These are the chemo choices that I was presented with after asking for a second, same as the first opinion. I have levels of platelets up to about 94. RO seems to think that if they watch me close, and of course blood test before every treatment. If platelets fall I will be given more ASAP. Has anyone had experience with either of these drugs or perhaps both. They are not specifically marketed for RSSC but some off label use has been done.

Thank you for your time, Shawn U.
P.S Has anyone heard about Paulb's ND?

Shawn, I had Cisplatin, not carboplatin, with Taxotere and Taxotere again with Erbitux. I was not to happy about having chemo again after my first nearly killing me. I asked my local oncologist, who I trust dearly, said now is the best time with my body at its best in three years, not when I'm weaker, and went over the suggested chemo by the CCC, Erbitux, which she was fine with, and would also say carboplatin, being I didn't know about the Taxotere yet. Then when I told her, she was fine with the low dose, 80mg, but that was stopped about the 4th week due to aggravating my neuropathy, and had to use a walker, plus the eye infection from a blocked tear duct from Taxotere, but could have been Erbitux, but more likely Taxotere being it happened with my first chemo.

There is induction chemo or neoadjunt treatment, called TP, Taxotere, Cisplatin or Carboplatin, which is higher dose in two or three cycles, and then another chemo usually after completion.

What would you like to know about the neck dissection? Which one?

Good luck.

Hi Shawn,

I had weekly Carboplatin during my chemo-radiation treatment. It was chosen as less toxic yet still a radio-synthesizer to the radiation. Carboplatin is generally the alternate to Cisplatin after toxicity side effects become an issue. Most often it is damage to hearing that triggers the switch.

I had taxotere during induction chemo therapy. This was TPF: Taxotere, Cisplatin, and 5FU. Taxotere is in the family of taxanes and taxol is similar. I don't know the details of what each drug is supposed to target but this combination is not uncommon.

Less Neutropenia and kidney toxicity too with Cisplatin vs Carboplatin.

The last one, or ones. Just was wondering how you were doing. Looks like from your sig. that it was quite a significant amount of treatment. My MO is most concerned about thrombocytopenia, as my platelets are not so good at 94 (for carboplatin).
But as far as the Taxol I too have neuropathy from HIV. and fear that it will get worse as yours did paul. (Lyrica really helps me for that). But it also effects immunity And my T,s are going up but still in low range. Ritonivir , one of my HIV meds is a CYP2C8 inhibitor that can increase effects of Taxol and cause toxicity,(Which is classified as Significant, monitor closely). I think that I am going to ask for another option as to the second drug in the suggested Carboplatin/Taxol treatment. Just too many risks in the Taxol. Perhaps Erbitux again, Will email him after I do some more research on some of the drugs that you guys had mentioned. And see what he has to say about that. PaulB Glad you got the carotid taken care of. And Don, gonna check out your blog. Thanks to both, Shawn U.

I had surgery for a neck dissection last Wednesday, but they did not do the IORT radiation as planned, due to the tumor being too close to the carotid artery, which tumor was removed, but may have micro cancer left, so they want to take out the carotid artery on Thursday in anothet neck dissection, clean up any cancer, and do the intraoperative radiation, IORT then, who knows what else, flap, reconstruction? I'm ok with this last neck dissection, needed no pain pills, except morphine in the hospital. This next one is more invasive.

I took lyrica, ran out and too lazy to get a refill, actually forget, but have Gabapentin, which is way strong 300mg, but only take it at night.

As far as the meds, not much else I can think of in your, even my situation. Erbitux, but having had it before, maybe not, and can develop a resistance to it. I finished my treatment in 11/12, and was told no to Erbitux a few weeks ago, but everyone, and doctor is different. Maybe Traveva aka erlotinib, another targeted therapy like Erbitux, but a tyrokinase inhibitor, COX2 inhibitor, forget a few others.

Having choices is good.

Hey Shawn,

I have now had 4 rounds of Carbo/Taxol and one round of Taxol alone due to a reaction to the Carboplatin (painless flushing/rash). I haven't had any side effects as far as nausea or anything else. In fact I don't even take Zofran after the treatments anymore. Of course I went in in good health with no other concerns such as yourself. My MO did say they were a much better option versus Cisplatin as far as side effects go.

Best,

-Rich