Chemo rounds

[Nancy277]

I had a mast done on 5-30-08 for a 1.9 cent tumor. Triple neg, no node involvement and clear margins. I just finished 4 rounds of Taxotere/Cytoxan and my doctor is pondering whether we should go 2 more rounds. I have tolerated it pretty good except for severe joint pain, especially my knees.  My feet hurt also on the bottom and my toes are numb.
What is usually the length of time needed to be on this chemo?  Thanks.

[Nancy277]

Thank you for your information. It was very helpful.

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  Since you have stage 1 breast cancer, four rounds of Taxotere/ Cytoxan are enough.  This drug combination has been originally designed to run for four rounds (see http://jco.ascopubs.org/cgi/content/abstract/24/34/5381) so I don't see any reason why you should continue for another two cycles of chemotherapy.  

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

The standard length or duration of adjuvant chemotherapy given after the oepration is 6 cycles, especially for a subset of patients who are in the 'triple negative' category.  These are the tumors that are most responsive to chemotherapy and I believe that you can benefit more from completing the 6 cycles of treatment.

However, further chemotherapy treatment can be withheld if you are experiencing severe reactions or side effects from the drugs.  This matter should be thoroughly discussed with your doctor/oncologist but suffice to say that you do have the option to pursue further treatment.

Regards and God bless.