I have been given the choice of TAC ot AC+Taxol (dense dose). What information can you give me that might help me decide? I am 42 and very healthy.
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Q: Choose between TAC and AC+Taxol??
Answers (2)
11/ 7/09 5:19pm
Will the T in the TAC be Taxol or Taxotere? They are related drugs with slightly different side effects. Only your oncologist who has your entire medical history could help you decide between those two variants of the class of chemo drugs called taxanes.
If the TAC will be delivered in a combo form, you would have the advantage of hitting the cancer immediately from several directions. However, if you had an allergic reaction or serious side effects, it might be hard to figure out which drug was responsible. Since you mention dose dense as an option with the AC + Taxol option, I'm assuming the TAC would probably be on a traditional every three weeks treatment schedule and the AC + Taxol would probably be every two weeks. I'm not a doctor, but as I read patients' accounts of their treatments, it seems that more doctors are moving towards the dose dense schedule. For a healthy 42 year old the dose dense schedule would have the advantage of hitting the cancer again and again before it had time to regroup. Ask your doctor to help you list the risks and benefits of each plan as they apply to you. Once you decide, don't second guess yourself.
11/ 7/09 5:22pm
As Phyllis indicates, this is kind of a toss-up. Early trials seem to indicate there may be some advantage going the dose-dense route... although it's quite toxic, which is why it's given sequentially with taxol, rather than at the same time. I think you need to carefully go over side effects with your oncologist or, better yet, your oncology nurse, who might be able to spend more time with you. Also, as Phyllis says - make your decision, and don't look back - don't second-guess yourself. Good luck - PJH
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Thank you - I especially like your advice about not second guessing my desicion. Having confidence in myself helps me feel good during this overwheling ordeal.