High Oncotype score---Can't go through Chemo--- need help...

windcolour

High Oncotype score---Can't go through Chemo--- need help...

windcolour

My tumor was 3 cm, stage IIa, ER/PR +, HEr2-. Unfortunately, I got 51for oncotype test. My doctor said he never saw such a high score. So He recommended DD chemo plan to me: 4 rounds AC, plus 4 rounds T for every 2 weeks.

I'm one of the most side effects... I finished all 4 rounds AC, but stooped after 1st round of Taxc.due to allergic to the medicine.

 Does anyone have the similar status as me? Would you mind to share your chemo plan with  me? Now, I'm really don't know how I should do next... Since I'm only 35, and have 2 little kids...I just want to survive, but if I could not do Chemo, how I should do? BTW, my doctor do suggest me to stop chemo. He said he is worried about my lung if I still want to contitune the chemo.

Thanks all!!! 

chele

Wait.  I'm confused.  You had an allergic reaction to Taxol (not uncommon) but your oncologist didn't recommend any other type of chemo?  A gal that went through treatment two weeks ahead of me had to switch from Taxol to Taxetare, but she didn't just stop chemo.  Is he saying to just stop for now until your lung heals, or stop for good?  What about Tamoxifen, is your oncologist recommending it?  

windcolour

Hi Chele,

 Thanks for your reply. My dr. said he thought these medicine is enough for me. Then he suggested me to go to next step--- take Tamoxifen for 5 years, since I'm ER/PR +.

But I'm still concerning if there's any other way that I could finish the chemo. :-(

Char2010

Windcolour - Can you go for a second opinion?

imbell

Have the same diagnosis ezcept don't know oncotype. Also allergic to taxotere so not wanting to try taxol either, same tree, different part. Went on Arimidex after chemo. Good results for 18 months but had recurrence pretty much in the same spot as before. Now I am doing Abraxane. Has side effects but not like the taxols. I also did rads because the recurrence came back in sternum. Have heard a lot of positive posts on Tamoxifen. Has side effects but not like chemo.

ruthbru

If you are ER/PR positive the anti-hormonals are what's going to give you your biggest gun against reoccurence; far more of a risk reduction than the chemo (for me, my 4 rounds of chemo gave me a relative risk reduction of 20%, the anti-hormonals 40%). Since you are node negative chemo is a 'just in case any cells sneaked out' thing; you've gotten through the AC, if Tax is doing more harm than good, going on to the tamoxifin phase is probably the smart thing to do. Best of luck! Ruth

jsw19

I also had an allergic reaction to Taxotere (was doing Taxotere and Carboplatin with Herceptin).  My onc said my reaction was severe enough that he did not want to try me on Taxol either since like immarybell said they are from the same tree and that is what usually causes the allergies.  So he recommended for me AC x4 then Abraxane x4.  Abraxane is a taxane like Taxotere and Taxol but made differently so the risk for allergic reaction is significantly less.  I would definintely recommend asking your doctor if Abraxane would be an option for you.

pickle

Windcolour: My stats are similar to yours exept I was multifocal and 4.6 cm. Stage II multifocal 4.6 cm Er/Pr + Her2 - . I had a left mx and 4 rounds of AC and now on Tamoxifen for 5 years.  That's all. I feel great and all is well. From what I understand...AC is a potent chemo drug. Is your ONC suggesting anything else for you?

pickle

Windcolour: My stats are evry similar to yours. I was stage 2, multifocal IDC/ILC. 4.6 cm. Er/PR+ her2-. I hD LEFT MX, 4 AC and now on Tamoxifen for 5 years. From what I understand, AC is a potent chemo drug. I feel good and am doing well. I hope you find the answer you are looking for.

Gitane

Another option, Windcolour, would be to have 6 rounds of AC.  That is what I had.  G.

windcolour

Gitane,

After the 4th round of AC, my liver function showed some problem, so I can't take AC any more.

 Pickle,

My dr said same as you. He said some peole just take 4 round AC for the same status as me. Due to my age, he recommended DD 4XAC, and 4XT to me. Since I already showed allergic to T, he thought I could stop chemo.

LRM216

I would definitely ask your oncologist why he did not treat you for the remaining doses with abraxane. 

Linda