[caya]

Hello Hermiracles,

I live in Canada, and I had the FEC - Taxotere chemo regime. It is a very commonly used chemo combo used here and in other commonwealth countries. I had 3 rounds of FEC, then 3 of Taxotere. I had a one month break, and then started Herceptin. I am on the 3 week infusion cycle of Herceptin - had # 8 of 17 today.
My onc. told me that Herceptin is rewriting the books on Her2 neu - so don't look at any articles etc. that are more than 1 year or 2 years old - basically ancient history. Turning a "poorer prognosis" into a much better one. He told me my chemo regime was the most potent out there for me - and I welcomed it.
We also have universal health care in Canada, and Herceptin was actually approved for early stagers here about a year before it was in the U.S. Don't worry about your port - it will be your best friend. If you like, you can put some EMLA cream (lidocaine in the US), a numbing agent, on your skin where your port is, before each infusion. I do this every time, then there is no pain with the IV needle.
Sorry you have to go through this, especially with your adorable little ones, but you will get through it.

all the best
caya