Can't tolerate Taxol

[nomorelies]

I am a triple negative. Underwent a lumpectomy on Jan. 18,2008.  My tumor was 3cm by 2.1cm. I had a mammosite with radiation and after two weeks was started on Chemo. I had a really bad reaction to Taxol and cannnot take it. Post two weeks I can barely walk for the pain in my hip and back.  My oncologist wants me to start with Taxotere/Adriamiacin and Cyto? triple cocktail next Thursday. I am terrifiedd that I will end up crippled.  This tumor was my primary first and the margins were clear upon removal with NO lymph node involvement.  The doctor said that the cancer was very fast growing and aggressive and that I need chemo to keep any from circulating in my bloodstream and metastisizing elsewhere.  Is this normal? My cancer is considered a IIA.  I have to work. I am 64 years old and no one else to support med. Help? Any suggestions?

[boobsareoverated]

Another suggestion would be to taxotere instead of taxol and to do it weekly. I had no problem whatsoever doing taxotere weekly. Now the AC was another issue. It made me very weak and sick.

Everybody reacts different.

[lhughes]

Have your onc look into Abraxane as an alternative to Taxol.  It is the newer of the taxane drugs, the same chemical structure to taxol, it just has a different delivery mechanism.  It looks like milk.  Taxol uses a type of caster oil derivative, which I was allergic to, heart and breathing issues along with turning bright red to purple within seconds of the initial delivery of taxol.  Not fun at all.  Abraxane is WONDERFUL compared to Taxol.  It only takes 30 minutes to deliver and has no premeds.

Ask about it and see what he thinks before starting A/C.  No, you won't end up crippled on the triple coctail.  I did A/C before Abraxane.  Nothing more than a little mitral valve prolapse issue that I just have to keep a regular (ie every 5 years or so) eye on.  It does have it's potential complications, but they are good drugs, ne'er the less.

Ask about Abraxane before starting the triple regimen, though.  Abraxane is VERY good.  I only had hair loss and a little tingling in my fingers and toes.  Nothing more than expected.

Best of luck!
Lisa