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TripleTea's avatar
TripleTea
Member
8 years ago

Starting Chemo tomorrow

Hi everyone.

I had my oncologist appointment late yesterday(wed) and am starting my chemo tomorrow(Fri) Feeling very nervous but also glad to be getting on with it.

I am having 3 x FEC 3 weeks apart and then 3 x Doxetaxel 3 weeks apart. He said most of his patients are older than me and they switch to 12 weekly Paclitaxel after the FEC as it's easier on them but he said  I am young and fit and should be able to handle the doxetaxel 3 weekly and it will get it all finished a month earlier and I won't have weekly hospital visits. I had no idea which option to go with so he said if I were you I would do the shorter one and get it over with. So that's the plan.

I have a few questions if anyone can help please....

Has anyone had this combination?

Is Doxetaxel the same as when people on here refer to Taxol?( Sorry I would normally google but I have stayed well clear of googling stuff since my diagnosis)

I noticed on another feed people mentioning they take neurofen but the info sheet the oncologist  gave me with the '8000' possible symptoms said to not take ibuprofen? 

Thanks Ladies
triple-negative-breast-cancer

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  • primek's avatar
    primek
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    8 years ago
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    Sorry for error...taxol is paciltaxol. Docetaxol is taxotere. Same class of drugs known as taxanes..but different drugs. 

    Pacitaxol can be given 3 weekly or weekly.
    Docetaxol can only be given 3 weekly.
  • primek's avatar
    primek
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    8 years ago
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    The reason it was introduced weekly was there was less side effects, less neuropathy but same benefits. It may finish 3weeks earlier as in last visit to hospital but it's still in your system.
    Taxol is taxotere. Docetaxol is a different drug. Both in the same class but different risjs.  The conversation you need to have about docetaxol with your oncologist us about risks. 

    My understanding with the taxane based treatments is that docetaxol is the only one that risks permanent hair loss or reduced hair growth after treatment. It is a small % but a very real risk and devastating for the individual. Do have the discussion about this and know the risks before basing a decision just on schedule length. I'm not trying to frighten you but feel its important you are given all the information about the difference with the 2 drugs before making your final decision. 
    Kath x
  • onemargie's avatar
    onemargie
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    8 years ago
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    I had triple neg last year like I said  but I had 4 AC  two weeks apart and 4 paclitaxol 2 weeks apart. So if your going every three weeks hopefully that will give you a nice break in between to feel better in beteeen doses. Get some meds for the nausea too if you can. Ondansetron is a really good one for nausea if you can take it and you can get a script from your gp or oncol but check with them and they will advise what's best. I found the sparkling mineral water helped too but only the plain or lemon flavour as it's not too sweet.  Make sure you stay hydrated too if you can don't want to end up in hospital with IV fluids but definately go there if you don't feel better soon And that's awesome you only need 6 rounds. Like AFraser said count them down... only 5 to go and when you get to 3 you're half way. 
  • angg66's avatar
    angg66
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    8 years ago
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    Hi @TripleTea. I did 3 FEC & 3 Taxotere a few years ago. I found the FEC affected me more & the first session was the worst. I tolerated the Taxotere a lot better. All the best with your treatment.. Ange xx
  • Molly001's avatar
    Molly001
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    8 years ago
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    @TripleTea well done. That's one down. For me my first cycle was by far the worst for nasty side effects. I'm not sure if that's because of tinkering with meds or if my body adjusted or both. I hope it is the same for you.
  • TripleTea's avatar
    TripleTea
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    8 years ago
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    Thanks @Afraser and @Zoffiel I appreciate you messaging back.

    Well it all went well. They gave me steroids and anti nausea tablets before treatment. I Left the hospital at 3pm and at about 5pm started feeling yuck. I had one wave of vomiting, cramps & sweats for 5 minutes or so and then it settled. Now I just feel nauseous and am laying down. If I move I feel sicker.
    I'm surprised how quickly it effects us. I thought I would be fine for today at least.
    Oh well, 1 down, 5 to go I guess.
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
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    8 years ago
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    Docetaxel is often referred to as taxotere, paclitaxel as taxol. They have some similarities and differences. I had taxol at 67 but a much younger colleague had taxotere, so there may be something in the " younger and fitter" thinking! Over quicker is a plus though. My younger colleague has also been cancer free for nearly ten years so look to the long term. We all think treatment looms for ever, but it doesn't and some have a relatively easy run. Best wishes.
  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
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    8 years ago
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    There are so many variables TTT . Take it one step at a time. The main thing is to make sure you keep notes and let the Oncology team know how you are traveling. We nearly all need tweeks in our treatment but there is no point trying to treat a side effect that you don't end up getting.
    No one likes chemo but some sail through pretty easily--I certainly did with my first schedule ten years ago. I think being younger and fitter and generally busier helps. Good luck . Marg xxx