hi all
i have just completed 4 AC and was about to start 4 taxotere, which i had a severe alergic reaction to and then taxol which was even worse. obviously i cannot have any more and will be doing 2 more AC. my OH spoke to my onc. briefly on the phone when she rang to see if i was ok, and he asked where it left us now. we are very concerned that we’re not going to get the very best in treatment now. the onc says it is only 1-2 % difference…i will be speaking to her in depth when i see her on friday. i just wondered if anyone else had had this experience.
regards karen
H Karen
I know that magz175 had a similar thing - she started a thread on here about it if you look for it - not long ago - like you she will be having 2 more AC. It’s called something like “no more Tax for me then”.
good luck
FizBix xxx
Hi Karen
FizBix pointed me to your posting.
I was to have 4 x fec, 20 rads and then 4 x tax. While I managed the fec and the rads - the very first tax was a nightmare for me. Although I wasn’t allergic to it, the side effects which I suffered from it were so severe that my oncologist said that hospital protocol dictated that it had to be stopped, as the risk of permanent disability as a result of the tax was very real. As a result I am being given 2 more fec then that’s it as far as chemo is concerned. I do still have herceptin to come though.
I asked what difference it made to my overall prognosis and was told that there was no significant (a small %age) difference.
I have checked this myself on adjuvant online (not that I don’t trust my onc or anything lol) and while I was extremely upset initially that I was in some way ‘losing out’ on what is supposed to be one the best treatments, I have come to terms with it now, and have no choice but to accept the decision. I am sure your onc will be able to explain fully the difference in treatment regimes when you see her.
I’m one of those people who are into statistics and information - when you look at some of the early trials comparing taxane treatment with others - whilst there are some benefits to be gained, there are also a significant number of cases that gave ‘cause for concern’ during treatment. My own oc has told me that they are currently re-evaluating the use of taxotere because of the number of severe side effects they are seeing.
I hope everything goes ok for you - please keep us posted
Magz x
many thanks fizbix
hi magz
thanks for your reply. when the onc said their was only a small % difference i must admit my first thought was “she’s just trying to make us feel better” lol. i too cannot believe the amount of people suffering with this debillitating chemo if the difference is so small. perhaps we will see a change in regimens in time. you have made me feel better tho that your onc said the same thing and i do trust my onc with my life. because the reaction was within 20 seconds on both taxol and taxotere she is of the thinking it may be my asthma. i am now praying to god that i won’t suffer the same fate on herceptin. i will let you know what she says on friday
regards karen
Good luck on Friday Karen
I have one more fec to go on 14th May (3 days before my birthday so that should be fun NOT lol) - then I see onc on 21st May to discuss starting the herceptin and arranging muga scan - having had the tax cancelled I am banking on the herceptin - so am terrified that there will be probs with my heart function etc etc Will be so relieved when I know that it’s going ahead ok.
Please do keep us posted
Magz x
Hi Karen,
I would like to share my experience with you. I had 3 fec and was suppose to have 3 tax but only had 2. After my 1st tax, I developed a severe side effects - damaged of the nerve, so my onc reduce the dosage for my 2nd tax but although it did shrink the tumor, my nerves was badly damage that I couldn’t stand on my feet, my fingers were sore. I couldn’t do simple tasks like putting on my own clothes, cut my food etc. My last tax was then cancelled.
Although I am getting better i.e I can dressed myself, I am still on a wheelchair.
to all
I am about to go onto Taxotere, not till end of he month. This is very scary. My reaction to AC has been good. I was looking forward to Tax as being less virulent, but obviously that is not the case.
anything I should be looking for in particular???
Emily
xxx
Emily,
The first sign of a nerve damage for me was swollen big toe, sensitive fingers and feet and followed by broken skins on the heel.
Tax works for most people - I suppose you will read more negative stories as we tend to post when we have problems.
Sari
HI Emily
Like you I had 4 AC and responded well,no major problems.Was due to have 4 taxotere but had 3 as my lump had started to get bigger so didnt respond as well to that.I felt worse with it as I had it on Wed and the weekend was totally wiped out,also after first one my neutrophils dropped and had high temp so spent 4 days on anti biotic drip in hospital,after that I was given neulasta injection the day after chemo which made a big difference,although still suffered with achy joints.
As you know we all react differently but its good to know what may happen.
Take Care
Mary
xxxx