fingers crossed that the number hasn’t increased 

    Thanks again for your helpful reply 

    Regards 

    Carole