Let's Talk About Chemotherapy

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Carboplatin

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Category: TNBC Forums
Forum Name: Let's Talk About Chemotherapy
Forum Description: A place to discuss Chemotherapy
URL: http://forum.tnbcfoundation.org/forum_posts.asp?TID=12233
Printed Date: Mar 26 2026 at 9:22pm
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Topic: Carboplatin

Posted By: rws0cgo
Subject: Carboplatin
Date Posted: Oct 11 2014 at 4:53pm

I have Stage III Triple Negative Breast Cancer and am being treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center with four neoadjuvant Adriamycin/Cyclophosphamide chemos, to be followed next month by four Paclitaxel chemos.

I am aware of a recently completed national study of 440 stage II and stage III TNBC women who had Carboplatin added to the Paclitaxel regimen resulting in a significant improvement in Pathologic Response Rates. Have any readers used this, and if so have you experienced any significant adverse problems, bad side effects, etc?

Replies:

Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Oct 13 2014 at 9:06pm

Yes, look into adding Carboplatin to your treatment.

http://forum.tnbcfoundation.org/adding-carboplatin-increases-pcr_topic11688.html" rel="nofollow - http://forum.tnbcfoundation.org/adding-carboplatin-increases-pcr_topic11688.html

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DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09)
11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15

Posted By: JackiWalkr
Date Posted: Oct 15 2014 at 1:05pm

I had Carboplatin and taxol as first line. My lump completely went away to the touch after the very first Carbo/Taxol treatment. I just finished 4 rounds of AC and still no lump on October 3rd. I am waiting for Surgeon to schedule me for the lumpectomy and port removal
, they are expecting no cancer.

Jackie

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DX IDC TNBC 3/31/14 Age 46 Stage 2a, Grade 3, 2.1cm, 0 nodes, (4)Carbo(5)Taxol. AC DD 4 of 4. Lumpectomy 10/30/2014 NED. 33 Rads 2/12/15. BRCA 1/2 normal=negative

Posted By: bcarya
Date Posted: Oct 16 2014 at 2:55am

I have just started neo-adjuvant chemo for TNBC (Stage 2, grade 3). The plan is 12 weekly rounds of Taxol, the 4 biweekly rounds of AC. We will add Carboplatin if I don't respond as well as we'd like. Then surgery then radiation. I just had my first round of Taxol last week; the second is tomorrow.

This is all pretty new to me, having just been diagnosed at the the end of August, and it's just recently that I found this site and started to read about the chemo that others with TNBC have had. Does my chemo regimen seem like overkill?

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Dx IDC TNBC 8/29/14 age 60
Stage 2, grade 3, 2.8 cm, ? nodes
Started chemo 10/8/14 Taxol (12 rounds), then AC (4 rounds).
Surgery and radiation to follow chemo.

Posted By: Lillie
Date Posted: Oct 16 2014 at 9:07am

Dear bcarya,
Your chemo regimen definitely is NOT OVERKILL.... As far as I can determine from self experience and treatment of others, "THROW THE KITCHEN SINK" first. It sounds as though that is what you are doing. Bless you and good luck. Please keep us posted. WE UNDERSTAND because we've been there.

God Bless,
Lillie

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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: kellly
Date Posted: Oct 16 2014 at 10:08am

I had neo adjuvant FEC and Taxotere in 2008 and am now on Carboplatin. There are no specific side effects from Carbo that you are not already getting from TAC. But i understand that a platinum therapy is now preferred treatment for triple neg? What does your onc say about this, I guess if anyone, he knows!

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DX '08,34yr, TN-IBC, gr3, 4 FEC, 3 Taxotere, biMST ->3/9 nodes+, 23rad's, BRCA-, bi DIEP '09. '12 son born!
Dx2 feb'14 mets subcl. & mediast. lymph nodes.CHEK2-. Olaparib, Carboplatin. Now: Nivolumab

Posted By: bcarya
Date Posted: Nov 17 2014 at 6:05pm

Thanks for your response and reassurance. I finished my 5th weekly taxol treatment Nov 5th and then we delayed my sixth one (scheduled for Nov 13) because I have been having increasingly severe fevers after each treatment. Then I broke out in hives all over my arms, hands, and legs after treatment #5. I guess that was sort of good because it answered the question of what was causing the fevers. We were getting ready to start testing me for viruses and bacterial infections. Now it's looking like I'll be on prednisone packs after each treatment. I have my 6th (of 12) taxol treatment on Weds, and later in the week we have an ultrasound to see if it's making any difference on the tumor. My tumor is deep and my breast tissue dense, so I never could feel it. It doesn't show up on mammograms, either. Only ultrasound. I'm worried, of course, that the taxol hasn't made any difference. If not, we are probably going to add Carboplatin.

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Dx IDC TNBC 8/29/14 age 60
Stage 2, grade 3, 2.8 cm, ? nodes
Started chemo 10/8/14 Taxol (12 rounds), then AC (4 rounds).
Surgery and radiation to follow chemo.

