Hello,

I am new to this message board. My mom recently had a recurrence of squameous cell carcinoma, and the only option they have left is chemotherapy - she's already been through radiation and surgery. We began researching various alternative treatments that work in conjunction with chemotherapy. Has anyone had experience, good or bad, with alternative treatement therapies?

Also, they want to begin adminstering chemo next week. Any experience with Docetaxel?

Thank You and I appreciate any feedback.

Karen

Hi Karen
Sorry about your Mom's reoccurence. I am sorry that you had to visit us here but I am certain you will find almost any info that you may need about this disease. Where is the cancer site?

My Mom has gotten chemo therapy with the docetaxel drug. It was combined with 2 other chemo agents (cisplatin & Flurocil). Is she getting this one alone?

From my understanding the Docetaxel is an extremely aggressive chemo agent but is "supposed" to be effective. I can say for sure how it worked for my Mom because she has not been scanned yet since her treatment. She is still recovering.

How old is your Mom and what type of frequency are they planning for her? I am curious on how they found the reoccurence too? Was it on a follow up or did she have symptoms?

Best wishes
Tami

Hi Tami,

Her cancer is toward the back of her jaw bone area. They found the cancer by taking a biopsy of a suspicious area during one of her weekly follow up treatments.

My mom is 62, and they have decided to give her weekly injections of Docetaxel - instead of the one every three months. I think they want to go with a lower dose because she still has an open wound from her surgery - four flaps didn't take due to radiation.

I hope your mom is doing well, and her scans show positive signs. I know chemo is different for everyone, but how were your mom's symptoms?

Thanks,
Karen

Hi Tami,

I meant every three weeks, not every three months.

Karen