Help! Should last Taxol be cancelled?

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smilonface
smilonface Member Posts: 8
edited June 2014 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

My oncologist cancelled my last Taxol treatment today.  I had 4 dose-dense AC and 3 Taxol's so far.  They were concerned about permanent neuropathy.  I am also BRC1 + and Triple Neg.  I feel like my hole treatment has been a failure if I don't get this last one.  I will always worry if this last treatment would have made a difference with recurrence.  The Dr. said I can reconsider in the next few days and get the treatment as long as I realize that the neuropathy may become worse and permanent.  What to do????  Has anyone cancelled a treatment?  Did it make a difference in your recovery?  How about anyone with permanent neuropathy?  Was it worth getting the treatment?  Help me decide!  Thank you all!

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  • thenewme
    thenewme Member Posts: 1,611
    edited November 2010

    Hi Blumberm,

    I had the same situation with my Taxotere.  I had worsening neuropathy with each treatment, and ended up not getting the 3rd of 4 because of it (I also had 4 DD A/C before the Taxotere, which is closely related to Taxol).  I definitely understand your concern about missing a dose!  The good news in my case is that the neuropathy is nearly gone now.  I still have a hint of it in my hands/feet, especially when I'm on the computer or standing on my feet for a long time, but it's nothing like it was and it's really only barely noticeable.  Hopefully you'll have the same success.

    How severe is your neuropathy?  Mine was fairly significant and actually affected some of my activities of daily living - it was hard to pick up small things and I had a lot of numbness that made things difficult, so for me the onc said the very small percentage of potential benefit was likely not worth the risk of increasing the side effects that were already evident and worsening.  

    My oncologist recommended glutamine and B vitamins to try to mediate the neuropathy side effects - have you asked about supplements that may help? 

    Best of luck with this hard choice, and congrats on being almost finished with chemo - it's a HUGE milestone! 

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  • Luah
    Luah Member Posts: 1,541
    edited August 2013

    Is it possible they could cut the dose and administer 2 weekly doses instead? I'm not sure if they do this, but might be worth asking.

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  • LRM216
    LRM216 Member Posts: 2,115
    edited November 2010

    Yes, they can cut the dose.  A lower dose is better than none.  I would push for that - if for no other reason but for peace of mind.  That's just as important as the meds they pour into us.  Good luck!

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  • thenewme
    thenewme Member Posts: 1,611
    edited November 2010

    Hi Blumberm,

    Just a quick post to let you know we're thinking of you and hoping you're well! 

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