Please Help 7 vs 8 rounds of Chemo

TV1156

Hi,

I'm hoping I can get some advice insight into the difference between doing 7 vs. 8 rounds of chemo. After my last round of taxotere (6) I experienced awful bone pain in my back and lower legs which is still happening a week later. I'm scheduled for my 7th round next Thursday 8/15 and don't think I'll be able to handle getting through to #8 since each round is cumulative. My question is how much of a differences does it make if you do 7 vs 8? My sister was only able to complete 7 and is fine today by the grace of God. Has anyone talked that heir oncologist about this?



Thanks ladies!

SpecialK

Sorry to hear you are experiencing bone pain.  Are you able to take anything that helps, and are you receiving Neulasta after each tx? Have you taken regular Claritin if you have received Neulasta?  I am curious about the 8 tx, as most of the people on the Triple Positive and TCH threads have had 6 tx.  Have you discussed stopping or receiving a reduced dose for #8?  One potential bright spot - I had many SE with the first 5 tx but almost nothing with #6, hoping the same for you!

TV1156

HI Special K,

I am taking the Neulasta shot and have taken Claritin to offset the side effects of the shot unfortunately, it doesn't seem to help.  I don't think I'll physically be able to do 8.  I'm going to push through and do the 7th round but have doubts if I'll be able to get to the 8th.  My sister only completed 7 since her blood counts dropped and needed to be hospitalized and is doing fine. 

Alicethecat

Hello TV

I had 8 rounds of chemo - 4 X FEC and 4 X Taxotere - but had to have rounds 2, 3 and 4 of Taxotere at only 80% of the standard dose as I had terrible back pain and other aches and pains.

Is a reduction in dose an option for you and your onc?

Good luck!

Alice

TV1156

Hi,

I just talked to my dr and she said the pain I'm having is do to Neulasta shot with the Taxotere. She said that we can discuss other options on Thursday when I come in.  I asked her what the difference b/w doing 7 and 8 rounds is and she said there's never been any study done to say it makes a difference.  I'm really starting to get depresed especially since there's no way to tell if the cancer cells have been killed off.  I feel like I'm putting myself through unnecessarypain and suffering.  Please , Please if there's anyone who can give me some advice or words of wisdom I'd appreciate it.