What's the Difference Between Taxotere and Taxol for Breast Cancer Treatment?

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MB

Community Member

2 years ago

I am Her 2 + estrogen and progesterone- My oncologist has me on Taxotere ( not taxol ) carboplatin and herceptin. It’s every three weeks, 6 treatments. I’ve noticed a lot of people here are on Taxol instead of Taxotere . This is 16 weeks instead I think but it seems the side effects are less drastic? I did ok for three days after chemo with just crushing fatigue and no appetite but on day 4 all symptoms crashed into me at once and I ended up hospitalized for dehydration and then my chemo port became infected and was removed. I’m terrified of treatment 2 because treatment 1 took me out for over 2 weeks and I lost 11 pounds..

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Accepted Answer

Both Taxotere and Taxol are effective chemotherapy medications that work in similar ways, but they have different dosing schedules and side effect profiles - Taxotere is typically given every three weeks while Taxol is often given weekly, which can sometimes make side effects more manageable for some patients. The severe reaction experienced sounds incredibly challenging, and it's completely understandable to feel anxious about the next treatment - many others in this community have faced similar concerns and may have helpful insights about managing side effects or discussing treatment adjustments with their care teams.

3+ patients found this helpful

PN

Community Member

6 months ago

Talk to you onco. I had side effects, but not nearly as drastic as yours. After the first two rounds we reduced taxol and carboplatin by 20%. The side effects were a little better. After chemo number three we’ve decided to take the carboplatin out completely. I’m hoping for fewer side effects. Talk to your team. I hope you find something that helps.

1

LB

Community Member

6 months ago

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

DH

Community Member

6 months ago

I had the same HER2+ only and began my treatment with taxotere and carbo. I wasn't able to tolerate it and ended up in the hospital. They switched me to taxol and went from every 3 weeks to weekly doses.. I continued with herceptin and perjeta every 3 weeks. I had my double mastectomy November 17th. The pathology report showed I had a complete response to the chemo. I too, was worried I wasn't receiving adequate treatment, but it definitely did its job.

LP

Community Member

6 months ago

I am ER/PR + and HER 2 +, Stage 1A, Grade 3. 0.8 mm was on 4 rounds of TCHP. It was brutal rounds 1 and 2, then my Oncologist decreased Taxotere by 20%, which lessened the side effects for the last 2 rounds. Double mastectomy in 4 weeks

3

CA

Community Member

2 months ago

Both Taxotere and Taxol are effective chemotherapy medications that work in similar ways, but they have different dosing schedules and side effect profiles - Taxotere is typically given every three weeks while Taxol is often given weekly, which can sometimes make side effects more manageable for some patients. The severe reaction experienced sounds incredibly challenging, and it's completely understandable to feel anxious about the next treatment - many others in this community have faced similar concerns and may have helpful insights about managing side effects or discussing treatment adjustments with their care teams.

What's the Difference Between Taxotere and Taxol for Breast Cancer Treatment?

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