Another TCH newbie

ExpectAMiracle · 03-27-2007, 05:41 AM

I have been reading lots of posts and posted a few things myself. I'm still a relative newbie to BC, having been diagnosed on 2/8/07. My stats are in my signature. I saw my oncologist for the first time yesterday. I really liked her and feel comfortable with her. I'll be starting TCH on 4/9. Initially she talked about using AC with Herceptin followup, but after some discussions (I was an informed consumer thanks to this board!), she decided that TCH would be best. I have high B/P and am diabetic (well controlled with meds) so she said the TCH rather than AC-H would have less heart risk.

Right now, I am scheduled for 4 TCH treatments, 1 every 3 weeks for 12 weeks. Is that common? I have noticed that many women are getting 6. Is that related to statistics? I would welcome any advice, insights or etc. on TCH therapy.

This board has been so helpful and given me a lot of strength on this journey. The women here are an inspiration. I'm determined to be the VICTOR not the VICTIM in this situation - by the grace of God.

Blessings to all of you!

Shell · 03-27-2007, 06:56 AM

Susan-

I haven't had that treatment, but I'm sure you'll hear from others - I wanted to commend you on your attitude - my attitude changed from "why me" to "why not me", but it took me a long time!!

Best of luck w/ things,

janet11 · 03-27-2007, 07:08 AM

A quick post.... I received 6 cycles of TCH. Anyone else?

Becky · 03-27-2007, 07:10 AM

Six cycles is common and standard of care.

Melinda · 03-27-2007, 07:34 AM

Hi Sue,
Welcome to the ranks of TCH! Love your attitude, thats what makes all the difference in the world! I started TCH on 3/2 and posted a thread asking about it earlier in the month. Here is the link so that you can see all of us newbies and senior members that have in fact are doing it or DID IT!http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=27287
IN case the link does not work, it started on March 8th (TCH SIDE EFFECTS)and there are many responses. I have just finished my second treatment and I agree ... its a very doable treatment and much less harsh than A/C. Feel free to email me anytime to compare notes. Everyone is differenet in their side effects but it seems that the overwhelming majority agree.... DOABLE. I have found that taking "prevevntative meds such as Anti nausua, Biotene mouthwash, maybe a tylenol for aches and pains, and of course Imodium, (I am a card carrying member) , will help you through what ever ails you. DRINK LOTS OF WATER. I personally think the worst part is taking the steroids prior to treatment. I asked for a sleep aid (ativan for me) to help get a goods nights sleep the day before and for two more days after. TO me getting a good nights sleep made all the difference in the world The steroids have a tendency to "wire" up and sleep is difficult. I tried Tylenol PM and it didn't cut it.
I scheduled my treatments for a Thursday. I go to work on Friday, and the weekend is for resting, mainly because I take a Neulasta shot for WBC the next day and it gives me that achy flu like feeling for two days. But heah, everyone is different. By Monday I am at 80% and today.... I am feeling great, except for the "metal" flavor that is in my mouth. Oh I wish I could enjoy a great cup of coffee in the AM but that will take a couple more days.
As for hair, I still have most, but its thinning quickly. I ordered a wig and a really neat beaded head covering from www.chemochicks.com
sort of hippy style (they have henna to decorate scalps as well). I will probably need the wig or art work by next week, but I did have my hair cut REALLYshort prior to treatment. SO I have managed to keep hair for almost a month after my first treatment. DOnt worry it grows back.
You can do this. For me the hard part was waiting to see exactly what my treatment would be, knowledge is power and it seems as tho you have taken the bull by the horns. YOu are in my thoughts and prayers. As I said before feel free to email mzerweck1@verizon.net
or continue to post. We can compare notes and take this journey together. Ther are a lot of us out there just starting this. MAybe one day we can all meet wouldnt that be a hoot! Support, friendship and faith are our cornerstone with this..... so charge and know that you are one of our sisters in battle!
Keep the faith
Melinda
PS the American Cancer Society sponsors a LOOK GOOD >>>FEEL BETTER PROGRAM in many areas that has a wonderful cosmetics program...check it out they give useful makeup tips and lots of give aways. I have not seen it mentioned on this board but I will post a thread to it later. Anyone else familiar with this?

janet11 · 03-27-2007, 07:42 AM

Ohh... good point Melinda. Coffee! I totally lost my taste for coffee right away and it was a month AFTER TCH ended that I finally had some again. I missed my morning (and afternoon) coffee (*sigh*). (*grin*)

janet11 · 03-27-2007, 07:43 AM

Does anyone know of a link to show that 6 cycles of TCH (rather than 4) is "standard"?

