Friends,
I really do welcome the information and advice this group has to offer.
I just got home from seeing an oncologist about receiving Herceptin. I was diagnosed 9/03, 4 nodes +, Her2 +++. I received CAF x6 (finished 4/04) plus the Walter Reed vaccine. The onc. is willing to give me the Herceptin, but he strongly suggests also getting Taxol with it. He said that studies show that the best results are when both are used in combination. Since I never had Taxol before, he thinks I would get the biggest bang for the buck by doing 12 weeks of Taxol (once per week) + weekly Herceptin. When the Taxol is done, we would then go to Herceptin once every three weeks. He said that he would give me Herceptin alone if I don't want to do chemo again and that could be just fine, though it is probably less good than the Taxol + Herceptin combo. Of course, I could also do nothing.
Ugh. The thought of doing Taxol when I am NED is pretty repugnant. I have worked so hard getting my hair back -- well I guess I don't have to tell you all about hair issues. Does anyone know if Taxol gives you the same bowling ball look as Adriamycin (sp?). I would greatly appreciate any input/advise you may wish to offer up.
Alaska Angel, I know that this is a scenario you have been asking about and I have now found one oncologist who agrees with you.
Thanks to you all and be well.
Cynthia
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