Anyone having TCH chemo for er-pr-her2, node invovemnet

[Unregistered]

Really afraid of antracyclines, heart desease runs in family. Was thinking of doing just TCH and followed by radiation. Anyone else here choose this path?

[tomatojuice]

Sorry forgot to register for previous thread

[Mary Anne in TX]

Hey, my dad had serious heart problems, but I did do Adriamycin and Taxotere x 3 and then Taxol, Carboplatin & Herceptin, then Navelbine & Herceptin with no heart problems. Guess I got my mom's heart! Also did 33 radiations. Good luck on your treatment plan decisions. It's not an easy decision, but there's lots of info to read. ma

[bonnie]

Although I had no node involvement, I recieved TCH, followed by radiation. That was in early 2004, and I'm currently NED. I was HER2+, er/pr-, Stage 2A. When the studies came out about TCH being, shall I say, easier on the heart, my Onc. said she was on the phone telling as many Oncs. as she could to use THC. I had no heart problems and after, I think, 6 months my MUGA score was higher than at the beginning of treatment.

[MJo]

Things change so quickly. In 2006 when I started chemo, I didn't know of anyone getting the TCH combo. Haven't there been studies that TCH is just as effective as AC/Taxol/Herceptin. If you can get the same results from TCH, I say avoid anthracyclines. Unless there are new studies out that recommend AC again. As I said, things seem to change from year to year.

['lizbeth]

I'm starting TH in May. I didn't want Adriamycin or Cytoxan due to the cardiotoxicities and the risk of future leukemias.

I talked my oncologist into the TOP2A test which showed Adriamycin was most likely not effective for me.

I'm waiting for the results of the BRCA1 & BRCA2 to decide about the C in TCH, platinum salts.

I wish you the best with your treatment.

[tomatojuice]

Hi lizbeth I am not aware of what brac1 an 2 have to do with the carboplatin in TCH. I was tested for brac1 and 2, but do not know the results yet. What is the correlation between these two things? Thanks

['lizbeth]

Hello Tomatojuice,

I had seen a posting from Jean that showed similar results on a study comparing TCH & TH. So I felt pretty good going with just TH.

However, I'm waiting on the results from my BRCA tests too.

I saw something on Wikipedia that mentioned that the Platinum Salts were 20 times more effective with the BRCA gene mutations. I thought I'd research that more while I'm waiting for my results.

Maybe someone else in the group is more familiar. If I find something informative I'll let you know.

'lizbeth

[Lori R]

TJ,
I just wrapped up the Taxotere for 6 cycles. (3 weeks) + Herceptin (given at the same time as the Taxotere). This must be quite the powerful combo because a pet/ct scan after the 3rd cycle showed that it had kicked the met in my liver.

But we forged ahead for the remaining 3 cycles.

I had to ask for Radiation, my onc "slipped" and was about to say they "typically" they don't perform rads on metastatic patients. Due to the information provided by members of this site, I had the courage to look my onc squarely in the face and ask "why not???" So...I am finishing up my 6th week of radiation. (I hope it pays off)

So....for now...celebrating NED (I need to update my signature)

Bottom line (sorry...what a long winded response) TH worked for me!!!

[kristen]

I was on the TCH arm in the BRCIG study. 4 years NED! Worked for me and no heart problems. My best to you.

['lizbeth]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article711744.ece

This is the mention of BRCA and platinum salts I saw on Wikipedia.

I have searched on the internet and haven't found much.

'lizbeth

[BethC]

Hi,
I did TCH this fall. My oncologist told me that was the best combo for my type of cancer.

Good luck in your treatment.

Beth

Beth

[tomatojuice]

You made my night. Just got home after 1st neulasta shot after first TCH yesterday. Everythings great so far. Just so wonderful to hear from someone with such a similar diagnosis to mine. What an inspiration. Keep being strong and healthy. Many hugs to you.

[tomatojuice]

Another great inspiration. I have read of other women with liver mets that dissapeared. Think its the herceptin. God its just great. Keep being strong and healthy. Many hugs to you.

[tomatojuice]

Loved hearing from you. I know its a good combo. Love getting the affirmation. Health and strength to you, and many hugs.