[IRENE FROM TAMPA]

Hi Cathy -

I am at the end of my third course with Abraxane. It seems there are not that many of us out there yet on it, but good reports.

I opted for the once a week for three weeks and then one week off. My onc. felt (as I did) that since I have had so many chemo's and also a stem cell transplant (original cancer in 1996) that spreading it out at a lower dose might be helpful on my counts. So far I have not had to miss any and my counts have not been too bad. After my first treatment I did experience some pain (like little shock waves to my nerve endings all around my abdomin) Best way I can describe. That stopped after second treatment. I am just now getting some numbness in my finger tips but nothing drastic. If I feel tired or down it usually is within the first three days and then I am fine. It's never the same. This last treatment I felt fine the whole time and my whites/reds were great. The thing that reminds me the most that I am on chemo (aside from losing my hair) is the waxy/dry taste in my mouth. My taste buds of course having been affected. Other then that it has not been too bad.

My tumor markers dropped alot after my second course. I go to see my onc. after my third treatment and re-do markers. Hopefully since declining.

Best of luck to you and please keep me posted on your progress. I have been trying to keep in contact with those on Abraxane and like I mentioned, there are not that many at this time. I am sure it is the next chemo in line for most.
I feel it is better tolerated then Taxol or Taxiere.