Chemotherapy discontinued by oncologist with 3 cycles remaining

Brightspark

I have ER/ PR+, HER2 negative breast cancer with 1 axillary node involvement. Tumour grade 3. I had lumpectomy ( 33mm tumour) and axillary node resection in October 2019 and was started on chemotherapy in December 2019. I completed EC 3 cycles with pronounced side effects and was then started on Docetaxel. Unfortunately I developed severe side effects and neutropenic sepsis requiring hospitalisation after the first dose of Docetaxel.

My oncologist has discontinued my chemo as he feels the risk to life is too high especially given the situation with Coronavirus. He wants me have radiation followed by endocrine therapy.

Has anyone had similar advice given to them by their oncologist or had their chemo discontinued for any other reason?
Grateful for experience of fellow members.

Thank you

Spookiesmom

Me. I had 4 a/c, to be followed by 4 taxotere. I had a severe allergic reaction to the taxotere, I dose.the MO said no more. I went on to rads, then to Arimidex and tamoxifen.

I was NED for 7 years.

fishingal68

I ended up with low WBCs and CHF, so had to discontinue my chemo after round 5 of 6. After surgery & radiation, we tried again to complete the protocol, but my body couldn't handle the herceptin. So far, all is still good.

Prayers for total & complete healing.

Moderators

Oh wow, so totally difficult situation. So tough to weigh all the factors! Some good advice from others though.

It's good that the treatment team feels that radiation and hormonal treatment could be okay to do during this time.

Thinking of you, and please let us know how it goes.

Wamly, The Mods

beeline

hi brightspark, my oncologists pushed me to stop chemo early due to neuropathy. I am also er/pr+ and while not grade 3, I had 10 positive nodes. It was really devastating and I wanted to continue, but ultimately I accepted their recommendation. I am now closing in on 2 years out and I do still sometimes wonder if I made the right call, but I know I followed all medical advice I always remember the chemo nurse who was a 30 year survivor saying, if it cones back, it won’t be because of this. We can only do our best and it is so hard. The most important thing is to make the best decision you can and then not look back. Good luck. Sending big gentle hugs.

Brightspark

Dear All , massive thanks for your replies.
I will update you as and when my modified management plan has been discussed with me in detail.

Please keep well and stay safe. Sending positive vibes and best wishes to all

London-Virginia

So sorry for the stress you are under. My circumstances aren't EXACTLY the same but have big similarities. 10 years after, here I am alive and well.

My diagnosis was the same as for all of yours. I had a lumpectomy/breast reduction on both breasts (left breast was the one with the lump). Because I got a nasty infection, my FEC chemo was delayed by some months. During this time I was on hormone tablets. It was very stressful and frightening for me as the big talk at that moment said that delay for chemo was not at all desirable. 5 months later I did manage 6 rounds of FEC (but it was gruesome). There was some talk of taking out a lot more nodes (I had 2 micromets) but I refused because I didn't want another post surgical infection. Big Row ensued! I then got lots of Rads. Continued throughout with hormonal tabs and continued to take over 10 years.

Ii had all the troubles everyone has when recovering, but I'm healthy and lead a full life. I just want to say,

You are doing the great majority of the treatments you need, and you have a good chance of moving ahead to better times. Don't despair - it is hard not to, I felt the same way over lots of things. I wish you all the best.

Brightspark

Thank you for sharing your experience. I am glad that I will start radiotherapy and endocrine treatment in a couple of weeks. Was feeling a bit disappointed that I couldn’t complete my chemo journey...there must be some hidden greater goodness !

Wishing you all the very best. Stay safe and well