Stay on Course with Your Treatment
A rise in CA-125 levels may seem troubling. However, CA-125 is only one of the many indicators of how you may be doing. It is important not to measure the effectiveness of your treatment by a single CA-125 test. If you are concerned about your CA-125 results, talk to your doctor. Your physician will use the CA-125 and other indicators to determine whether it is appropriate for you to continue treatment with DOXIL.

It is recommended that patients receive DOXIL treatments by intravenous (IV) infusion once every four weeks for a minimum of four courses. Four courses of DOXIL therapy are recommended as long as your disease does not progress, and you continue to tolerate treatment because clinical trials have shown this is the median time to response.

It’s also critical to be vigilant in monitoring your body for signs and symptoms of hand-foot syndrome (HFS). Intervention at the first appearance of symptoms can help minimize the extent, severity, and degree to which HFS disrupts the use of DOXIL.

You should always speak to your healthcare team about your treatment and any questions or concerns you may have. And be sure to ask your healthcare team about resources. The oncology nurses are an invaluable resource, as are support groups, advocacy organizations, Web sites that offer reliable, useful information, or any other educational information that can help you stay on course with your treatment.

Stay on Course with Your Life
In addition to your physical needs, it is important to consider your emotional, social and spiritual needs. While you may have to make some adjustments, you should do your best to maintain a sense of normalcy wherever possible.

Relationships and Intimacy
Approximately 50% of women treated for gynecologic cancers experience sexual dysfunctions. Sexual issues could be a result of the cancer, the treatment, or it could even be a reaction to the emotional impact of the diagnosis. Whichever the case, you should talk to your physician or oncology nurse if you have any concerns. Do not feel embarrassed—this is a common and very legitimate concern. Intimacy and sexuality is an important contributor to quality of life. Fundamentally, we all have a need for closeness, touch, pleasure and caring.

For more information, see Cancer and Intimacy

Diet and Exercise
Eating well and exercising can help promote a sense of health and well being. Be sure to consult your physician before starting an exercise program or modifying your diet. While there are no food or dietary supplements that will act as a magic bullet to prevent your cancer from returning, there are steps you can take to try to reduce your cancer risk.

The American Cancer Society offers these tips:

• Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains
• Decrease your fat intake to less than 30% of calories
• Minimize your intake of cured, pickled and smoked foods
• Achieve and maintain a healthy weight
• Consume alcoholic beverages in moderation, if at all
• Increase your amount of exercise, if possible

It is also a good idea while taking DOXIL to avoid spicy and acidic foods to help prevent stomatitis (mouth sores).

Be sure to consult your physician before attempting any of these recommendations.

Emotional Well Being
There is much you can do to enhance the quality of your emotional life. There may be days when you don’t feel well enough to leave the house or speak to anyone. And there will be days when you have the energy to focus on life outside of cancer. Start an exercise program, take up yoga, watch what you eat, and do special things for yourself—anything that will make you feel good about yourself. A positive attitude is an important component of any treatment plan.

And remember, you are not alone. You can find great support through community groups and the Community Connection.