Questions to Ask Your Doctor: Breast Cancer

From the time you are diagnosed with breast cancer until after treatment ends, it is important to maintain open communication with your doctor and other members of your healthcare team. Address any concerns and ask any questions you may have.

Use the following questions as a guide when considering what questions you would like to ask your doctor or other members of your healthcare team.

  • What type of breast cancer do I have?
  • Has my breast cancer spread?
  • What stage is my breast cancer in?
  • What are my survival chances?
  • What are my breast cancer treatment options?
  • Which breast cancer treatment options do you recommend? Why?
  • Are there risks or side effects involved with these breast cancer treatments?
  • How long will each treatment last?
  • Will my breast cancer treatment make me miss work?
  • Can I drive myself to and from my treatments?
  • How should I prepare for my breast cancer treatment?
  • Do I need to be on a special meal plan?
  • If I have surgery, will I be able to have breast reconstruction surgery?
  • Are there alternatives to breast reconstruction surgery?
  • What is my risk of the breast cancer reoccurring?
  • Will my breast cancer treatment cause me to go through menopause?
  • What are the positives and negatives of hormone replacement therapy?
  • Can I have children after my treatment ends?
  • Is there somebody I can talk to for support after I finish my breast cancer treatment?
  • Do I need to make follow-up appointments with you after my treatment ends?
  • Do I need surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or best supportive care?


IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: Taxotere® treatment can cause serious, physically limiting, and potentially life-threatening side effects, such as infection, low blood-cell counts, allergic reaction, and retention of excess fluid (edema).

Taxotere® should not be given to patients with low white–blood-cell counts, abnormal liver function, or a history of allergic reactions to Taxotere® or any of the ingredients in Taxotere®.

Before each Taxotere® treatment, all patients treated with Taxotere® must receive another medicine called dexamethasone. This drug can help reduce the risk of fluid retention (edema) and allergic reactions.

Taxotere® should be administered only under the supervision of a qualified physician experienced in the use of anticancer treatments. Appropriate management of complications is possible only when adequate diagnostic and treatment facilities are readily available.

Treatment-related acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplasia has occurred in patients given anthracyclines and/or cyclophosphamide, including use with Taxotere® in adjuvant therapy for breast cancer.

The most common severe side effects are low white–blood-cell count, anemia, fatigue, diarrhea, and mouth and throat irritation. Low white–blood-cell count can lead to life-threatening infections. The earliest sign of infection may be fever, so tell your doctor right away if you have a fever.

Other common side effects from Taxotere® include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, rash, infusion-site reactions, odd sensations (such as numbness, tingling, or burning) or weakness in the hands and feet, nail changes, muscle and/or bone pain, or excessive tearing.

Because of the potential risk of fetal harm, pregnant women should not receive Taxotere®. Women of childbearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant during treatment with Taxotere®.

Before receiving Taxotere®, tell your doctor if

  • You have any allergies
  • You are taking any other medicines — including nonprescription (over-the-counter) drugs, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements

When taking Taxotere®, contact your doctor if

  • You have symptoms of an allergic reaction (warm sensation, tightness in your chest, itching/hives, or shortness of breath)
  • You experience any other side effects

Please see accompanying full prescribing information, including boxed WARNING.

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Taxotere® (docetaxel) Injection Concentrate Indications

Breast Cancer
TAXOTERE® is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer after failure of prior chemotherapy
TAXOTERE® in combination with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of patients with operable node-positive breast cancer

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
TAXOTERE®, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after failure of prior platinum-based chemotherapy
TAXOTERE® in combination with cisplatin is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who have not previously received chemotherapy for this condition.

Prostate Cancer
TAXOTERE® in combination with prednisone is indicated for the treatment of patients with androgen independent (hormone refractory) metastatic prostate cancer.

Gastric Cancer
TAXOTERE® in combination with cisplatin and fluorouracil is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma, including adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction, who have not received prior chemotherapy for advanced disease.

Head and Neck Cancer
TAXOTERE® in combination with cisplatin and fluorouracil is indicated for the induction treatment of patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).