Has anyone stopped chemo a few sessions early?

I did not stop chemo early but I did have allergic reactions to taxotere and taxol before switching to Abraxane. Also, when neuropathy became an issue, my dose was reduced by 20%. Perhaps, there are alternatives that could be considered instead of stopping treatment completely.

I had a very frank discussion with my MO about stopping when I was only halfway done because of SE's and concerns about long term problems. His input - all of these treatment protocols are based on research studies. There's no way to know with certainty whether one individual needs 6 rounds or 9 or 12. They just go with what the studies showed.

Same goes for dosing. The recommended dosages are based on the majority of people tolerating that dose. Majority could mean only 51%! That's a lot of people who don't tolerate it. They had to decrease my chemo by 25% after the first round because of scary SE's requiring hospitalization.

Probably any chemo is better than none. Quality of life is important. I ended up completing my scheduled treatment because I didn't want to kick myself down the road if it came back. Your mother should discuss the options at that next appt. Perhaps they can make some changes.

Hi Bob, I can relate to what you and your wife are going through. I am somewhat similiar to her situation although Stage 2A and I am 56yrs old and lymph nodes negative, estrogen +, progesterone + and had surgery lumpectomy in middle of July with clear margins 2.3cm. HER2 Neg. I also had Oncotype DX result of 31 and was advised to have 4 rounds of Chemotherapy - Taxotere and Cyclophosphamide each time with the Dexamethasone, the Zofran, Stemetil, Grastofil x 7 days too. I made it through one chemo last week. Suffered a lot every day with sore throat, yeast irritation on skin at back of neck and genital area. Lots of aches and pains. Terrible bone pain for day 5 & 6 in lower back and hips. The worst was the acid reflux and severe abdominal pain and bloating. Cramps and spasms and No BM for 5 days. Fever last night and Spent 7 HRS at the Emergency this morning and had a CAT scan and was diagnosed with Acute Diverticulitis now. Still in pain and now 2 differentAntibiotics to take for the next 10 days. I've already lost 3kgs in one week. Treatment #2 is supposed to start then. I've decided it's not worth it but will discuss it with my MO. I've bought a nice wig and some head covers but haven't lost any hair yet. Sorry for sharing so much, but just wanted you and your wife to know your not alone and I understand - I said to my husband I think "quality of life" is more important than "quantity".

Miley - I think your consideration of stopping chemo is a valid one. If you are at all on the fence however - I would ask your MO for some help with the SE's.

Zofran definitely causes constipation. I had problems with that from Compazine and then would have problems with diarrhea later. It became a balancing act of fluid and fiber and then Imodium.

You shouldn't have to suffer with pain of any type. Ask for something. Lots of people take Claritin while on chemo to help with the bone pain sometimes caused by the WBC stimulators, too.

And I had absolutely horrible gastritis and reflux - felt like my stomach was disinigrating - but the combination of Prilosec and Carafate made a huge difference within a few days.

I'm so sorry that you've been feeling so bad. I know it's really hard and we're all different. Just thought I'd throw in some suggestions but support whatever choice you make for you.

i saw my Chemo Dr before I went to my 10th weekly adjuvant Taxol (had done 4 DD A/C neoadjuvant) about how totally, utterly EXHAUSTED I was. He told me that he would put in that I could stop at anytime as so far the Taxol had done 85% of what it could do. That was not an option as far I was concerned. How could I face Hubby and Son IF I hadn't done in very thing possible to be at the Monster and it raised it's UGLY head again in the future? So I toughed it out and am glad I did. The past is done and every day is great to love.

(The OP has not been back here since Aug 20.)

have you asked to finish the last two with just carboplatin? I can just tell you that I was MISERABLE on gemzar and carbo... went to carbo weekly and it’s muhx more manageable.

Also as someone who is stage IV, I think if you can get through two more treatments it gives you a little more insurance!

Good luck!