Taxol vs. Taxotere

Dave, I was on Taxotere and I also took acetyl l-carnitine the whole time I was taking chemo. I did not get neuropathy, but occasionally I would notice some tingling in my hands or feet and I would double the acetyl l-carnitine for a few days. I think it might have helped me, but can't say for sure. While going through chemo, I took two 250 mg per day - if I noticed any tingling I would take 3 or 4 for a few days. I'm sorry, I don't know of any clinical evidence, but I thought I might share my experience with you in case it might help. I hope your wife gets better soon and that the rest of chemo is goes smoothly.

I just had my 3rd tx of Taxotere, Carpboplatin and Herceptin (3/6 tx). I have some numbness in my left heel that seems to slowly get better by next treatment although not go away entirely. I had some slight numbness in my left lower palm but that is very slight.

My onc is watching me closely. When I first mentioned it she said if it got worse she would consider lowering my does of taxotere. Last time we spoke my onc said she was not concerned with the neuropathy I'm having because it will not be permanent. I'm sure if it was more severe she would be concerned.

I do find when I'm walking or exercising my neuropathy gets better. When I sit most of the day it doesn't get better. It's the worst in the morning when I first get up.

Starting 2 weeks after my last tx I too have been using the  acetyl l-carnitine 500mg a day. Not sure if it's helping this time but so far my nueropathy in not worse than last time.

I hope the taxotere is better for you wife. 

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edited for update.
I am now post tx 5 with one more to go. I still have some neuropathy in my left heel (numbness) but not to bad. I don't have it anywhere else.

Did just six weeks of Taxol before neuropathy kicked in. Switched to Taxotere for two remaining treatments. That was in April 2010. I still have neuropathy in my feet.

ACE - Here is a clinical trial for carnitine

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00775645?term=neurotoxicity&rank=13 

The taxotere side effects were much worse but I am glad that it switched.  Since the neuropathy can be permanent, I'd rather live with side effects that are temporary and have feeling in my feet for the rest of my life. One of my friends told me it's been seven years and she's just starting to get some feeling back in her feet.  The neurotin they prescribe does nothing to prevent the neuropathy, just relieves some of the pain.

I have the exact same type and stage of breast CA as your wife and I am an oncology certified nurse with a specialty in breast CA.  I just finished my 6 rounds of chemo and herceptin, with carbo and taxotere.  I also had severe neuropathy in both feet and hands.  The neuropathy in my hands/fingers has totally resolved itself and the feet are improving.  I am 49 yrs old.  I have been told (albeit post chemo) that taking a B vitamin can help reduce the progression of neuropathy. there are some drs in the practice who proactively prescribe vitamin B for prevention of the neuropathy.  hope this helps

I am a registered nurse and have looked into this extensively as I will begin Taxol treatment in a few weeks.  The neuropathy is worse and more longstanding with taxotere, from the information I have gathered from the  medical professionals with whom I have discussed the situation. The neuropathies are not permanent and generally subside several days after the taxol treatment.  I have not heard of any longstanding problems from survivors who I know personally and some are many years out.

My oncology nurses and friend who have experienced this recommended glutamine (you can pick it up at the health food store or pharmacy) and tell me this alleviates the symptoms.  Also helps with the muscle aches and pains as well.

Hi ACE0749... I am not afraid of hair loss, just permanent hair loss... I am 47 years old... no hair for the rest of my life would be VERY difficult, as would having chronic neurapathy... just trying to choose the lesser evil... having 6 treatments of cytoxan and one of the t's, 3 weeks apart... I am otherwise young and healthy, and my onc says I should skate thru easily... I just want to come out the other side in one piece... This chemo is preventative, so I don't want to be reminded everyday for the next 50 years that I made the wrong choice... I will for sure lose sleep over this for the next week.

Im taking L-glutamine for neuropathy...i do have a little numbness in my big toes, but not so bad...I take 2 times daily and bought it at the health food store...I helps prevent mouth sores and neuropathy...since i started it my mouth has been sore a couple of times...