gemzar and carboplatin

beachgirl6

I was diagosed Feb 29, 2008.  I did 6 round of TAC, then masectomy/immediate reconstruction, then radiation.  All scans showed all clear.  Thought time to be happy.  Doc wanted to do an extra precaution due to TNBC.  Did 4 months of avastin and xeloda.  Finished that in March 2009.  May 2009 PET showed a hot spot to supraclavicular.  Sloan doc thinks its a residual spot that was too small to be seen in past scan.  I am on gemzar and carboplatin.  Having trouble with the platelets.  I am so tired of treatment.  My self esteem was just starting to come back when I was hit down again in May.  Now I noticed this weekend that if I run my hands through my hair while washing it or just run them through that I have many strands of hair left on my hands.  I was told by both doctors that this combo did not cause hair loss and get rid of the wig.  Now this.  Does anyone know anything about this combo and hair loss issues.  I am so desperate to look like a girl again.  it has been a long 20 months and I feel like I have lost so much.  I can't loose my hair again.  HELP!!!!

konakat

Hi Beachgirl -- I have been on Gemzar since May.  Since switching from Taxol to Gemzar it's been growing back. Carbo might cause some thinning though.  And, low platelets is very common with Gemzar.  Many of us can't keep to the schedule for infusions and/or get a lower dose.

In there Stage IV forum there's a thread called "Anyone on Gemzar" (you can find it on page 3 of the forum, about the middle of the page) where a few of us have posted our experiences. 

Duffymom

Beachgirl - I have been on Gemzar/Carbo/Avastin since Dec.  My hair has thinned quite a bit but most people don't notice anything different.  I don't have any bald spots and have no plans to go wig shopping.  I've had to drop the Carbo this week because I developed an allergic reaction to it. So I'm staying on just Gemzar & Avastin.  I do have platelet rebound issues so I have chemo once every 4 weeks.  Most of the time that's long enough, although last month it was 5 weeks.  I have hardly any SE's.  I'm glad I get to continue on the Gemzar even though I can't have Carbo.  It's been working and I hope it continues.  I've read and posted on the thread Konakat mentioned above.  It is alot easier to feel "normal" when you have hair.  I'm terrified of having to lose it again.  Hope this helps you. - Kathy