Hmm.. .just found these:

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/mi...E=Dec+18,+2006

http://www.asco.org/portal/site/ASCO...abstractID=193

Not sure they're much help though.

ExpectAMiracle · 03-27-2007, 02:00 PM

Thanks so much for the replies to my post! Everyone here is so kind and helpful! I will definitely keep in touch with you Melinda. Thanks for taking time to give me all of that great information. I've gotten my Biotene already, but I'll get Immodium too, just in case. I'll see how the sleeping goes. Thanks for the heads up on that!

ExpectAMiracle · 03-27-2007, 02:02 PM

I actually am scheduled for a Look Good, Feel Better meeting in April at my local ACS. It sounds like a great program and as you said, you get a great goody bag of makeup for attending. I'm looking forward to it. You can get more info at the ACS website or your local ACS office.

Jean · 03-27-2007, 08:01 PM

Melinda,

Try iced coffee (I know it is still a bit chilly) but at least you will have your coffee, that worked for me.

Susan,
I had 6 Tch treatments and most have 1 yr. of herceptin, why 9? I would
bring in some information to your onc. to review. Welcome to this wonderful
site of beautiful, brillent ladies and gentelmen. I am sorry that you need
us...but this is just about the best source of knowledge and sharing.

Good luck and keep us posted....if you need anything just reach out...
I am finishing up my 1 yr. herceptin very shortly. Did my TC portion
and completed that in Sept.

You have found the right and only place!
God Bless,
Jean

hutchibk · 03-27-2007, 09:45 PM

I don't know if this counts, since I did Taxol/Carbo/Herc after my first recurrence, not as my first line of treatment. I did every 3 weeks x 8, and might have done one or two more except it was beating up my bone marrow a little too much...

Erin · 03-27-2007, 09:55 PM

I am also on TCH, 6 rounds with Herceptin to continue for 1 year. I believe the foundation for this protocol was a large study out of UCLA's Jonsson Cancer Center. Here is the link..

http://www.cancer.mednet.ucla.edu/ne...item_id=134542

It doesn't seem to spell out the number of rounds they used for the study though.

03-27-2007, 10:02 PM

Hi Susan in Va,

I only did two rounds of TCH but I was originally scheduled for four rounds. In fact, I was orignally scheduled for just taxol with herceptin. I suggested that we add the carboplatin.

harrie · 03-27-2007, 11:22 PM

Hi.
I started TCH (taxotere/carboplatin) end of Jan 07. This Fri I will be starting my 4th cycle. I could go the 4 rounds, but my oncologist said if I tolerate it well (which I am), might as well go the optimum of 6 cycles. So I am planning on doing the entire 6. The side effects are very manageable and I thought it would be way worse. I am very glad that I chose to do the chemo.

I am doing the herceptin weekly and the chemo every 3 wks. After chemo, I will continue with the herceptin every 3 wks until it makes one yr.

With my diagnosis, it was debatable whether or not to do the chemo. I ended up going for a second opinion (are we allowed to mention names on this message board?) from a very excellent source since he is very involved with HER2 research at UCLA. He confirmed it would be a good idea for the TCH txs and also said, 4 cycles would be fine, but if tolerated well, might as well go the 6.
Harrie

ExpectAMiracle · 03-28-2007, 04:29 AM

Thanks for all the replies with regard to number of treatments with TCH. I will talk with my onc. to see if I should go 6. Since I will be gettting Herceptin from the beginning, I will continue on Herceptin after the chemo ends until I have been on it a total of a year. That's why it will be for 9 months after the other chemo ends.

This is such a wonderful place and you are all such a blessing!

janet11 · 03-28-2007, 06:40 AM

Good luck, Susan.

harrie · 03-28-2007, 11:28 PM

Can anyone share with me exactly what medications you are getting for the TCH treatments? I am currently getting taxotere and carboplatinum, dosages are based on the protocol doses of the BCIRG-006 trial which is given at an AUC=6. I had to work with my oncologist because he wanted to modify the dosages at AUC=5 rather then go with the protocol dosages. It was not a pleasant conversation, but the end result is that after the first tx, every tx thereafter was based on what is recommended by the definitions of the trial.

My initial herceptin was the loading dose of 200mg and thereafter I am getting 100mg weekly. After my chemo txs I will be getting 300mg every 3 wks until I make one yr.

janet11 · 03-29-2007, 05:50 AM

I never asked my dosages. Sorry.