Chemo decision-overwhelming

tomatojuice · 04-16-2008, 06:35 PM

Saw my oncologist today. Three weeks post op masectomy. Dx IDC 2.7cm, stage IIb, 3/18 nodes, er-pr-her+.He strongly reccomended DD ACTH(think that means every two weeks). I am having a ECHO tomorrow, to see how my heart is. And am scheduled for a port next week. The Onc also left it up to me if I wanted to choose TCH. Also they offered, for me to be in a trial, that also uses acth in four different dosing patterns. The arm you would be in would be randomly chosen by a computer. Pretty sure I am not going to choose the trial. But I am definately leaning towards the DD ACTH. Would love to hear from other woman who have successfully completed DD ACTH.

sassy · 04-16-2008, 06:43 PM

Hey Juice!

I'm three years out. Stage IIIA, 5 of 14 positive nodes, triple positive. I did DD A/C then T/H. None of it was fun, but very doable. I had no sickness, just aches, etc. and was able to continue working throughout. I believe that TCH is being used in many cases now, with the belief that Adriamyacin may not be necessary and does add to possible heart damage.

I'm sure many others will chime in and share from their vast knowledge.

My best to you.

kcherub · 04-16-2008, 06:46 PM

Welcome! I did TCH, as I felt that Herceptin was the most important of the drugs for me. I was only 35 when I started, so I wanted a strong heart for the 50 more years I am going to be around!!!

Take care,

Jean · 04-16-2008, 07:03 PM

Hi TJ,
Understand how you feel, the hardest part is deciding what to do. Have you looked at the trial study comparing the two treatments. That may be of help ....I believe there was a slight difference between them with the added benefit of the TCH not having a risk to your heart. I have linked some data for you to review. Hope this helps, I did TCH. Wishing you peace with your decison.

Hugs,
Jean

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/551428

http://www.uclahealth.org/body.cfm?x...detail&ref=322

http://www.bcirg.org/NR/rdonlyres/eu...tion_final.pdf

Jean · 04-16-2008, 08:32 PM

TJ,
It may help you to read a posting by Hopeful in Articles of Interest which has the lastest update of the results of A/C and TCH...Great reading,
and charts...The Post Heading is LATEST EDITION OF BREAST CANCER UPDATE ON LINE. she posted this today 4/14..

The main concerns with Anthracyclines are associated with cardiotoxicity.
I believe once you read the article you will feel more comfortable making a decision.

All good wishes,
jean

Mgarr · 04-17-2008, 05:05 AM

tomatojuice,

I remember that overwhelming feeling in the beginning & I did not know this site existed until well into my treatment. The links Jean sent are great.

Just wanted to add that I had DD A/C Taxol/Herceptin and did pretty well the first part is tough but doable, the taxol had different side effects but for me they were easier. I did well with cardiac function and am 3 1/2 years out.

Best of luck l'll keep you in my thoughts as you continue your journey.

Mar

Mary Jo · 04-17-2008, 12:03 PM

Hello .....

I, too, was diagnosed stage 2B - her2 pos. er/pr neg. One node had 1 microscopic cell of invasion. It was recommended to me (this was almost 3 years ago) to do 4 DD (dose dense) A/C followed by 4 DD taxol with herceptin starting at that time. I received my herceptin every 3 weeks for 1 full year. The treatment was definitely doable for me. Naturally there was nothing fun about it BUT I found it doable. I was able to work almost throughout but I do only work part time, 20 hours a week with Wed., off and that was really perfect I found.

I am now a 2 year 9 month survivor and going strong....

Love to you and peace as you decide what to do.

Wrapping in you in prayer...

Mary Jo

mts · 04-17-2008, 01:17 PM

I did DD AC+T+H... worked full time through it all.
During the ACT time, I would do OK the day of, the day after, and then WHAM !!! the third day was spent in bed and the fourth in bed as well. I always felt much better the 5th day and would go to work. Even with the cumulative effects of DD, I was surprised at how well I did.

At the time I had a 3 and 6 yr old and a full time job. All of them survived...

I always scheduled the chemo on a Thursday afternoon after lunch knowing the Friday would be OK and also knowing that the Sat and Sun I would be in bed.

You will find your rhythm --- it really is doable and all the meds you get really help with nausea. I can't say I recall much of my job realted duties, but apparently got it done since I am still at my same job. My biggest discomfort was constipation... I never got a real good handle on constipation- so be careful.

By the way, I had a pediatric port inserted- it was perfect for me and barely showed under the skin. I am not a small person either !!!

Best to you !
Maria