How much chemo is enough?

DianneS · 09-15-2009, 10:21 PM

I had 5.5 taxotere and carboplatin treatments. Along with herceptin, which I'm still doing until Oct. 8. I could only do 5.5 of the TC because I reacted each time to the taxotere even with premeds, so they didn't want to give me anymore.

I didn't do any of the AC regimen. I waited to do chemo until Nov. 08 after my dx August 2008 because I was healing from dbl mastectomies. Was that too long to wait?

Did anyone do less than 6 taxotere (doxetaxel) and carboplatin? I worry that I didn't hit it hard enough.

Diannes

DarleneM · 09-16-2009, 05:07 PM

Actually, I only got 4 Taxotere and Carbo treatments and I was a little worried too if it would be enough. But really the Herceptin seems to be the key, not how many chemo treatments you get, at least in non- advanced cases anyway. I think 6 TC is pretty standard and you almost did that.

Take care and try to relax (easier said then done, I know!)
Darlene

Mary Anne in TX · 09-16-2009, 05:28 PM

I'm not sure there is a "real" answer to the question. I had lots and others have less. There are indicators, but I think we get treated by statistics and/or by agreement between onc and patient. I wanted lots and my onc wanted that for me. I was lucky not to have to fight for what I believed was my best shot. But others have done terrific on much less. I don't know, but we may be years down the road before we have those answers.
Best wishes, ma