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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Chemo related neuropathy
Answered by
Cleveland Clinic - Breast cancer
Cleveland - OH
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
Chemo related neuropathy
by HavenScent, Feb 23, 2008 12:58PM
In November 2007, I had a partial mastectomy, stage 2 (T1NO), grade 3, 1/2 - 3/4", with 2 positive lymph nodes. The tumor is ER+ and PR+. I started my chemo: Paclitaxel (Taxol), Adriamycin & Taxotere. This is day 9 after the second of 6 treatments (at three week intervals). On Day 7 (post treatment), I started to experience tingling and some numbness a lot of the day in my hands and feet and at night.
This is a side effect of the chemo, but I want to know how severe this may become and if the feeling will return and when. Are there any stats on this sort of neuropathy?
I am seriously considering dropping the chemo because my quality of life will be severely eroded.
I am scheduled to meet a radiation oncologist March 3. My next chemo treatment is March 7. I will make a decision regarding continuing chemo before the next treatment.
This is a side effect of the chemo, but I want to know how severe this may become and if the feeling will return and when. Are there any stats on this sort of neuropathy?
I am seriously considering dropping the chemo because my quality of life will be severely eroded.
I am scheduled to meet a radiation oncologist March 3. My next chemo treatment is March 7. I will make a decision regarding continuing chemo before the next treatment.
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, Feb 25, 2008 11:03AM
, Feb 25, 2008 11:03AM
Dear HavenScent, Both paclitaxel (Taxol) and docetaxel (Taxotere) are in the same family of medications. These are not typically used together in the same regimen so you may want to double check with your doctor what you are getting. Might it be Cytoxan, Adriamycin and Taxotere (also known as "TAC")? Numbness and tingling (peripheral neuropathy) is a common side effect of both of the taxanes, although it appears less likely to persist after treatment with docetaxel compared with paclitaxel. Although some of the signs of neuropathy may appear suddenly, this change in sensation usually builds gradually and can worsen with each additional dose of chemotherapy. It is usually strongest right after a chemo treatment, but tends to lessen just before the next treatment. Be sure to discuss your symptoms with your oncologist. They would want to evaluate this in context of your situation and can offer suggestions for management of the discomfort.
Another suggestion for additional information about this symptom the website chemocare.com (www.chemocare.com) has information that may be helpful to you regarding management of side effects. You can look up the chemotherapy medications as well as specific side effects and find information and general suggestions about managing side effects.
Another suggestion for additional information about this symptom the website chemocare.com (www.chemocare.com) has information that may be helpful to you regarding management of side effects. You can look up the chemotherapy medications as well as specific side effects and find information and general suggestions about managing side effects.
