The debate to have chemo or Not? We are now taking the guess work out of it.

G. Ann · 10-13-2007, 06:11 PM

Hi Jeanne,
The story appeared in our local paper also. Got me thinking back in 2004 my onc said the benefit of taxane drugs (taxol or taxotere) did not outweigh the risks so he suggested and I agreed to only receive four AC. Over a year later, I did beg and pester him & received Herceptin for a year. (Sometimes I think my onc ignores the Her-2 neu status.) My MUGA score started at 61 and dropped down ton 55 after Herceptin treatment was over in 1/07 so that wasn't the reason he stated to skip Taxol.

It's too late now to go back in time, but should I be checked more than every 6 mos since the article states women getting Taxol were 40% less likely to have a recurrence?

In 8/07 ferritin level (iron storage) was low at 12, but hmg & hct normal; onc suggested 1 iron pill to bring iron storage level up. Also, my Vit D was on low end at 36 (suggested to take 2000 mg Vit D). I don't know if these blood results mean anything as far as the cancer returning. I was advised to repeat blood work in 11/07 to see if ferritin level had improved.

Since Herceptin tx ended, I've lessened my anxiety but don't want to go the other way and be too passive. Thanks for any info.

Joanne S · 10-13-2007, 07:21 PM

G Ann,

I found the articles very interesting as did Jean. In my opinion, if you are NED, you probably don't need to be concerned with Taxol now, but that's for you to discuss with your dr. As far as the statistics go, I personally don't put much stake into them. Just about every aspect of BC seems complex to me so I attempt to simplify it as much as possible. For example, if there is a 70% chance of something happening and a 30% chance of it not happening, I see it as a 50-50 chance for me; in other words, I have a 50% chance of being in the 70% and a 50% chance of being in the 30%. As you know there are just too many (known and unknown) differences from patient to patient in every facet and combination of BC along with non-BC factors to determine the precise/absolute treatments and the exact duration between follow-up. Only you and your doctor can determine how often to be checked for continued NED/recurrence.

Prior to 2005, Herceptin was only prescribed for BC Stage IV, so I'm not sure how you talked you doctor into it? Congrats---on your persistence in pursuing it and convincing your dr to administer it to you for a year!

Sorry I couldn't be more specific in my response to your questions.
Continued well wishes,

Jean · 10-13-2007, 09:04 PM

Ann,
You continue to remain NED - Amen.
I see my onc. every 3 months since I just finished herceptin in
May. He will continue to check me every three months for this
first year. He does markers and a physical check up. I have
a digital mamo every 6month and I alternate with MRI the other
6th month (so 2 times per year) between mamo and MRI
I am now for the first time switching to the new Dillon machine
see hopeful's post on this "Breast Specific Gama Imaging".

Once a year I have a CT chest scan and a bone density test.
I will have a Brain MRI for the first time just to have a base line.

I believe in a maintenance program and as we know early
detection is key.

Your doing great remember the first two years are very important
and you are past that point.

God Bless,
Jean

Jean · 10-13-2007, 09:59 PM

G Ann,
I am sorry you mentioned about the blood test re: Your Iron count being low. Since your dr. advised an Iron Pill I think it is correct that you should have a follow up visit for testing in 3 months as he suggested in Nov.
By then with the pill - more than likely your Iron count will be up -
make sure along with that pill to take Vit. C as it helps to absorb Iron.
A very good source of Iron is found in raisins (try to eat a handful )
each day. Fish, poulty, eggs, peas, beans, and whole grain breads
are all great foods to build Iron. Don't take your Iron pill with Milk
and it will interfere with the Iron being absorbed.

Hope this helps.
Hugs,
Jean