Taxol shortage mean Taxotere

Seabrook, I was diagnosed 1.5 yrs ago and was treated with 3 rounds of AC 2 weeks apart and 3 rounds of taxotere 3 weeks apart. I have similar stats as you, <1cm. I found the taxotere to be much more tolerable than AC. With AC I had side effects immediately (nauseau, weekness). The side effects from taxotere hit me about 5 days post chemo and mainly consisted of flu-ish aches and pains. These aches were not intolerable. My hair even started to grow back on taxotere. My Onc avoided taxol as he felt the risk of neuropathy was greater however he did mention that taxotere was harder on "the bloods". I believe he meant it may be a bit harder for my counts to bounce back after each treatment. I had no issues though and this certaintly isn't a second rate drug. I know everyone tolerates drugs differently but I did well and I hope you will too. </p>

Seabrook, I was diagnosed 1.5 years ago with similar stats as you but no nodes, 7mm IDC. I was treated with 3 rounds of AC 2 weeks apart and 3 rounds taxotere 3 weeks apart. I did much better with taxotere than AC. With AC I felt nauseous and weak within a few hours after chemo. This lasted for about 2-4 days. With taxotere, the side effects hit me later, about day 5 post chemo. I mainly had body aches that were not severe. Given my particular stats, my Onc avoided taxol as he thought the risk of neuropathy was greater. He did mention however, that taxotere is "harder on the bloods". I believe he was referring to the body's ability to bounce back from a blood count perspective after each chemo treatment. Taxotere is certainly not a second rate drug so I wouldn't worry to much about the taxol shortage. I know everyone tolerates drugs differently but I did well with taxotere and I hope you do too. My hair even started growing back while on this chemo. Best of luck to you!

I did taxotere every three weeks for six rounds and it was not tragic.  Yes, a few days later you feel like shit, but that is mostly a given with chemo.  I had no dizziness.  Only nausea at the last two doses, and that was expected.  No neuropathy.

The worst side effect was that I gained a good 10-15 pounds after I finished treatment.  While you are in treatment you are told to EAT!  PLEASE EAT!  That is good advice when you are losing weight by the week.  After, it's hard to get back to a regular diet because you have had a free pass at eating for months.  Don't worry, it can be done.       

I started on Taxol, but got pnuemonitis from it (am allergic to it).  Switched to taxotere every three weeks after one Taxol.  I thought the Taxotere was easier than AC and also easier than the Taxol.  I had less nueropathy on Taxotere than Taxol.  The pnuemonitis was the other reason it was easier.  Good luck. 

Stephanie, just wondering where you heard about not touching children for 72 hours after chemo? I have never heard of that, and it wasn't in any drug sheets I received. I ask because there are plenty of women here in treatment with young children who may feel anxious... and I can't understand what viral inoculations have to do with drugs "exiting our bodies."

For you ladies wondering about the 72 hours, I know when I started treatment TAC - we asked the nurse and she said that we should be fine, the only thing that I really should do is double flush the toilet after use for the first 48 hours.  We don't have children though, my husband and I just asked for ourselves and then we have dogs.