My chemo changed?

Lee · 03-17-2006, 07:44 AM

I have taxol/carboplatin/herceptin weekly for 3 weeks, and the 4th week is just herceptin. From what I can tell here, it seems to be much better tolerated that way. I had a consult at Mayo before starting chemo and this is the regimen they recommended as being most effective.

Once my chemo is over, though, I'll likely be getting herceptin every 3 wks as opposed to weekly because there aren't any studies showing a weekly dose is better.

kristen · 03-17-2006, 09:45 AM

Hi Chelee,

I was on the BRICG006 trial and pulled the arm of TCH. I started out with having weekly Herceptin for 21 straight weeks and every 3 weeks they added the Carbo/ Taxotere. I had 6 tx's of that. Then they put me on the every 3 weeks for Herceptin for a year. It sounds like your onc. is following that regimen?

I have heard that some women it makes them sick to have the triple dose and they stay with going weekly or they can slow the drip down. I did stop taking the decadrom prior and after like MaryAnn, I couldn't stand it, it drove me nuts too. I was just wired. I don't know if there is a right or wrong way of getting this combo, but I haven't heard where one is better then the other. For me personally, I liked going in every 3 weeks, it freed up my time at the infusion suites. But that is up to you and how you feel and tolerate the regimen your onc. has you on. My best to you. I am 2.5 yrs out and NED. It worked for me.

Chelee · 03-18-2006, 01:48 AM

Hi kristen, Wow...at least its nice to hear you are NED and already 2.5 years out.

I really don't care how he does it....I just want to make sure he does it the best way for figthing my cancer. He was so sure about doing it weekly...now since I landed in the hospital...he changes everything. I just don't know what to think of it. I had orginally heard it was better to give the herceptin weekly...now he wants to do it every three weeks. As long as it works the same way fine....but I just don't know what to think at this point?

He wanted me doing it weekly no matter what...now this big change. I even asked if it was because I ended up in the hospital...and he said no...its just easier this way. (I am not buying it.)

But I will get to the bottom of it this week...I have a second opinion with other oncologist this coming week. We will see what they say? Thanks so much for your post.

Sherryg683 · 03-17-2006, 04:40 PM

I am going to ask my Oncologist about getting the Taxotere every week instead of every 3 weeks like I am doing. I have to go in every Friday anyway for my Herceptin. That 3 weeks dose of Taxotere has me feeling so bad for 3 to 4 days, it's emotional as well as physical. Hopefully, I don't have but a couple of treatments left...praying to God!..sherryg683