Reaccurance with bone and skin mets

Teachermom2
Teachermom2 Member Posts: 81
edited October 2016 in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY

my Onc has me starting taxotere and xeloda. Anyone else on that combo?

Worried about side effects...I have two young kids and need to be functioning as close to "normal" as I can get.


· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • jensgotthis
    jensgotthis Member Posts: 937
    edited October 2016

    I'm sorry you find yourself in this position but glad you are reaching out for help. There is an incredible bone mets thread that I suggest you visit as there are many knowledgeable women there who also have huge hearts. Separetly from that search for the Xeloda thread.

    Everyone is different (and it will help if you fill in your signature line) but many docs don't go to chemo first with Stage 4. If you pop over to bone mets you'll be able to see posts on this and also post your own story. Did your doc tell you why he wants to start with this combo?

    I have done Taxotare and found it pretty tolerable. I didn't work full time but I am a single mom and was able to keep things up for my son. About three days after infusions though I would need lots of rest. No nausea. You will most likely lose your hair (around day 15). There's a Starting chemo in october thread that might be good to check out too.

    Come over to the Bone mets thread when you're ready. Lots of women leading full lived

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Becs511
    Becs511 Member Posts: 303
    edited October 2016

    Jen- It is actually not true about Docs generally not starting stage 4 patients with chemo. For many, including myself, that is the best starting option. It all depends on where the mets are and what the profile is (er, pr, and her 2 status). For example, if mets are in the organs and/or are ER and PR negative, chemo is def. the best starting treatment,as hormonals are not an option.

    Teachermom- Welcome to the club that nobody wants to join, but has the best members!!

    My guess is this treatment protocol was suggested because the cancer was found in your liver. Do you know the hormonal status of your cancer? I also suggest maybe doing a separate bone biopsy (depending on which bone the cancer was found in), as the mets may have a different profile than the original mass in the breast. Also, if you have doubts about what is being recommended, do not hesitate to get a second opinion at a major cancer center!

    I am currently on Xeloda and find it very tolerable. No hair loss (although that is a side effects of taxatore). I am on a 7/7 schedule (one week one/one week off) and it is easier on the patient. So I would suggest asking your MO if that is an option for you. It is much easier on the patient. The only real issue I have had is some fatigue, but continue to work full time. The main side effect that people get from Xeloda is hand and foot syndrome but I have been religious about lotioning up my hands and feet and have not had any problems. I have been on Xeloda since the end of June, and my September Pet-Scan showed that I currently have no signs of any active disease, so it is a very effective chemo.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories