Let's Talk About Chemotherapy

Chemo Dosage

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Forum Name: Let's Talk About Chemotherapy
Forum Description: A place to discuss Chemotherapy
URL: http://forum.tnbcfoundation.org/forum_posts.asp?TID=11838
Printed Date: Mar 26 2026 at 9:07pm
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Topic: Chemo Dosage

Posted By: BanR
Subject: Chemo Dosage
Date Posted: Feb 27 2014 at 8:53am

Hi everybody

I just finished all my 8 cycles of AC followed by Taxol.

Now that I look back I realize that my weight kept on fluctuating throughout chemo.

When it began with AC, it kept decreasing by 2 lbs (1 kg) with every infusion. After I finished my last and 4th AC, my weight was down by 8 lbs ( 4 kgs) approx.

With Taxol I began with low weight, and it kept increasing by 2 lbs approx and the day I received my 4th and last Taxol, I had gained 8 lbs back.

My MO told me that the dosage is calculated based on body surface area( BSA). But as weight changes, our BSA should also change...then how is it that, chemo dosage doesn't change with every infusion, along with it? In my case, it should have decreased with every AC and it should have increased with every Taxol. But the dosage remained the same. I was wondering why....

In case you have any idea about this, do share.

Thanks!

Replies:

Posted By: Lillie
Date Posted: Feb 27 2014 at 11:08am

Dear BanR,

I don't know the specific answer to your question, but I will get an answer. At the oncology clinic where I volunteer they always mix the chemo just prior to infusion. I know that weight is a factor, but it could be that the gradual loss doesn't make that much difference. I do know that the doseage is reduced many times just so a person can continue with their treatments, no matter what their weight.

I will get an answer to your question tomorrow from the chemo nurses.

Happy that you are finished and I hope you are doing well.

God Bless,

Lillie

-------------
Dx 6/06 age 65,IDC-TNBC
Stage IIb,Gr3,2cm,BRCA-
6/06 L/Mast/w/SNB,1of3 Nodes+
6/06 Axl. 9 nodes-
8/8 thru 11/15 Chemo (Clin-Trial) DD A/Cx4 -- DD taxol+gemzar x4
No Rads.
No RECON - 11/2018-12 yrs NED

Posted By: BanR
Date Posted: Feb 28 2014 at 12:17pm

Thanks a lot Lillie!

Do let me know what they say.

Posted By: Lillie
Date Posted: Feb 28 2014 at 8:42pm

Hi BanR,

I was correct in that the dosage is based on body weight. When the formula is worked out for amount of chemo per infusion, it takes a few lbs. plus or minus to change the formula. The head nurse said that you probably started at the high end of the equation and your weight never dropped or increased enough to make the equation change.

There are variations though. One lady that was having a dreadful time with taxol almost didn't take her last treatment. The oncologist talked her into taking the last infusion over a period of 3 infusions because he wanted her to get the full treatment, if possible. She agreed and was able to get all of the taxol her regimen called for.

Anyway, I'm glad you are finished and good luck in the future.

God Bless,

Lillie

Posted By: BanR
Date Posted: Mar 02 2014 at 1:59am

Thanks Lillie, I hope I got the correct dosage ..My BSA varied from 1.52 to 1.56, but each time my oncologist used 1.5 as my BSA. However later I found a tool in the internet to calculate the dosage according to BSA and I noticed that even a 0.02 difference in BSA makes a good difference in dosage.. I guess they would know better. Chemo anyway is over..as long as recurrence doesn't happen, all is ok!

Posted By: clarkjennifer
Date Posted: Mar 11 2014 at 7:36am

I think your dosage was absolutely correct.

Posted By: BanR
Date Posted: Mar 25 2014 at 10:53am

Thanks!! Feel good to be around all of you ... :)