Taxol vs. Taxotere

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slyng
slyng Member Posts: 12
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Does anyone know the difference between these? What are the pluses and minuses to these drugs? Do they both make your eyelashes and eyebrows fall out? Any info would be appreciated! Thanks!

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  • mel39
    mel39 Member Posts: 16
    #2
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    I did not have Taxol or Taxotere but both were offered in a clinical trial that I didn't participate in. I chose not to take these because of the side effects, specifically neuropathy. I'm not certain on this but I think Taxotere is worse than Taxol as far as side effects go. The Adriamycin can also make eyelashes and eyebrows fall out. Good luck with these. Hopefully you'll cruise through with no problems at all.
  • Kass
    Kass Member Posts: 1
    #3
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    I decided to do taxol when I was taking my chemo
    last year. God, it seems like a lifetime ago now, but I digress. I did "dose dense" and had taxol every two weeks x 4 cycles. I chose it over Taxotere because I felt it had less side effects.
    With Taxol, you feel like you have the flu (aches
    and pains) for about two days. Yes your hair and
    eyelashes will be gone. With Taxotere, as I recall
    you can have a risk of nails falling off, blocked
    tear ducts and other things. I did well and I am
    doing very well now. Back to work full-time and
    feel GREAT!!!!. Kathie
  • SandyV
    SandyV Member Posts: 9
    #4
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    My medical oncologist recommended Taxotere over Taxol based on studies and statistics that he had and his view of my overall medical condition. There were numerous side effects. They were all difficult to deal with but it's doable. Every side effect, except a couple of burnt veins, is gone. It took a good 6 months for everything to disappear. I had neuropathy, loose fingernails, bone pain, loss of eyelashes and eyebrows, all the usual. Taxotere was more difficult for me than A&C. I think that no matter which chemo drug that you choose, the side effects have to be looked at relatively. All the drugs have side effects. Not everyone is affected the same way. Trust your instincts.
  • SheilaG
    SheilaG Member Posts: 8
    #5
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    I had taxol two years ago and yes I lost my eyelashes and eyebrows and suffered terrible bone pain for about 2 days after each treatment and I developed mouth sores which made eating certain foods difficult. Everything improved almost immediately after treatment was finished!

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