Taxotere and Carboplatin without dexamethasone/decadron?

WC3

After two delayed infusions, I've come to realize that a number of my "chemo side effects" are from dexamethasone withdrawal.

Has anyone done Taxotere and Carboplatin without it or just with IV dexamethasone the day of the infusion?

If so, how did it go?

DiabeticCancerChick

My original treatment plan was Taxotere/Cytoxan with both IV and oral dexamethasone. I asked to have that without the dex since I am diabetic and corticosteroids like dexamethasone jack blood sugar into the stratosphere. They said no, that there is a risk of severe edema (including something awful called ocular edema) with Taxotere, and that dexamethasone inhibits that process. To my complete shock, I said that if chemotherapy must be done with dexamethasone I will refuse chemotherapy. Crazy, I know. So they told me I could do chemo without dex, but my chemo regimen would have to be Adriamycin/Cytoxan instead, which has a lower risk of severe edema. So I said yes to that, and had no edema or even any nausea. My blood sugar was normal, I didn't gain weight, and didn't bounce off the walls after my infusion (slept for 2 days instead, very refreshing).

I know I've read several posts on this forum by people who have at least reduced their doses of dex, and reduced the side effects, but I'm not sure if they were on a Taxotere regimen. Taking your life hostage works, though, if all else fails... you just give them two choices and put the ball in their court: 1) Life-saving chemotherapy with reduced or eliminated steroids, or 2) No life-saving chemotherapy at all. They are not going to pick option 2.

My feeling is that it's your life, and as long as you're armed with the best information, you should have the final say on what happens to your body. Hope you find a good resolution.

WC3

DiabeticCancerChick:

Thanks for the reply. I am not diabetic and the dexamethasone causes my blood sugar to sky rocket as well. I have to fast while on it or my blood sugar goes over 200. I am not a candidated for AC because I am on Herceptin. Adriamycin and Herceptin together has a higher risk of heart damage than taxanes and Herceptin. I just had my 5th infusion last week though (am in dexamethasone withdrawal now) and have one infusion left so I guess I will just tough it out.