Need advice re taxotere
 

I had DCIS and IDC in Dec. of 2006. Had a lumpectomy, .9 cm tumor, no lymph node involvement. I am er+, pr+, and her2 positive. Went through radiation first, as my onc didn't think I would need chemo. Did the oncotype DX test, and it came back showing I had a high rate of recurrence, so he recommended four doses of A/C. Just finished that on May 23rd. Got a second opinion, as my first onc wasn't sure I needed herceptin, and I definitely felt I did. He has agreed to give that to me, along with femarra or arimidex.

The question is, the second onc said I could take four doses of taxol to increase my odds. My onc said he would use taxotere instead of taxol. So, I am trying to decide if I should do that. I would appreciate any input anyone can give.

Taxotere
 

Sheryl,

I just completed 3 rounds for FEC ( a common chemo cocktail used here in Canada, the UK and Australia), followed by 3 rounds of Taxotere. I asked my onc. for the strongest chemo out there to kill the beast, and this is what he recommended. He is one of the top oncologists in Canada, and so this is what I did. I recommend searching on breastcancer.org - type in taxotere in the "search" tab and there are many articles saying how taxotere combined with chemo and herceptin greatly reduce recurrence.

Some of the side effects are not pleasant, I will be honest with you. But I just kept telling myself that I wanted to do everything possible to lower my odds for recurrence, and you have to strike the first time (hopefully the only time) out. I had my last Taxotere on May 10, 2007, and had my loading dose of Herceptin on June 7th, 4 weeks later.

Good luck and all the best to you,
Caya

My onc thought Taxotere with Herceptin the best combination. There were studies out there that found this the best combo as of July 2005. Perhaps someone can show you where to find the studies, as I can't.
Best to you,

Hi Sheryl,
I too had FEC, followed by taxotere x 4 lots, with Herceptin started on the third one. My oncologist here in England is a well-respected consultant in this field, and I felt confident that she would choose the best combination for me. We have the National Health Service here, which provides free health treatment, but I happened to have private health cover as well through my husband's work, so money wasn't an issue in her choosing taxotere.
I can't help with any useful links, but others have I see. Good luck with your treatments. I'm on Arimidex (anastrozole) too.
Best wishes to you

Sheryl,

From what I've read, Taxatore seems to be recommended when there are positive lymph nodes.

Either taxane will do a good job. Taxanes (especially when combined with Herceptin) will really give you a great one two punch. Taxol is probably easier than Taxotere but Taxotere is touted as "better" by some oncs and some studies.

My treatment
 

I also had IDCIS Nov 2006. Radiation was not an option because I already had radiation from a previous DCIS. I recently complete 6 rounds of taxotere, carboplatin, and herceptin. I am currently now on herceptin only. My oncologist had recommended the TCH and to be sure, I went for a second opinion with Dr. Mark Pegram and he agreed with the recommendation. I am glad I did all 6 rounds and feel I made a very good choice. My ONCOTYPE was low-intermediate.
Both yours and my dx is very similar.

Hi Sheryl H
Below is a link with information about the benefits of taxotere and herceptin.
http://www.breastcancer.org/research...in_051806.html

http://www.breastcancer.org/research...in_051806.html the next one is a list of all links in www.breastcancer.org site. \
My regiment was TCH... a fairly new regimant that they are using in the States that is IIMH opinion a very doable treatment. The C= carboplatin. I had TCH 6 rounds simultaneouly and will contine herceptin for the remainder of the year.
Hope you find this helpful.
Keep the faith
MElinda