ER/PR+, Stage 2b - stopping Neoadjuvant TAC early???

Options
Virgo_1970
Virgo_1970 Member Posts: 11
edited February 2018 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

HI everyone...looking for some advice... I am 48, diagnosed clinical stage 2b, and completed 4 rounds of TAC - with very bad allergic reactions to Taxotere... so before my 5th treatment, the dr recommended only A/C for the last 2 treatments. Anyway, some of my side effects don't seem to be quite the norm - no nausea or vomiting, instead I have had phlebitis in left arm since 3rd treatment - still all bruised and painful (advil helps, but I can't live on it, plus I worry about the liver with all these drugs). My right arm reacted similarly to the A/C on the 5th treatment, but the phlebitis didn't get as bad as the other arm, so it's healing a bit faster but still tender and bruised. Now I have a clogged ear with terrible tinnitis as well! My numb palm seems manageable, but RBC is getting lower - worried about needing transfusion for the 6th treatment. On the plus side, the MRI this week isn't showing any cancer in lymph nodes or breast anymore, so I feel like the chemo is doing more harm than good at this point - but I am frightened to quit with 1 more to go (the "what ifs"). I still have surgery and radiation. I have no Oncotype score, but I have no genetic predisposition. Thoughts??

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2018

    That's a decision you and your doc need to make together. Could they not use Abraxane rather than taxotere? It is the solvent in taxotere most are allergic to and I believe Abraxane does not have it. I have seen a few people who could not tolerate taxotere who were able to do Abraxane.

    Do you not have a port? Could they do a PICC line instead of aperipheral IV to avoid the phlebitis? Just throwing out ideas to discuss. Best wishes.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • beauz
    beauz Member Posts: 207
    edited February 2018

    Ditto kbeee. But I also want to tell my experience. I had full course of AC and 7 out of 12 scheduled taxol. My MO reduced the dosage of taxol after taxol #4 because of low neutrophils for two weeks in a row. But when I had another two low counts of neutrophils for two consecutive weeks, my MO called it quits. I then had surgery and didn't have a very good pathology report. Now I am on oral chemo Xeloda. I know from weekly taxol topic that a few women didn't finish the full course. Their MO told them it would not affect much their chance of recurrence. Seems you have a very good response to chemo. Best wishes to you.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Virgo_1970
    Virgo_1970 Member Posts: 11
    edited February 2018

    Kbee, Yes, i will discuss with my dr, but I was looking for some advice on the matter to consider when she and I meet tomorrow. Thank you for your thoughtful suggestions. No, I do not have a port or PICC line.. so i am not sure how tomorrow will go with the A/C though. best wishes to you as well.

    Beauz, sorry about your pathology report... hope you're managing well on the Xeloda... I've heard the same - that a lot of women don't finish their full course.. the chemo is no cake walk, so unfortunately, it's not surprising....glad their MO's advised that it was safe to do so. thank you for the reassurance. All the best to you as well.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2018

    AC can be really toxic if it leaks from a vein. That’s why I mentioned a PICC line. They are shorter term than a port, but are in s larger, more central vein. Just trying to throw options out. Your doctor may also just decide that you’re done. You always just have to weigh the risk versus the benefit

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories