Chemotherapy Frequency

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Hi, I had my 1st chemo treatment 2.5 weeks ago and will have 3 more every 3 weeks for 12 weeks. All is fine so far for me apart from hair loss and a little tiredness and I have managed to carry on more or less as usual. My Oncologtist says side effects will not necessarily get worse as treatment progresses.

However he then said that he will add another drug to the 2nd 12 weeks treatment and will up the frequency to every week. He indicated that the amount of chemo will be lower than at present to help ensure I can tolerate it as the additional drug is strong.

I had HER2 negative breast cancer so I know I am not having targeted therapies but am unclear what the additional drug is as he just said he will discuss it with me further down the line.

Is anyone able to share their experience of this pattern of treatment please?

Thank you.

GreyCats over 3 years ago

On a very general note: different chemo drugs are given at different intervals, which you are likely already aware of. But an oncologist will have some room to adjust based on a patient's unique needs and responses to treatment. So they follow up carefully, and adjust as needed, which I am guessing is what is happening here. With some drugs you cannot "play" with the intervals but you can adjust quantities, with some you can do both, so from what you are saying I am getting the impression your oncologist is paying close attention and aiming for the best combination and frequencies, adjusting as needed.

My own treatment schedule never changed, but my quantities were adjusted when it was necessary (my treatment was a little back to front in that I had about 9 months of chemo prior to surgery, and am still facing more now.)

LalaLou over 3 years ago

Hello Queen Poppy - I'm not on the same chemo pattern as you but I've seen quite a few posts here from those who are receiving '12 x weekly' chemo who will hopefully be able to provide you with some info, although without knowing what type you will be having it will be difficult to compare. Perhaps it might help if you post up details of the chemo you are currently having?

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Chemotherapy Frequency