[Becky]

Obviously I would have had a second opinion on rads just to be sure.

The number one thing though is I had 3 medical oncologists' opinions (all the same treatment). I ended up going to the onc that was closest to my home versus the ones I would have clicked with better. I even told my husband, I like the other 2 better but Dr. XXX will be fine. It ended up not being fine. And your onc and the relationship you have is very important and worth the drive (because this began my problems and issues and was the first doctor change I ever made (unless I moved and had to switch)). Second, I also would have gotten a port as my veins are shot. Third, if I had known - I would have tried to find an independent onc that would have given me Herceptin off label with the taxol (like the trial). I was lucky to be able to get it late but I got it without the chemo.

I also would have tried to walk more during Taxol as I had incredible leg and foot problems but it was winter and I wasn't a big exerciser then and wasn't in the mood.

Since switching oncs, I also switched my primary care and gyn (and now, probably rads onc because I can't envision if I showed up there what would happen. My husband says he would examine me and then recommend I find someone else anyway).

Main point - find your doctor soulmate via second opinions - ask around etc. Switching around is not something you want to do.