Carboplatin only for chemo for 1a grade 3 undifferentiated cancer

mamlicsw

Hi I was recently diagnosed with a State 1a and Grade 3 undifferentiated endometrial carcinoma.  I had a total hysterectomy and will soon begin chemo.  Because I already have some very mild neuropathy and balance/gait issues associated with cervical stenosis, my onc felt the risk of falls/gait problems wasn't worth the benefit of adding Taxol.  I'm very anxious about the undifferentiated aspect of my cancer.  I will be getting a second opinion from a specialized cancer hospital.  I live in a major metropolitan area and so have very good medical resources close at hand.  Has anyone else with a grade 3 cancer only been offered one type of chemo medication?  I will be referred to a Radiation Onc once I have completed my 6 cycles.  Very glad to have found this online resource.  Thanks in advance.

Armywife

Yes

I had a very severe reaction to Taxol, involving acute onset neuropathy and a heart issue.  My second chemo treatment was carboplatin only.  My oncologist was comfortable with the single agent moving forward, but I asked if there was a safe substitute for the taxol, and was given Taxotere and Carboplatin for the remaining four treatments.  No more neuropathy issues, although I did ice my hands and feet every time to ward that off just in case.  You may want to ask if Taxotere is an option for you.  I had Stage IVB, Grade 2 endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma.

 

Primavera

Stage 1a, Grade 3

I have endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma, stage 1a, type 3. I'm only getting 3 brachytherapy sessions, intermediate radiation, preventative.

I am wondering why you're getting chemo? But in any case, maybe that's why you're getting a "light version" with only one drug, instead of a combination?

mamlicsw

Armywife said:

Yes

I had a very severe reaction to Taxol, involving acute onset neuropathy and a heart issue.  My second chemo treatment was carboplatin only.  My oncologist was comfortable with the single agent moving forward, but I asked if there was a safe substitute for the taxol, and was given Taxotere and Carboplatin for the remaining four treatments.  No more neuropathy issues, although I did ice my hands and feet every time to ward that off just in case.  You may want to ask if Taxotere is an option for you.  I had Stage IVB, Grade 2 endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma.

 

Thank you.  I will ask about

Thank you.  I will ask about it.

 

mamlicsw

Primavera said:

Stage 1a, Grade 3

I have endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma, stage 1a, type 3. I'm only getting 3 brachytherapy sessions, intermediate radiation, preventative.

I am wondering why you're getting chemo? But in any case, maybe that's why you're getting a "light version" with only one drug, instead of a combination?

Undifferentiated cancer cells

Undifferentiated cancer cells are more aggressive than basic grade 3 cells as I understand it.  Also there's a greater chance of recurrence.  I think there is not much data on undifferentiated cancer as it is not common.  Thanks for responding!

Donna Faye

My experience

I was stage 1 UPSC grade3 and had 3 sessions with carbo/taxol.  I had BC 25 yrs ago so already had some neuropathy . I had an allergic reaction with the first carbo/taxol but they stopped/slowed and never had problem again. I also had 4 bracky. Then a recurrence a year later so cisplatin with 25 external pelvic and 4 more bracky. Am now a year out and doing good but do have more neuropathy than before - mostly at night. Nothing I cannot handle with B12 and 6 and Claritin. My doc was so worried about it recurring that she insisted on the chemo and rads. Do get all the input you can and this site is a great place for that.

mamlicsw

Donna Faye said:

My experience

I was stage 1 UPSC grade3 and had 3 sessions with carbo/taxol.  I had BC 25 yrs ago so already had some neuropathy . I had an allergic reaction with the first carbo/taxol but they stopped/slowed and never had problem again. I also had 4 bracky. Then a recurrence a year later so cisplatin with 25 external pelvic and 4 more bracky. Am now a year out and doing good but do have more neuropathy than before - mostly at night. Nothing I cannot handle with B12 and 6 and Claritin. My doc was so worried about it recurring that she insisted on the chemo and rads. Do get all the input you can and this site is a great place for that.

Thanks.  I'm planning on

Thanks.  I'm planning on asking more questions of my Oncologist when I see her to start chemo.  I'm also very much looking forward to getting the second opinion.  I also had breast cancer Stage 1, Grade 2 with lumpectomy, radiation, and Arimidex 14 years ago.  Unfortunately, so little is know about efficacy of XRT and chemo versus risk factors.  But, like many or most people with cancer, I want to do what I can to prevent recurrence.