Reduced Chemo

I had FEC-T pre-surgery to shrink lump so I was monitored with MRI scans to check on shrinkage. I was fine with FEC but my first dose of docetaxel really knocked me over. My oncologist reduced to 85% for final 2 cycles. I had the same question as you and he said that they give you the maximum dose to start with. If you have severe side effects that is plenty of room to reduce dosage as there is a wide range of what is an effective dosage.

I agreed to the reduced dosage and pleased to say I had really good shrinkage, the best shrinkage was actually those final cycles. I found docetaxel pretty harsh on me so to know it was working was a big boost and worth it.

In answer to your question, yes it will still work. This was my worry too but I guess thinking about it, they wouldn't reduce your dosage if it didn't still work as there would be no point in giving it to you at all. 

Hi Forrest1865

I have a feeling that Dosetaxel is always reduced but I could be wrong . I was on purely Dosetaxel and I believe it was reduced but I don’t know how much by . Also I only managed 5 chemo as my side effects were too  much to continue - remember this is me not everyone . I was only able to tolerate 6 Herceptin too . I’m now coming up to my 3 year check up . at present 2yrs no evidence of disease
I’m just out of hospital for an unrelated illness snd told I’m very sensitive to medication- trust me . 
I have been living life to the full except for covid and recent nhs stay . I intend to start again as soon as I have recovered. 
Dosetaxel is a very good strong chemo . 

wishing you well

love 

Ruby Rose  

Hi

I had 3 sessions of EC, then 4 sessions of docetaxel, pertuzamab and trastuzumab in 3 weekly cycles.  I had 2 sessions of the docetaxal at 100% but then the last 2 sessions reduced to 80% due to the harsh side effects.  But it was still fully effective as the chemo reduced my almost 6cm lump in my breast and the lymph node under arm to no trace .... amazing! 
so yes it must still be effective and I guess they must know it is to still be offering it to you. Always remember....no question is a silly question! If you don’t know it then you should ask because there will always be someone on here who has gone through similar and can hopefully put your mind at rest.  Good luck with the rest of your treatment x

Thank you everyone for responding. I'm going to go with the flow. I guess I dont know if any of the chemo works as I asked this question to my Onco. She says you just have to hope over time! I wont be rescanned as my tumour and full lymph nodes have already been removed. Good luck everyone xxx