TNBC-Taxotere vs. Taxol

I have not been back here for awhile but needed some help in some decision making between two chemo drugs and which is most beneficial for TNBC patients.  My Mom finished 4 of AC and started Taxotere. She experienced severe body pain but painkillers were able to fix that. But due to loss of appetite and not drinking enough fluids, she had low BP due to which they ended up giving her fluid IVY twice. Onc has given us three options to chose from for the next round - 1)continue with lower dosage of Taxotere every 3 weeks 2)switch to Taxol weekly 3)quit chemo. I've been trying to read the SE of both drugs and its difficult to decide. Mom has diabetes therefore originally Taxotere was recommended b/c they say neuropathy is worse with Taxol and especially with Diabetes patients. Then I've read that neuropathy stays with both drugs vs just Taxol as a long term SE. With Taxotere I'm reading that for some the hair never comes back? But Taxotere is supposed to be better for TNBC. So difficult to decide. Which drug is better for TNBC patients? Not sure how to share this information with mom.

I'm sorry your mother is having difficulty with Taxotere.  Just my two cents, but maybe switching to Taxol weekly would be better for her.  She may still have some side effects as taxol and taxotere are both taxanes, but the weekly lower doses seem to be tolerated better for many patients.  Here's a link to an article saying the weekly dosing is better.

B2014,

Both taxotere and taxol are taxanes, and target the same structures (microtubules). Hence both can cause neuropathy (peripheral sensory).
In head to head comparisons, TAC (taxotere +AC altogether) and AC-T (dose dense schedule, administered sequentially) offer the same benefits. TAC has more bone marrow toxicity whereas AC-T has more neuropathy.
There are reports that Taxol offered on a weekly schedule for 12 weeks has a lower incidence of neuropathy compared to Taxol offered on a dose dense schedule.

If I am in your mom's shoes, I would opt for weekly Taxol.  It is always a good idea to get chemo on schedule and on dose.

Donna, I am new to TNBC 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.  Recurrence while on AC so minor surgery to remove what we called "tic tac" cancer on suture line 9/15. Just curious from reading website everyone taking Taxol weekly instead of Taxotere every 3 weeks like me, I hope that is OK ? i read the article you posted "Optimal Schedule of Paclitaxel[Taxol] : Weekly is Better" and it bummed me out because I just finished up with Taxotere (also Dr. Patrick on 60 minutes aired on 12/7/14 said weekly chemo better as well" (great 60 minutes show on Dr. Patrick cancer research). Any words of encouragement ? I plan on asking my oncologist about Carboplatin & Gemzar. I also read posts in October 2012 that you & Steve had about lapatinib and veliparib together, any news on those drugs that you know about ?

Janice,