HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - AC then T+Herceptin then hold the T(axol)?

Joan M · 01-21-2008, 08:01 PM

I had neuropathy from Taxol, as well. I couldn't easily button my shirts, and my hands would lose strength. I couldn't open jars or even the garage door without having to use two hands to turn the key. Taxol also affected my hand-writing, I felt like I had to concentrate on holding the pen, which made me self-conscious at work.

When I had early stage bc I took Taxol for 21 weeks, which was unusual because it is usually given concurrently with Herceptin for only 12 weeks. I was doing Herceptin and radiation simultaneously with Herceptin. I was supposed to do the Taxol for 24 weeks, but my feet were getting swollen from the steroid, Decadron, and since I had early bc at that time, I quit it at 21 weeks.

Taxol and Herceptin work very well together, if your onc thinks your allergic reaction is under control. As Lolly mentioned, ask him about Taxotere, which improved upon allergic reactions from Taxol.

01-21-2008, 08:01 PM	#10
Joan M Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,851	I had neuropathy from Taxol, as well. I couldn't easily button my shirts, and my hands would lose strength. I couldn't open jars or even the garage door without having to use two hands to turn the key. Taxol also affected my hand-writing, I felt like I had to concentrate on holding the pen, which made me self-conscious at work. When I had early stage bc I took Taxol for 21 weeks, which was unusual because it is usually given concurrently with Herceptin for only 12 weeks. I was doing Herceptin and radiation simultaneously with Herceptin. I was supposed to do the Taxol for 24 weeks, but my feet were getting swollen from the steroid, Decadron, and since I had early bc at that time, I quit it at 21 weeks. Taxol and Herceptin work very well together, if your onc thinks your allergic reaction is under control. As Lolly mentioned, ask him about Taxotere, which improved upon allergic reactions from Taxol. __________________ Diagnosed stage 2b in July 2003 (2.3 cm, HER2+, ER-/PR-, 7+ nodes). Treated with mastectomy (with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction), AC + T/Herceptin (off label). Cancer advanced to lung in Jan. 2007 (1 cm nodule). Started Herceptin every 3 weeks. Lung wedge resection April 2007. Cancer recurred in lung April 2008. RFA of lung in August 2008. 2nd annual brain MRI in Oct. 2008 discovered 2.6 cm cystic tumor in left frontal lobe. Craniotomy Oct. 2008 (ER-/PR-/HER2-) followed by targeted radiation (IMRT). Coughing up blood Feb. 2009. Thoractomy July 2009 to cut out fungal ball of common soil fungus (aspergillus) that grew in the RFA cavity (most likely inhaled while gardening). No cancer, only fungus. Removal of tiny melanoma from upper left arm, plus sentinel lymph node biopsy in Feb. 2016. Guardant Health liquid biopsy in Feb. 2016 showed mutations in 4 subtypes of TP53. Repeat of Guardant Health biopsy in Jana. 2021 showed 3 TP53 mutations, BRCA1 mutation and CHEK2 mutation. Invitae genetic testing showed negative for all of these. Living with MBC since 2007. Stopped Herceptin Hylecta (injection) treatment in March 2020. Recent 2023 annual CT of chest, abdomen and pelvis and annual brain MRI showed NED. Praying for NED forever!!