Anyone on long term Docetaxel (Taxotere)?

RedStar

Hi,

I've just received good news that I've been stable just after 3 rounds of Taxotere (extensive mets in lung, 4 big liver tumours). I thought ok, I'll be done after 6 rounds, but no! My oncologist doesn't want to stop and says I could do up to 30 rounds! Has anyone here been on Taxotere or any other chemo for that long? I've seen in the Stage 4 Taxol forum that there's others that have been on Taxol for years! That was my previous chemo and I didn't last after 9 weeks due to neuropathy. So far, I still have neuropathy but its been reduced/contained at fingertips and feet. I'm on the 3-week Taxotere cycle and I'm getting used to the side effects, in fact some are getting milder and more controlled with medications. I've even had febrile neutropenia 2 weeks ago but I must be a strong monkey, my blood counts were so high, I went ahead with chemo at a reduced dose and didn't need a neulasta shot! I'm just being torn, stable is good but 30 rounds of Taxotere is a bit daunting!

Ruby

Holeinone

Red Star, I will have Taxotere # 6 next week. I am a tad nervous about doing it. My fatigue is non-stop. I am so weak, I almost fell today. Good part, it did a good job of knocking my liver mets to the curb. Bad thing, spine & bone mets are going wild. I will be watching to see what others say.

My MO said I will go on to Faslodex next. Shots in the rear end, does not sound like fun, but probably not a big deal. Like we have lots of options.

DaughterOfStageIV

My mom seems to be stable after 5 rounds. Tumor markers dropping. Her onc keeps changing the plan. We will do a scan next week. If all goes well we are aiming for 8 right now. Not sure what is next. Our onc said a break perhaps- but that idea makes me nervous!

Teachermom2

Daughter ofstage IV.... my Onc is considering th same for the future if all goes the way he predicts. How are you doing? Is it a rough regiment? How about hair? ;( 30 seems like a lot but mine said he has had patients on it for years! Ugh seems long to me.

Teachermom2

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Daughter ofstage IV.... my Onc is considering th same for the future if all goes the way he predicts. How are you doing? Is it a rough regiment? How about hair? ;( 30 seems like a lot but mine said he has had patients on it for years! Ugh seems long to me.

Batfax

I'm a wee bit ignorant as to the number of rounds, but my wife was on taxol for 9 months before our results got mixed--some lymph node and pancreatic tumors progressing. We heard from nurses about women on it for 2+ years, so I think it can be managed, depending on the person and dosage.

DaughterOfStageIV

we ended up stopping after 8 cycles. It's been about a month and she is now on a chemo break. She developed a bad rash after treatment 8 and her doctor was afraid she was beginning to develop an allergy (all of a sudden) to the drug. It was a disappointment as it was the first drug that's worked well. Her hair is starting to grow back now. It all fell out after the first treatment or so. Taxotere was rough at first... but by treatment three all she had was some neuropathy. She had few side effects from treatment 3-8 until the rash. It is important to use lots of ice on the nails during treatment and to chew on ice to help prevent mouth sores. The steroids the day before, day of and day after will help prevent reactions.Keep us updated and let me know if you have any Taxotere questions. Best of luck to you

sharethehope

Dear holeinone, I've had Flasodex & shots are not too bad. Would be glad to be back to only that. you might think of having a nurse on each cheek to give the shots at the same time. It's like your brain doesn't have time to figure out what to say ouch to then it's over. Good luck on whatever you have. April

sharethehope

Dear Daughter of stage !V I am starting Taxol next wed day before thanksgiving. I met w/a wonderful lady that gave me lots of info & answered questions about Taxol but its always different speaking to someone who has been there even if its w/their mom. My mom had lung cancer so I know where that's at. I haven't bought a wig yet but it sounds like I should. I heard that the scalp gets sore did that happen to your mom? would be glad for any info. what is your moms horomone & HER status. I've found that makes a lot of difference in success & failure also. So much we need to know isn't there. May your mom be blessed w/successful treatments. Glad Taxol did work for a while anyway. Maybe rash was just a small bump in the road & she can continue on it. I would take it for the rest of my hopefully long life if it worked. My love goes out to you in your care for your mom. April

DaughterOfStageIV

Hi share the hope,

Are you starting taxol or taxotere? My mom was on taxotere. She has not done taxol yet. The scalp does hurt when the hair is falling out. We were nervous at first that the skull mets were growing but it was actually just the hair falling out but. She bought several wigs and scarves. The hair started growing back right as soon as she finished treatment! We are praying this chemo break we are on now lasts for sometime! I can't help you with taxol questions but i'msure there is a thread for that. Best of luck with your new treatment.

blainejennifer

Lots of good information here:

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/8/topics/...

sharethehope

daughterofstage4 I will be taking paclitaxel 3 weeks on 1 off. Haven't run across anyone doing similar treatment. Don't really know the difference between them at this time. Hope mom is doing well. April