Posted By: JackiWalkr
Date Posted: Nov 17 2014 at 6:41pm

I am over the moon. My lump was completely dead after chemo. It had shrank after the very first carboplatin. That should be first line for all triple negative. Note I did not finish taxol as it was too toxic to my liver, but went on to do AC.
My main problem with carboplatin and ac was low blood counts, lots of delays along with 3 blood transfusions. With Taxol my liver enzymes would triple. Onc finally said no more after 5th. Now I am waiting on radiologist to see if I need radiation since tumor was dead. Surgeon and onc don't seem to think I do. Boy, would that be great news.

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DX IDC TNBC 3/31/14 Age 46 Stage 2a, Grade 3, 2.1cm, 0 nodes, (4)Carbo(5)Taxol. AC DD 4 of 4. Lumpectomy 10/30/2014 NED. 33 Rads 2/12/15. BRCA 1/2 normal=negative

Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Nov 17 2014 at 10:07pm

JackiWalkr,

Usually with a lumpectomy, radiation is always recommended. Anyway, good results from the chemo!

Donna

Posted By: JackiWalkr
Date Posted: Nov 18 2014 at 9:26am

Donna,

I know triple negative calls for radiation. Realistically. I know in my heart I will have radiation, just not the full 33 originally prescribed. God bless.

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DX IDC TNBC 3/31/14 Age 46 Stage 2a, Grade 3, 2.1cm, 0 nodes, (4)Carbo(5)Taxol. AC DD 4 of 4. Lumpectomy 10/30/2014 NED. 33 Rads 2/12/15. BRCA 1/2 normal=negative

Posted By: Chatham Girl
Date Posted: Nov 18 2014 at 5:52pm

Hi,

I am stage 2b, with a positive lymph node. I had 4 rounds of Ac and then 12 weeks of taxol with carboplatin every third week. I did not have too many side effects. My counts did go down, I had two blood transfusions, but I felt fine. I continued to work. My tumor shrunk signifigantly and lymph node was no longer positive. I had a lumpectomy and will start radiation in a couple weeks. Hopefully that will not be too hard!!

Posted By: wwjdJanice
Date Posted: Dec 09 2014 at 2:32pm

I am also TNBC stage IIb and I just finished 4 rounds of AC followed by 4 rounds of Taxotere (no Carboplatin). I had cancer in 1 lymph node and got a double mastectomy and have cording in left arm and in general just muscle tightening. Just curious from reading website everyone taking Taxol weekly instead of Taxotere every 3 weeks like me, I hope that is OK ? I plan on asking my oncologist about Carboplatin and am scared to do radiation (they want to do radiaiton for 7 weeks adding hyperthermia 2 days a week because my cancer came back while on AC and I had another minor surgery to remove it), with the muscular problems I'm having already with left arm, radiation scares me. Any words of encouragement ?

Posted By: made2b2gether
Date Posted: Dec 09 2014 at 9:04pm

Dear wwjdJanice,
The radiation is a lot easier than all the chemo. The side effects are mostly like a burn (for which they will give you creams to help with pain and healing) and you may get a little tired (sleepy early). My wife was able to drive to all her radiation appointments and also drive back. The Chemo is far more difficult so you're at the home stretch and you should get the maximum advised treatment, which includes the recommended radiation.
Yes, the 7 weeks is very long and it is an inconvenience to go in daily - but it will pass by fast, but if you were able to do the chemo, the radiation will be easier. Also, usually the first burn like feeling and tingling feeling may not come till after 10-12 treatments, but it may vary. Speak to your Oncologist and Radiologist on this to get reassurance - but you must do it as prescribed.
Regarding Cording and pain in the arm / lymphadema, you can work with a lymphadema therapist. They will work with you on excercises which are in fact very important to do, even for a week to 10 days before radiation (during and after as advised). The therapy will help minimise pain and symptoms that you describe.
You can find a therapist by getting a referral from lymphedema assoc in states.
http://www.lymphnet.org/
You can also speak with your Oncologist / Breast Surgeon for a good referral for a licensed Lymphedema Therapist. This will help you.
Stay well. Good luck. All will be well.

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DX Jan06 `14. IDC TN 2.0cm. Grade 2. Neoadjuvant: Taxolx12,FECx4. Post Surgery LX- Tiny Micromets found in 4/17 removed LN- 6mm residual. Wide Radiation 25x. Carboplatin AUC 6 x 2, AUC 5 x 2

Posted By: Sharon E
Date Posted: Dec 10 2014 at 8:01am

I had AC/T the first time I was diagnosed. Double mastectomy and no radiation resulted in NED for two years. Came back in August and now doing Gemzar/Carboplatin with very minimal side effects...mostly just constipation. I will be doing 7 weeks of radiation afterwards. I did get lymphedema this summer from doing too much in the garden. I also highly recommend a lymphedema therapist. My arm is back under control and she gave me exercises for the cording. I just don't understand why they don't give us exercises to do right away to take care of the cording. I will continue my own lymph massages each day and watch for more fluid in my arm throughout the radiation treatments. I am hoping to keep it under control. Any suggestions are appreciated.

