[Chelee]

Hi Tricia, I think I will at least bring it up to my oncologist. I see her this coming Monday. She is new to me...I CHANGED oncologist because I didn't feel he was listening to me...or really cared. So far I like this new oncologist...she is so different...and has handled my care so much better then the first one. I am glad I switched as hard as it was.

But he, (first oncologist) is young...only been practing oncology for two years...verses my new oncologist that has been into it for 20 some? And its the FIRST oncologist that started me on this treatment plan. Maybe he WAS concerned about heart problems with the AC? I did tell him my Dad died at 36 years old due to a massive heart attack.

As you mentione Tricia...I have heard that the AC is NOT easy. I have only been doing the herceptin, Taxotere, & carbpotin for three months...I haven't even gotten to a point where they tell me if the chemo is working?

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Hi Jen, Thanks for telling me about that study. The only thing that you mentioned in that study that concerns me is they did it for EARLY stage BC. I am NOT in early stage. I am Stage IIIA, Er & Pr positive, Her2/Neu 3+++, positive nodes. Richardson score 9 of 9. (Highly aggressive!)

Thats why after all my reading online...it seems everyone with my type of highly aggressive cancer were ALL FIRST treated with AC. I wonder if they have done that same type of study with people that are stage III's and Her2/Neu 3+++? But I sure am going to go check out the link you sent me. Thanks a million.

I really think my first oncologist was really young and new...and no doubt concerned about my family history of heart problems the more I read.

Cathy, I am so sorry to hear you had some heart damage from the AC. I do know that stuff is harsh and has caused lots of problems. Do you know if it is reversible in time? After a break...is there any way you will be able to get on the herceptin? Of it won't be possible?

You mentioned that they did NOT know you were Her2+ until you were into the Taxol. In my case...they new my Stage IIIA status, Her2, 3+++, and positive nodes right from the start. (They first thought I was stage II...but after my mastectomy that I CHOOSE to have...the path report from there came back showing my pronosis.) So they have no excuses...other then concern about my heart I would think?

Anyway..I know for sure I will bring this up to my NEW oncologist I just changed to recently and see what she thinks about it? I don't know what to do...I am just stressing. Some days I am fine...and others I just can't think straight.

Thanks to all of you.