Chemo question.

CaKat
CaKat Member Posts: 28
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
I've been on chemo for 6 weeks. After a CT, I found out that 2 lymph nodes shrank, but the tumor on the base of my tongue enlarged. My docs have offered to add Taxotere to my regimen. They'll take away Erbitux and keep Flourouracil and Carboplatin. Anyone have experience with the new combo? How about with Taxotere? Thanks!

Comments

  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,842 Member
    #2
    I'm sorry to hear of the continued struggle
    OTOH, taxotere is not a bad addition. I was on carboplatin/taxotere for three cycles. The taxotere was an easy addition, not a lot of side effects. Low WBC and plateletts, as well as nausea are the most common. I didn't get the blood count stuff. And I don't know if the mild nausea I had was the taxotere or the carboplatin. I did get the fingernail stuff. Purplish bands across most of my nails. They look like they could still come off, but they haven't. This was not in the least painful.

    Man, you need a break. How much did your primary change in size? It would seem this offers a chance at a response, without a big downside, unless I'm missing something. I think there are a number of others here who have been on taxotere.

    Best wishes

    Pat
  • CaKat
    CaKat Member Posts: 28
    #3
    longtermsurvivor said:

    I'm sorry to hear of the continued struggle
    OTOH, taxotere is not a bad addition. I was on carboplatin/taxotere for three cycles. The taxotere was an easy addition, not a lot of side effects. Low WBC and plateletts, as well as nausea are the most common. I didn't get the blood count stuff. And I don't know if the mild nausea I had was the taxotere or the carboplatin. I did get the fingernail stuff. Purplish bands across most of my nails. They look like they could still come off, but they haven't. This was not in the least painful.

    Man, you need a break. How much did your primary change in size? It would seem this offers a chance at a response, without a big downside, unless I'm missing something. I think there are a number of others here who have been on taxotere.

    Best wishes

    Pat

    Primary tumor
    The tumor at the base of my tongue grew 2x11mm, small amount.
    I've had the low white count, fevers and trips to the ER, now a possible infection pocket next to the feeding tube. I'm taking a week off from chemo. will start next week and hope the stomach pain from the infection is better.
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #4
    No Problems...
    I had nine weeks (three week cycles) of Cisplatin, Taxoter and 5FU... the 5FU was from a worn pump through the port for 24/7 four days worth.

    Then seven weekly doses of Carboplatin and 35 daily rads sessions...

    STGIII SCC HPV+ Tonsils (primary) and a single lymphnode (secondary).

    Like you the lymphnode sharnak, actually for me it completely dissolved and disappeard before the initially nine weeks.

    I did loose my toe nails and all body hair, but very litle nausea with Emend. They also gave me Neulasta Injections the week after each cycle of chemo (three cycles).

    Best,
    John

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