Treatment troubles

Hi OliB20 

I'm sorry to read that you ended up in hospital after your last chemo and it's natural to wonder how you might respond to the new chemo you're about to start.

I didn't have docetaxel but noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. Responding to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list again.

While you're waiting for replies, it would be great if you could put something about your diagnosis and treatment to date into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

I hope the new treatment is easier for you.

I’ve not had Docetaxel but I did have a reaction to EC and the dose was reduced slightly which was better for myself. I also had a bad rash from Paclitaxel and was advised this could be changed but as I was on the 10th lot and was having 12 in total I didn’t want it messing with and a rash wasn’t the end of the world. Hopefully you will be fine. 

Hello. I had all my EC but couldn’t have all my Taxoll/carboplatin as it tanked my WBC and then I had allergic reaction. Ended up having about 65%. I was on a 12 weekly regimen. I was gutted as I was so scared to miss any. But my oncologist explained there was no point killing me with chemo trying to cure the cancer. Anyway she was right and I’m still here 5.5 years later cancer free. I had 3 multi focal tumours, 2 affected lymph nodes and am BRCA 2 positive.  Xx good luck this is tough but there can be light at the end of the tunnel. I’m currently lying in bed with my 9 year old who I was convinced I’d not see grow up. Xxx 

Thanks, I hope so too x

Hi jane 80

Thank you for that, I really needed to hear a positive outcome story.

I had my meeting with consultant yesterday and felt really deflated afterwards.

They basically told me that if I chose  not to have the Docetaxel or if I couldn't complete the course even after reduction in dose they weren't able to advise of possible outcome/prognosis as that data just isn't available or recorded. Which I simply just can not understand.

Felt like he was saying if I didn't have all I would be in no man's land. 

I plan to give it a try and just hope for the best. Fingers and toes crossed All will be well.

Thanks again

The Taxol is very different to EC. So you are unlikely to have same experience on both. If you do have a reaction to the taxol ask for abraxane instead. It’s essentially the same chemo but prepared differently and less likely to cause allergic reactions. I had it for my final dose. It’s much more expensive which is why they don’t use unless they have to. I was treated privately as NHS wouldn’t biopsy me as I was not a priority (too young for breast cancer apparently). Turns out it was spreading to my lymph nodes. I had work insurance and that saved my life. So my ability to have the Abraxane may have been down to private healthcare but it’s worth asking if you struggle with the Taxol. If you don’t ask you don’t get. Also they give you lots of steroids and antihistamine to prevent allergic reactions and are very careful and monitor you closely so try not to worry. Easier said than done I know. Xxx