Advice/information regarding Taxotere and Cytoxan

sheriegen1

Hello, all!

I am new to the community and am posting because my mom was diagnosed and is having a hard time deciding whether or not to do chemo. I hope it's OK that I'm posting here.

She was diagnosed in early November +, +, - and had a lumpectomy (it was a little over 2 cm). She is healing well after surgery and has had minimal pain. The pathology came back node negative but her oncotype is 34. It was recommended that she do 4 rounds of Taxotere and Cytoxan, followed by 4 weeks of radiation, and then TAM. She will be 68 next week.

My mom has been reviewing all of the information and is going back and forth about whether or not to do chemo. The doctors told her with chemo she has an 8-10% chance of reoccurance and without chemo a 15% chance. She is wondering if it's worth it or if the side effects outweigh the extra 5%.

The waiting and worrying has been taking a toll on all of us so that's why I'm posting...I'm wondering if any of you have a similar experience where you can provide some insight? Can you share a little bit about your experience with these medications? I want her to make a decision she's comfortable with but I want her to be as informed as possible. I don't want her to say "what if..." six months down the road.

Thanks in advance for any info you can provide!

powerthruit

Personally, I went through the 4 rounds of TC fine. No "picnic" but doable. Chemotherapy and managing the side effects is much more advanced now. The side effects can be rough on some, but if you read through some of the other forums, you'll see most do OK. Your mom's overall health prior to chemo will make a difference in her experience. I first joined this community when I noticed someone had started a group for the month and year I would start chemo. A great way to get connected and "virtually" go through treatment with others.

sheriegen1

Thank you for this response! She decided to go through with it, figuring that she could stop treatment if she was miserable. She has completed one round and has managed the side effects pretty successfully. It is such a relief for me...I have been worrying non-stop and am so glad to see that she's tolerating everything and powering through it She's a tough cookie...never complains.

ksusan

Glad to hear it!