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3/12 Stg2b TNBC, IDC, Grade 3, age 49, 3 nodes, BRCA-,4/12-8/12 AC/T, 9/12 MBX no rads
10/14 Recur chest, BM, biopsy removed tumors, Gem/Carb 4,1/15, NED 1/15, Rads, 7/15 BM, Gem/Carb 4

Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Dec 10 2014 at 8:11am

Janice,

I know you're worried, but radiation isn't as difficult as chemotherapy. You can do it!

Donna

Posted By: positive_attitude
Date Posted: Dec 10 2014 at 2:09pm

I am doing chemo (Abraxane alternated with 5FU) at the same time as radiation. I just did my #14 radiation today. A little tired from one-hour of walking, but I am fine otherwise. I am living by myself right now. I can take good care of myself. Compared to chemo, radiation is much easier for me.

Rebecca

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DX IDC TNBC May, 2014, 4.7cm, 5.8cm on Taxol. Taxol 4 weeks, AC 6. double mastectomy OCT 2014. 1.8cm residual in breast and 3mm a lymph node. BRCA-. 11/17 Abraxane,5FU.11/20, rads, 1/19 FUMEPx2

Posted By: Alison4ox1
Date Posted: Dec 10 2014 at 3:59pm

Hi Kelly I was diagnosed with recurrence to subcl node and mammary node I am currently on weekly taxol and avastin every other week 3 on 1 off my cancer has responded quite well node in neck was originally 1.6 mm now 0.4mm node in chest originally 1.6mm now 1.4 mm my question is the node in your chest did they take a biopsy of it.

Alison

Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Dec 10 2014 at 7:20pm

Alison,

I thought I'd jump in the conversation. When I had a recurrence to the internal mammary node, they performed a ct guided needle biopsy and were able to determine it was still TNBC. It sounds like you are responding well to treatment.

Donna

Posted By: rosewater
Date Posted: Dec 10 2014 at 10:40pm

Hi Alison,
I'm sorry to hear that you have had a recurrence. Would you mind me asking if you previously had radiation in your subcl node and internal mammary nodes? I'm currently doing radiation for these nodes, and my concern is that if I ever have a recurrence, I won't be able to do radiation in the area again.

Thank you,
Natasha

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DX IDC TNBC 03/14 age 40, Stage 1, Grade 3, 2cm, 0/4Nodes, lumpectomy 04/14, DD A/C x4, Taxol x12, Carboplatin x2, BMX 10/14, rads x28 Finished Jan 14/15, Oopherectomy Jan 29/15 BRCA 2+

Posted By: Alison4ox1
Date Posted: Dec 11 2014 at 12:41am

Kelly , No I just had radiation to chest wall and left breast unfortunately cannot have rads to mammary nodes because it has been rafiated before and rads will only be given to. Subcl node if swallowing becomes an issue. On a positive note it is responding to chemo baring in mind it is the first treatment after diagnosis so my onc is optimistic in her words node in neck is normal size for a node and I still have 7 treatments to go. Aldo good news is that it is just contained in the nodes and nowhere else.

Thank you Donna my onc is positive they cannot do a biopsy but we dud raise the question if it is all cancer in the mammary not and the same cancer why has it no responded as well as the subcl node. As one thing I did not mention is that the subcl node was 4 out of 8 pr plus but in only 5 per cent of the cells and they decide no string enough for hormone therapy. I will ask again at next visit as onc is currently at the santonio breadt conference and I find ask her about imrt but she had not heard of it. I have a lot of faith in her she is diwn to earth she respects my wishes and very positive, she is also based at the royal marsden in London.

Posted By: kellly
Date Posted: Dec 31 2014 at 12:24pm

did anyone suffer from ear pain from Carboplatin?

I ve had an ear infection directly after the chemo and my ear still hurts 1,5 week after (and a bit of hearing loss). Hoping there is some experience on how long this side effect can last.

Posted By: Silver cloud
Date Posted: May 10 2015 at 8:11am

Kelly, I've just had 2 out of 6 of cisplatin and Gemcitabine and was warned of hearing loss by my MO. I know cisplatin is similar to carboplatin so I would definitely ask your MO. With cisplatin I believe the hearing loss is permanent and my mo told my DH to make sure he watches me for this.

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Dx Jan 2013 3.2 cm, no nodes. FEC-D, LX, 33 rads. Achieved PCR.
Dx Jan 2015 3.3 cm local recurrence. Mx, immediate diep, cisplatin Gemcitabine -discovered metaplastic

Posted By: Annie
Date Posted: May 10 2015 at 8:48am

Hi All, I am not sure if I have ever posted on this topic.
I had different chemo...FEC-D in 2009 and my hearing has been definitely affected most noticeably with television or listening to music. I have to turn the volume much higher than before.

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Annie TNBC Stage IIA Gr 3 1cm lesion 2/5 lymph nodes+ lumpectomy,FEC & D 30Rads finished(08/2009) BRCA- Chronic Cellulitis due to Radiation-- L.Mastectomy Jan 2012