Gemzar & Taxotere/Treatments?

Any feed back or information on these 2 drugs,would be

greatly appreciated. Being used for angiosarcoma.

Hello,

I was given both of these drugs to treat leiomyosarcoma and they did not work for me. Gemzar was tolerable but Taxotere had a lot of side effects for me. I developed rases, bruising, blistering, peeling on my hands and feet(very painful). It was difficult for me to walk. I was put on neurontin which helped with the neuropathy which really helped. Taxotere had to be adjusted a few times so I could tolerate it. I was so fatigued and slept a lot. I know of someone who takes both and has tolerated it fairly well and works. good luck, hope it works for you. Everyone is different.

On 11/24/2007 yavall wrote:

Hello,

I was given both of these drugs to treat leiomyosarcoma and they did not work for me. Gemzar was tolerable but Taxotere had a lot of side effects for me. I developed rases, bruising, blistering, peeling on my hands and feet(very painful). It was difficult for me to walk. I was put on neurontin which helped with the neuropathy which really helped. Taxotere had to be adjusted a few times so I could tolerate it. I was so fatigued and slept a lot. I know of someone who takes both and has tolerated it fairly well and works. good luck, hope it works for you. Everyone is different.

I was scheduled to take four treatments of Taxotere at two week intervals to finish up my chemo for breast cancer.  These were preceded by four combo treatments of three other drugs at three week intervals.  Got a terrible rash on arms, neck and upper body after the first Taxotere treatment.  After the second treatment the week before Thanksgiving I developed swelling and burning of my feet, especially the right foot.  Very dark purple/red "burn" on heel.  Couldn't wear shoes.  Bought men's house slippers to wear to work.  My oncologist stopped treatment with Taxotere at that point.  He said it was too dangerous to try to give the final two treatments.  All the skin on the bottom of my feet dried up and peeled off in thick slabs.  It was gross.  It's still peeling and sore but now I can at least wear regular shoes.  I use vitamin e cream on feet every morning after shower and wear white cotton socks with my shoes.  My hands have finally stopped peeling and fingernails no longer feel like they're falling off.  All the brown "age" spots on my right arm also peeled off -- a bonus!  Taxotere is some very powerful stuff.  I'm happy to be done with it!