I have another question

[kareneg]

Please what is the difference between taxol and taxotere. I started to progress on taxol in April . Will taxotere work even if I progressed on taxol? Thank you, any input is deeply appreciated.

[Becky]

Both drugs are taxanes (so is Abraxane) and are based on the same chemistry and work in the same way. They stop cancer growth by interferring with what are called telomeres. Telomeres are the structure in a cell that helps the "almost ready to divide" cells to pull apart. Taxanes interfer with this action so the cells can't pull apart and then they die.

I think if you progressed on Taxol, you could try Taxotere (its "supposed" to be better) but I would try something else in between and then try it as it is in the same drug class and type. It's kind of like if you had an infection and pencillin didn't work and so they try amoxillin (which is a modified form of pencillin). I think you understand what I mean.

Also, ask your oncologist why they want to try Taxotere right after trying Taxol (of which you progressed on). The onc may have a thought process going on that you need to be privy about.

Kindest regards

Becky

[kareneg]

Thank you Becky,
I was just wondering about it. I went on the Tykerb/Herceptin trial in June and started to progress on that, so as of October 13th my doctor has put my on Xeloda my CA 27-29 was 124 on October 4th and when I went to my doctor on October 31st it was 265. So I was so shocked to see such a rise in such a short time. He wants me to due another round on the Xeloda which I will start tomorrow, but I was wondering If adding the Taxotere to the mix would benifit me more. Not really sure what I am thinking of lately, but thank you so much for this information I deeply appreciate it.

[StephN]

I am sorry you are having to do the drugs Musical Chairs like this. The Xeloda may be good for you and you will know that shortly.

Have you tried Navelbine or Avastin?

They say that the Taxol and Taxotere work similarly. In my case they DID NOT. Taxotere just about killed me (meaning was very hard on me and they had to cut dose twice on the 3-week schedule). That was adjuvent after Adriamycin. My disease progressed within a few months from Stage IIb to IV after the Taxotere.

I went on a three-pronged approach of Taxol, Navelbine and Herceptin that knocked the socks off the aggressive mets. Taxol turned out to be a good drug for me and maybe I should have had that instead of Taxotere to start with. I could tolerate all three new drugs on the weekly doses. Only had to miss one treatment due to low counts in the whole 7 months.

I believe in the synergistic approach of more than one drug as it got my mets under control and that has been over 4 years ago since I was on chemo - only take 3-weekly Herceptin and 3-monthly Zometa now.

[kareneg]

Thanks Stephn,

I believe that I need another drug added to the mix to hopefully knock these stubborn mets back down. I had Navelbine but didn't respond to it very well. I have not had Avastin though.

I am so happy that you got your mets in check. I will discuss this with my doctor on the 21st. I just hope that my tumor marker levels off and are not still on the rise.

When I was on the taxol I always had a good response to it and my tumor markers went into the normal range. But I agree I think a three -pronged approach will be better for me. Thanks so much for your input It means the world to me.

[Sandy H]

Karen, I had good luck with Taxol and Herceptin and then Carboplatin was added so my body would not recognize I had had Taxol. This is a good combo for some. May want to ask you doc about it. I never did do Avastin as I went into Tykerb/Xeloda. Our bodies are all so different it must be quite a guessing game for the docs. I hope you find the right one soon. Hugs, Sandy

[kareneg]

Thank you Sandy,

When I see my doctor on the 21st I will be bringing all the information I received here. I will let you all know how I make out. Thanks again and I hope you are doing well on the lapatinib/xeloda!