Heart problems with Taxotere?

[ggweber_2000]

I did not receive the Herceptin because of being on the control arm of a clinical study. I did receive Taxotere and had a really bad reaction to it. I started having shortness of breath with exertion starting about November 2006, different than my asthma. I transferred to MD Anderson in Houston TX from California because my husband and I travel fulltime in a RV and my insurance is out of TX. I didn't want to take a chance on losing it. My oncologist here sent me to an Internist that specializes in cancer patients and chemo drugs. He sent me for an echo stress test. The cardiologist came into the room and said we have a problem. Long story short. I have blockages in my right coronary artery and left circumflex. They said it could have been caused by the Taxotere. I feel so lucky to be here in TX. My internist and cardiologist both specialzes in cancer patients. All our kids and grandkids are back in WI. I couldn't transfer there because of insurance issues. I had my cancer treatments in CA becasue it was winter when I underwent therapy. WI is way to cold to live in a motorhome during the winter. I will have to have an angioplasty with possible stents. Depending on the results it could be bypass. Anyone else have problems with Taxotere? Thanks for listening to me vent.

[Chelee]

ggweber_2000, I am so sorry to hear about your heart problems. But thank goodness they found them before anymore damage was done. At least your in very safe hands at MD Anderson. As far as Taxotere...I was on that. I did "TCH"...six rounds. I had ECHO's every 3 months and knock on wood so far all is fine. I'm glad you have some of the best doctors. Hang in there and I will keep you in my prayers.

Chelee

[janet11]

I also had 6 cycles of TCH with no problems. The MUGA scans every three months are for the Herceptin, not the Taxotere. I haven't heard of heart problems with Taxotere at all. Must be a pretty rare side effect. Good luck with treatment!