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11-13-2007, 02:49 PM

Suzan,

I can only tell you what I did prior to treatment. Before my first visit with oncologist--I already knew my pathology--I did extensive research on various chemos, treatments, including herceptin, to understand what I was likely to be offered. I wanted to know all the benefits and the disadvantages of each treatment. I had determined during my research that I wanted only herceptin. My oncologist agreed with that conclusion, but when my tumor markers were elevated I changed my mind and decided on chemo: taxol and carboplatin. Again, my oncologist agreed. I have a long history of heart disease in my family and my research lead me to conclude that I did not want any type of anthracycline, in particular adriamycin, as my reserch indicated that they were very hard on the heart, particularly when coupled with herceptin.

In the sixteen months since my original research, additional papers have been published (check Lani's posts as she posts most of the research on this site) on the dangers and benefits of anthracyclines--apparently the benefit is small to women with primary breast cancer, but you should check this out yourself. Recent research also suggests that taxol is of particular benefit to women with HER2 cancers, but again please check this out for yourself.

I suppose I would say be prepared with lots of questions when your treatment options are presented to you. Ask why a particular chemo (or why not) and what benefit it provides to you in particular, based on your pathology. Also ask how recent the research is for the treatment being suggested. It's very important, I think, to be active in your own treatment.

I'm comfortable with the decisions I made although I might not have made the same decisions if I were deciding today. I'm particularly happy that I did herceptin for a year. Good luck in whatever you decide.

11-13-2007, 02:49 PM	#10
Grace Guest Posts: n/a	Suzan, I can only tell you what I did prior to treatment. Before my first visit with oncologist--I already knew my pathology--I did extensive research on various chemos, treatments, including herceptin, to understand what I was likely to be offered. I wanted to know all the benefits and the disadvantages of each treatment. I had determined during my research that I wanted only herceptin. My oncologist agreed with that conclusion, but when my tumor markers were elevated I changed my mind and decided on chemo: taxol and carboplatin. Again, my oncologist agreed. I have a long history of heart disease in my family and my research lead me to conclude that I did not want any type of anthracycline, in particular adriamycin, as my reserch indicated that they were very hard on the heart, particularly when coupled with herceptin. In the sixteen months since my original research, additional papers have been published (check Lani's posts as she posts most of the research on this site) on the dangers and benefits of anthracyclines--apparently the benefit is small to women with primary breast cancer, but you should check this out yourself. Recent research also suggests that taxol is of particular benefit to women with HER2 cancers, but again please check this out for yourself. I suppose I would say be prepared with lots of questions when your treatment options are presented to you. Ask why a particular chemo (or why not) and what benefit it provides to you in particular, based on your pathology. Also ask how recent the research is for the treatment being suggested. It's very important, I think, to be active in your own treatment. I'm comfortable with the decisions I made although I might not have made the same decisions if I were deciding today. I'm particularly happy that I did herceptin for a year. Good luck in whatever you decide.