Taxol every twelve weeks or everyother week 4 times?

CNmylife

I was just dx with triple negative 2 weeks ago and im only 30. 3cm going into my chest wall. I've seen two different doctors and they only difference is the once onco wants to do 12 weeks of taxol after the 4 DD of A&C and the other onco want the every other week 4 times. I can not decide which one is better if there is one better? I need to make up my mind this week and get this chemo started but I'm torn on what to choose? Help

fredntan

no rush sweetheart. breath....



AC is first, then taxol.

much time to decide.. cross one mountain at time.



I did the weekly taxol and found it quite easy. at that point I finally started on antidepressant-which helped me a lot. I exercised on taxol. was able to walk in neighborhood.

CNmylife

Thanks I know Im trying but I have to decide what hospital doctor to go with this week and that is a big decision for me the one onco wont do the 12 weeks and the other one will. Is there a better one? Or are they both the same?

HollyHopes

I did AC x 4 and then Taxol x 4.  Statistics indicate that the clinical results are the same as Taxol x12...just depends on how comfortable you feel draggin out your treatment vs how comfortable you feel with a very aggressive approach.  I wish you well.  Whatever you decide...don't scoen guess  yourself.  Move forward with confidence! 

Sending you gentle hugs!

Luah

CN: I answered more completely on the Calling All thread. I know each decision seems overwhelming, as if life is held in the balance, but in this case, I think not. You can do well with either choice. 

lostinmo

I had the 4 doses, but like most have said I am not sure it matters as far as outcome, it's really the time involved. I liked the every 2 weeks simply because it was 95 miles one way for my appointment. Four trips verses 12.  

crazyride43

CNmylife, I agree with what other have said.  The effect of treatment will be the same with either one, it will just be over more quickly with dose dense.  Perhaps make the decision based on the doctor / hospital where you feel most comfortable?  Keep in mind that treatment plans can change along the way for many reasons, so the most important thing is to feel comfortable and happy with the team that's treating you.  

fd1

I actually I have read that weekly taxol has been shown to be more effective for both disease-free and overall survival. 

Here is a link to a study:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18420499

They say that neuropathy is more common with weekly Taxol.  I found the weekly Taxol a walk in the park compared to AC.  It is quite a pain to go every week though.

Luah

The study cited compares weekly with triweekly. I don't think there is any research (yet) on what the OP was asking: weekly versus dd biweekly.