It looks like I might stay on Taxotere for all my chemos, either 6 (which means another one to go), or up to 8.
Has anyone else had treatment with the same for so many?
Thanks
I had 3 FEC then 3 TAX (last one was Tues so SE’s just kicking in now). Is there any reason why this is being mooted now? What was the original plan for you?
Kinden
x
Hi Kinden
The original plan was for 4 tax then 4 something else (Epi I think). However this then changed to probably 6 Taxotere.
I’ve since changed hospitals and the new hospital seems to think the old hospital has given them some cause for concern with my previous treatment.
My Onc now says he is going to review my treatment each time, because of the uncertainty with the start of treatment.
I’m just hanging onto the hope that I may only have another 1 taxotere to go. 8 Taxotere just seems like a lot to me and not the normal practice.
xxx
I’ve just completed 6 cycles of combined taxotere and herceptin. 8 was originally scheduled, but the latest scan seems to suggest that I may be stable, so I’ve been rewarded with a break from the chemo (although the herceptin continues)
Hi peacock
Just seen this now. It’s really good that the new onc is keeping such a good eye on you, and I do hope that you only have to have 6 tax as I have fouind it horrid.
Hugs
Kinden
x
My wife had eleven straight off !! and it was very hard indeed.
Cyber hugs
Oh Terry, how horrid I do sympathise. I’m just beginning to feel “human” again, but still find simple jobs tire me very quickly.
Never mind, one way to get out of washing up I suppose
Elaine, yes I’m having herceptin too, so far had 4 so I’m one behind with the chemo but I think this will be continuing for at least a year after chemo stops
xxxxxxxxx
PS the onc told me that he had a lady who had a year on taxotere!
A year of taxotere-that sounds very hard.
As to herceptin, I’ve been told that I’ll be on it for life-or until it stops being effective, or until my heart function is compromised too far. Hopefully both of these situations will be a long time in happening. The herceptin on it’s own is much easier to deal with-so far just muscular and joint aches. The aches in my legs and knees are there virtually permanently now, but aren’t too bad after the first few days.But I ache from head to toe (literally!), for a few days post herceptin.
After the eleven sessions of Tax which was mixed with xeloda at the same time, she continued on Xeloda only, when that stopped working she had Femara but that did not work so she has been on FEC for 10 sessions now. Trouble is the zometa has had to be stopped as it is damaging her teeth and gums, and she has mouth ulcers, so I think they will stop the FEC this time and we do not know what is next.
Elaine - I do actually wonder how much of my aches and pains and other strange feelings are to do with Herceptin alone, chemo or both. Do you often find you seem to get stabbing pains in your chest? This feeling comes and goes, but like everything once dx with bc it makes you wonder what every ache is.
Terry - sorry to hear your wife is having such a tough time and I hope another treatment can be found that will not be so harsh
cyber hugs to all
I DO get stabbing type pains in my chest! It’s close to the site of the tumours, so am hoping that this is “tumour flare”. As you said, they’re intermittent and usually only last a few minutes-but, strangely the chest pains get worse if I have a bath. I don’t know if it’s the position I get into (not very likely), or the temperature of the water, or a combination of both. I’ve mentioned this to my onc, and he doesn’t have an explanation. I’m now at the stage of rarely having baths (still shower though!), which is such a shame, as the post herceptin pains feel as if it would be nice to have a soak in the bath.
Am noticing today that my hands are also quite painful-but as I’m on aromasin now too, I think that’s a likely side effect from that…Confusing, isn’t it?!