What are the side effects of Avastin maintenance therapy for ovarian cancer?

Congratulations on such excellent treatment results and reaching the maintenance phase! Many community members have shared experiences with Avastin maintenance therapy, and side effects can vary widely from person to person - some report fatigue, high blood pressure, or minor bleeding issues, while others experience very few side effects at all. Connecting with others who've been on this same maintenance treatment can provide valuable insights and support during this phase of care.

I have been on Avastin since January and tolerated it well except for getting mouth sores on the inner side of my lips. They would come and go with out any rhyme or reason. I rinsed with baking soda and salt and used magic mouth wash to numb the area. I was told that this is not a common side effect. I also have a salty taste on my lips all the time. Other than that I had no problems.

Hi, my name is Jennifer. I was diagnosed with peritoneal ovarian cancer with Muller origins and metastasis. My ca125 started over 4000 and now it's at 75. Is that a good indication that surgery is soon?

Is your ca125 closely tied to remission

Bonnie, Hi!! I’ve been worried about you. Is your pain gone? I’m on Lynparza and it’s ok. I feel a little nauseous sometimes and tired. Overall it’s not bad.

Hi Kathy B. I'm doing some much better. Pain did finally go away. I started my Avastin 3 weeks ago .Today is round #

Round #2 nov21. Only problem with it is fatigue. My endocrinologist but me on rybelsus for my diabetes sugar was to high.he told me 3 months ago to eat what I want. Lol it is helping that and gives me energy.so I'm up moving lots more .Doing the cleaning I haven't done since March of this year(. DX Of cancer) BUT I PRAISE Jesus everyday for healing this burger and feel so so much better.even my copd is better. Sorry I worried you just been busy. Good to hear you doing ok. Talk more soon.

Hi Jennifer B. I dont if its an i dication of surgery but it is a good sign that your cancer is being killed off and shrinking. I would question your care team about surgery.my dr told me to begin with up on dx,that I would have 3 chemo then surgery then 3 more chemo. I actually had 4 the surgery 2 more chemo my last CT scan showed cancer free.im doing the maintance now to keep it from coming back. Ask as many questions of ur care team as u can.it will help you to be more positive in your future

Hi. I have stage 3 ovarian cancer - diagnosed 7/2023. Had all 6 rounds of chemo and total hysterectomy. Chemo ended in 1/2024 and I’ve been on Avastin every 3 weeks since. No side effects at all. I still don’t totally have my taste back since chemo but fine really. I originally had six weeks off in the beginning but went back to work 10/3/2023 and still working (I’ll be 79 in January). I’ts been suggested I take Lynparza instead but I haven’t, I don’t like the possible side effects. Hope you have the same luck as I’ve had. After 26 months I did have a port put in - my veins were shot.

Nancy that's so good to hear. After the chemo I've had enough of side effects. Im so glad to hear you've had none with Avastin. They put in my port when I was dx so it has made things so much easier.

Bonnie I’m so happy that you are doing well. It’s hard to clean when you feel bad. My Dr. has me on Lynparza. I was taking 600 mg., but I felt kind of yucky and the fatigue was real. They lowered my dose and told me to take a break from it for a few days. I’ll restart tomorrow. Hopefully it’ll be better. Well, you have a wonderful thanksgiving. Is Avastin a pill or an infusion? Xoxo

Avastin is a 30 minute infusion every 3 weeks. At least that’s what I’m on. I’ve had 33 rounds - I’ve been told I can stay on it for the rest of my life - or until my insurance says they won’t pay any more. Then I’ll go on Medicare. I have free medical insurance where I work so that’s been great. I’m just afraid with the lynparza that I’ll lose my hair again and the return of the dreaded chemo diarrhea! And then I’ll probably have to retire - I wouldn’t be able to work and run to the bathroom all day! Those are the only two side affects I don’t want. I’ve never really been tired and have never had any pain. Good luck.

Hi Nancy!! That’s nice to know Avastin is something that you can stay on for as long as you like. Lynparza isn’t bad, you just have to figure out what dose works for you. My hair is growing back, everyday a bit more comes in. So, you wouldn’t lose anymore hair. It would be hard to work not feeling well. Also, Lynparza kind of constipates you, so I take a stool softener on occasion. Thanks for the info and have a wonderful Thanksgiving 🦃

Hi. I was told the diarrhea would (or could) be like it was with chemo and mine was bad for 6 weeks or so. Tired I can handled . Hair grew back after the first year and I get it cut every 4-6 weeks. I was told it’s 4 pills a day but my doctor said we’d start off with 2 and see how it goes. Do you take both Avastin and lynparza or just Lynparza? It’s hard to decide to switch when one drug seems to be working. As long as we’re all well that’s all that matter. Also dragging out 25+ Christmas bins and working but I take breaks when needed. Since I was diagnosed I’ve had 4 friends who have been diagnosed with cancer - all different kinds. We all are doing well so far - some radiation, some chemo and infusions. Lots of support for each of us. Everyone have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Being in south Florida is challenging - need some cold weather!

Hi Nancy!! Yes, diarrhea would be rough. I don’t think you would lose your hair, my hair is growing back in. I take 4 pills 500 mg. Side effects aren’t bad, now. I was on 600. I have not had Avastin. If it’s working for you, maybe you should stay on that. Do you have Ovarian Cancer? I have stage 3/C Although I am cancer free now. Good luck with whatever you choose Good talking to you

Mine is stage 3. 28 months now but I can’t say cancer free. CT scans show nothing but my insurance won’t pay for PET scan for almost 2 years. They say “since I don’t have cancer they won’t pay”. How do you know if they won’t approve it??? It’s much more accurate than a CT scan. Most likely I’ll pay for it myself before the year is out or see if Medicare will pay for it. The imaging facility said they’d work with me on price if I have to pay. I need some peace of mind. Thanksgiving break is over and I go back to work on Monday for another 3 weeks and then winter break. Want restful getting the house ready for Christmas - not quite there yet. Hope you had a great thanksgiving- we’re all still here so that’s a blessing.