
<b>The Docetaxel  [Taxotere] + Gemcitabine combination is tolerable and highly active in LMS, with response rates [including stable disease] of up to over 50%. </b>
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The combination of these two chemotherapy agents is generally considered fairly easy to take, the usual side effects being fatigue from the Taxotere, along with some bone marrow depression.  However, it is possible to get a severe reaction after taxotere that involves difficulty breathing and/or cardiac arrhythmias.   Allergic reactions may occur during docetaxel administration; you will receive medication before each treatment to help prevent these reactions. With these preventive medications, these allergic reactions are uncommon. You should be watched carefully during the initial part of the infusion to treat these effects if they occur. If you experience any of the following symptoms after a Taxotere infusion, call your doctor immediately AND seek medical attention:

shortness of breath, 
facial flushing, 
fever, 
chest pain, 
dizziness, lightheadedness, 
or skin rash.
