Taxotere vx. Adriamycin?? I start Friday - yikes!

The results of the study headed by Dr. Slamon testing TCH vs. ACTH are available in a thread on this site. In June, they published the 4 1/2 year results with the ACTH being more effective than TCH. Dr. S indicated that TCH was a good alternative for people with pre-existing heart problems who don't want both A and H.

My onc sent a specimin to USC for topa2 testing and it came back positive, so I did AC followed by TH. I haven't heard any evidence that AC damages the heart permanently. My EKG came out fine afterward. I'll be tested again after 3 months of Herceptin. Though very few people show heart damage with Herceptin, it does not seem to go away with time so far in the trials.

Hope this helps,
Dilly

Hello Donna. I had Adria/Cytoxen/Taxotere & Zometa as the big gun brew for stage 4 (mets to liver & spine). Liver mets shrunk over 50% after 3 cycles, however I developed neuropathy in fingers and toes - probably from the Taxotere (taxanes may do this). My heart function dropped from 75% to 65%.
My onc decided to get me on Herceptin/Taxotere weekly for 3 weeks with Zometa one time and then 2 weeks off to recoup. (ordinarily is 1 week rest)
I have been on this tx for 3 'cycles' and will undergo muga, liver panel & probably full body ct scan to see how mets are doing for size. (i have faith they are zapped!)

Throughout my tx I have taken supplements to boost my system - vitamins A,C, D,E and B complex. ALoe Vera for healing and CoQ10 for the heart. I feel it is VERY important to put good things into your body too by eating 'healthier'.
For my mental wellbeing I have Reiki sessions, and try to meditate.

There is alot of info in this site - these people helped me thru. Good luck!!