Avastin & Taxotere

dorfar

Avastin & Taxotere

dorfar

Hi everyone,

In April 08 I was diagnosed with IBC, stage III, Triple neg. I have since completed treatment had surgery and am currently undergoing radiation.  I am considered NED at this point. This week my oncologist told me she would like to start me on a combination of Avastin & taxotere weekly as a preventative therapy.I guess this is something new for triple negative breast cancers. Has anyone else undergone this type of treatment? If so what are the side effects. My doctor said it would be easier than the chemo I have already undergone, although I may lose my hair again :-(  Its just starting to look halfway decent. Anyway, any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Dorothy

MicheleS

Hi Dorothy,

I don't know about the taxotere but I'm going to have Avastin during and after my chemo for a total of 52 weeks.  My onc told me that it "has promise" but is "unproven" for the prevention of mets.  He told me that the side effects of hte Avastin would be tolerable and that my hair would grow back (after the dose dense chemo part of my treatment) while I'm on it.

Were you node +?  Maybe that's why your onc wants to continue the taxotere?

Good luck with your decision.

Michele

Alicia70598

I took Avastin with Taxol during my chemotherapy. It was as part a Stage III clinical trial. I thought it was only offered that way for non-metastatic breast cancer. I had very few side effects. A common side effect is a runny nose with blood-tinged secretions and some clotting, but not nose bleeds. Avastin prevents wounds free healing quickly, so you have to stop taking it four weeks before surgery. Elevated blood pressure is another side effect, but I didn't experience it. 

For what it's worth, my hair started growing back during this treatment, even though Taxol is known to thin out hair. I think Avastin alone would probably not affect your hair.  

dorfar

Michele,

Yes, I had positive lymph nodes when diagnosed. They romoved 11 during surgery and 11 were negative, I guess I'm surprised about the taxotere, I'm hoping it is going to be easier.

Alicia,

Thanks for the input. I'm glad to hear it was not too bad. I'm hoping i will keep my hair for the most part.  Its hard cause I thought I had put that part behind me, but if it will extend my life its a no brainer.

Thanks, Dorothy

FloridaLady

I'm a little surprised with no node involvement...  What was your first chemo combo? I do know that they are do more follow-up chemo's for TN ladies.

I have used Avastin on in off for three years.  I do not have any side effects.  Taxotere will make you loose your hair...but that does depend on the dose. Sometime the new hair after chemo can come in pretty strong...and you may not loose it all. 

Hang in there you are getting near the end.

Flalady

dorfar

Hi FloridaLady,

I had 4 rounds of AC and 4 rounds of Taxol. When I was diagnosed I did have node involvement but now I am clear. My hair is coming in really thick so hopefully it won't be too bad.  Thank you so much for your words of encouragement!!