Help! Should last Taxol be cancelled?

smilonface

My oncologist cancelled my last Taxol treatment today.  I had 4 dose-dense AC and 3 Taxol's so far.  They were concerned about permanent neuropathy.  I am also BRC1 + and Triple Neg.  I feel like my hole treatment has been a failure if I don't get this last one.  I will always worry if this last treatment would have made a difference with recurrence.  The Dr. said I can reconsider in the next few days and get the treatment as long as I realize that the neuropathy may become worse and permanent.  What to do????  Has anyone cancelled a treatment?  Did it make a difference in your recovery?  How about anyone with permanent neuropathy?  Was it worth getting the treatment?  Help me decide!  Thank you all!

KittyDog

I had the same treatment.  AC X 4 and only 3 of the 4 Taxol treatments.  They took my last one away due to an allergic reaction.  Going on 7 months and neuropathy is not much better.  I have stinging pains in my fingertips.  Numbness on the insides of both legs from the kness down and numb feet.  I also have muscle weakness....that did improve with time but I am not back to where I was before cancer.

My Oncologist said it would not have changed my outcome at all.  The tumor had not shrunk any while on taxol.  I had chemo first not sure what you had.

CoolBreeze

Maybe have the last one but try l-glutamine.  I'm not one of those naturalists or alternative people -  but google it.  There have been studies shown that it helps in preventing neuropathy.

I was getting pretty bad neuropathy halfway through my chemo - I was on carboplatin and taxotere.  The doc switched me to weekly taxol to try and prevent it from getting worse.   At the same time, i started taking l-glutamine - the day before, the day of and the day after chemo.  My neuropathy did not progress and I have none now, 8 months out.  I'll never know if it was the glutamine or the switch that stopped the problem in its tracks but it did stop.

Do your research, ask your onc, don't take my word.  But, it's something to think about. I only offer this idea because you said you'd feel guilty if you didn't finish.  And, there are actual clinical trials backing it, although early ones.

lago

What is considered serious neropathy. So far I have had 2 tx. FIrst I has some numbness tingling in my left hand. 2nd treatment left heel went a numb for a while then the front pads of me feet started burning for a few days. I'm almost due for my 3rd tx but the left heel is still a little numb.

I too worry about them stopping my treatments. Coolbreeze I like you are on Taxotere/Carboplatin/Herceptin. I'm supposed to get 6 tx. I don't want to stop either but I don't want permanent neuropathy either.