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Joanne S · 02-01-2008, 06:03 PM

Vanessa, Sure hope you're feeling better since you got the shots.

Don't worry having low white blood counts is normal side effect of chemo.

Abraxane, a formulation of paclitaxel that belongs to a class of chemotherapy drugs called taxanes (Taxol (chemical name: paclitaxel) and Taxotere (chemical name: docetaxel) are the most widely known).

Taxanes are powerful drugs that can stop cancer cells from repairing themselves and from making new cells. Unfortunately taxanes cause serious side effects, like low white blood cell counts (neutropenia), weakness, neuropathy, and skin sensitivity...

More info: http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms...rch/022405.jsp

While Herceptin blocks the protein on the cancer cell's surface, Tykerb blocks the protein inside the cell. Because it uses a different mechanism to work, Tykerb may be effective against HER2-positive cancers that may have stopped responding to Herceptin. Tykerb does not seem to cause the serious heart problems that are associated with Herceptin. The most commonly reported side effects from taking Tykerb with Xeloda are diarrhea, redness and tingling in the hands and feet, and a rash.

More info: http://www.breastcancer.org/treatmen...nib_tykerb.jsp

Sending my best wellness wishes to you!

02-01-2008, 06:03 PM	#4
Joanne S Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Detroit Metropolitan Area, Michigan Posts: 592	Vanessa, Sure hope you're feeling better since you got the shots. Don't worry having low white blood counts is normal side effect of chemo. Abraxane, a formulation of paclitaxel that belongs to a class of chemotherapy drugs called taxanes (Taxol (chemical name: paclitaxel) and Taxotere (chemical name: docetaxel) are the most widely known). Taxanes are powerful drugs that can stop cancer cells from repairing themselves and from making new cells. Unfortunately taxanes cause serious side effects, like low white blood cell counts (neutropenia), weakness, neuropathy, and skin sensitivity... More info: http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms...rch/022405.jsp While Herceptin blocks the protein on the cancer cell's surface, Tykerb blocks the protein inside the cell. Because it uses a different mechanism to work, Tykerb may be effective against HER2-positive cancers that may have stopped responding to Herceptin. Tykerb does not seem to cause the serious heart problems that are associated with Herceptin. The most commonly reported side effects from taking Tykerb with Xeloda are diarrhea, redness and tingling in the hands and feet, and a rash. More info: http://www.breastcancer.org/treatmen...nib_tykerb.jsp Sending my best wellness wishes to you!