Well, once again I follow Bonnie...
Can't figure out how she is always one step ahead of me! Sorry that the biopsy report was not what you wanted to hear, but it is just information and now you know what you are dealing with.
I had a similar combo, Taxol/Carboplatin/Herceptin in weekly doses (3 wks on, one wk off on the T/C, Herceptin every week). I think it is more common to get it every 3 weeks. This combo slammed my extensive liver mets into remission for 2 1/2 years.
If you don't mind, I'll share some practical tips based on my experience. I really thought I felt pretty good all during my chemo - so don't claim any side effects until/unless you actually get them. Lots of people do fine.
I continued to work throughout my treatment, although my job is not very physical it does require a sharp mind which at times (especially after a few cycles) became challenging. I did that mainly because being at home was just a reminder that all was not well, and I would be in tears by noon every Monday. But some people choose to take more time off of work and either choice is fine - you will make the right choice for you.
Just listen to your body and be gentle with yourself, but it is helpful to stay as active as you can - you will feel better and be stronger.
I had relatively few side effects (zero nausea or anything like that, mild neuropathy and some fatigue that got cumulatively worse towards the end of my 6 cycles.) EVERY patient who got taxotere in my onc's office also had bags of frozen peas which they put on their fingers and toes to reduce the risk of damage to the nail beds. Far as I could tell, it seemed to help.
Your onc/nurse will probably send you home with prescriptions for anti-nausea meds, and you will probably also be premedicated in the IV with these. I never needed any of the prescription meds, but it was good to have the back up. Do make sure to let them know if you are having any problems at all - they really can do a lot to mitigate side effects.
You probably will also receive IV steroids to prevent allergic reactions. These can interfere with your sleep (like, have you up cleaning house at 3am!) so I would always take an Ativan on the evening of my treatment. It's an anti nausea med, but also helps you sleep which is why I took it. I also asked them to reduce the steroid dose after a bit, which they did.
All in all, the chemo is doable, and worth it. With Stage IV, the goal is a bit different: maximum efficacy with minimum toxicity. This helps you to stay strong and continue to give that stupid cancer the what-for.
Be well,
Chris