Changing of Taxotere to Taxol

[BGDeLaet]

Please help me asap.  I have been taking Taxotere for Breast Cancer Mets to Bone and Liver since September, 2003, every Tuesday.  I took taxotere six weeks on and two weeks off and have done so for four(4)years and two months.  Since medicare is only paying a very small percentage of the charge for this drug my Oncologist took me Taxotere two(2)weeks ago and is putting me on Taxol weekly, three weeks on and one week off, starting tomorrow, November 27,2007 because of reimbursement from Medicare per his office.  I am very upset and am afraid since I have done so well on Taxotere that there could be the chance that Taxol could interfere with what has been done thus far and that the cancer could begin to run rampid.  I am truly afraid what can happen.  The cancer went from my left breast, which was removed 9-14-99, to two right ribs, nine vertabrates, skull, entire pelvic, both hips, liver and a small lesion in the lung.  Can you advise me what you think??  Could this hurt me?
Sincerely,
BGDelaet,Memphis, Tn

[lhughes]

I think they are both in the 'taxane' family, as is Abraxane (the drug I ended up taking).  Both are good chemo drugs.  My dad took taxotere for his prostate cancer, similar to your situation.  I was to take Taxol (for Stage 3 cancer), but I am allergic to the infusion stuff (caster oil derivative).  Abraxane is the same chemical delivered differently.  I think Taxol, if I remember from my dad's chemo, has more pre-meds than Taxotere, but if you are taking it weekly (I took it every 3 weeks), the pre-meds may be different for that situation.

You should review these questions with your doc before you begin again.  I'm surprised Medicare isn't paying for Taxotere anymore.

Good luck to you!  I hope everything will be ok.