Taxol vs. Taxotere?

elise24601

Just to clarify, these are not the same drug, right? And ONLY Taxotere risks permanent baldness?

NancyHB

elise,

Taxol and Taxotere are not the same, but both are taxanes. There is always a risk for permanent baldness (as well as neuropathy and other SEs) with both (because there are no guarantees) but the risk appears higher with Taxotere. They are typically given with different chemo regimines, too, the choice of which will be in large part dependent upon they type of cancer you are diagnosed with. I know in another thread you had a concern about steroids; both Taxol and Taxotere are given in conjunction with steroids to prevent nausea and well as allergic reaction (Taxol often comes with IV Benadryl to help with this, as well).

Edited to add: I completed 6 rounds of dose dense Taxol 4 years ago, after A-C. My hair returned but much thinner, and I had two distinct bald spots that never regrew (but could be covered by other hair). Not sure which chemo caused that. I am completing 6 rounds of Taxotere and Cytoxan right now, so I don't yet know what my hair will look like when it's over.

It sounds like you'll be getting your official diagnosis later today, at which time you'll have a better idea of what you're up against, whether chemo will even be necessary, and if so, what your options will be. Still keeping my fingers crossed for a good outcome for you!

Moderators

Hi Elise! Maybe the information from our main site on taxanes helps clarify too! Just click on the link and you'll learn more on the differences between these two chemotherapy drugs.

Hope it helps!

The Mods

elise24601

Thanks Nancy.

My biopsy shows IDC, grade 3, and since I am 31 I expect they will suggest chemo. Won't know about hormones or nodes until surgery in 2 weeks.

My two single concerns are NOT losing hair permanently (I will be cold capping) and not having to take steroids. (I react very poorly to them). So I'm poking around the forums to see what the best chemo combo would be in my case.

NancyHB

elise, I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis - I was keeping you in my thoughts for something benign. It sounds like you've been doing a lot of reading and research over the last few days as you prepared yourself for this possibility. You're probably right; given your very young age and the aggressive (grade 3) nature of your invasive cancer, chemo is a definite possibility. If you learn you are ER+ and have fewer than 3 positive nodes (or, hopefully, no nodes at all), your oncologist can order the Oncotype DX test which will give you more information about the efficacy of and need for chemotherapy. And chemo regimines are often tailored for the type of cancer you have, like Triple Negative, or Her2+. Share your concerns about steroids with your oncologist as you craft your treatment plan.

There are good threads on these boards about cold capping (and I understand a lot of success stories, too) that could be useful for you, too.

Good luck in your upcoming surgery, too. Keep asking questions and let us know what we can do to help.

Take care.

exercise_guru

I think that it is very important to find out about Her receptors before surgery because depending on the tumor you might want to also receive perjeta. Chemo is not great but most women feel like it isn't as bad as expected.

elise24601

Thanks all. I found out today that the biopsy did indicate that my tumor is estrogen positive, negative to the others. I assume this means I will be taking Tamoxifan as part of my treatment, but how does it alter what my chemo regimen would be?