TCH - 4 sessions or 6?

notlucky

I need some help!  Here is the issue:

I was dx with IDC Aug. 08, grade 3, stage 1 or 2, (because of the size of the tumor - surgeon said stage 1, onc said stage 2, who knows?) 2.1 cm tumor, Her2 positive, weakly ER+, PR-, no lymph nodes affected (0/8), no vascular invasion. Cancer was right breast so I had a modified radical mastectomy in Sept. and a partial mastectomy on the left for peace of mind...since that breast had some 'calcifications' but no malignancy.  Just didn't want to go back for more surgery! 

 I have been receiving Herceptin, Taxotere (not Taxol) and Carboplatin since November.  I have had 4.5 sessions - one session I only got 50% Taxotere because of a reaction.  My onc is saying because I had a 'small cancer' she feels that I can stop the chemo now, continue with Herceptin until November, or do one more session.  Are there any studies out there that show why 4 or 6 TCH chemos make a difference in survival or recurrence?  Have any of you had 4 TCH treatments, and if so, was your diagnosis like mine?  I know we all have different diagnosis, no one is exactly the same, some of us have elected to have mastectomies, some not.  I would just like to hear some FACTS before I have to make up my mind before my next treatment March 12.  Thank you....I hope I can find an answer in my email.  I seem to have trouble finding replies - where do they go?  You can email me at mapleleafpower@yahoo.ca   I would appreciate it SO much!

Dianne

IDC Dx August, 2008, right breast.  Grade 3, Her2 positive, weakly ER+, PR-, 2.1 cm tumor.  Left breast no malignancy but calcifications.  Sept. 2008:  Bilateral mastectomies; modified radical on the right, partial on the left.  No lymph nodes affected (0/8) no vascular invasion. 

Receiving Herceptin, Taxotere (Docetaxil?) and Carboplatin since November for a total of 4.5 treatments.......should I go for 6?  Doc says she feels confident we have treated it aggressively and I could stop treatments now, except for Herceptin.  This is tempting, but I don't want to have to go down the chemo road again at some point!  Is there ANYTHING out there in the way of stats or scientific studies that show 4 vs 6 treatments of TCH makes a difference?  And if so, how much of a difference?

Thank you!

Dianne

ipohgirl

Dear Dianne,

Hi there!  I have exactly the same markers as you, though I have two tumours - one is a mixed mucinous/IDC/insitu measuring 2.6 cm and another one IDC less than 1cm in the same quadrant.

And, my onco has suggested the same treatment, i.e 6  treatments taxotere and carboplatin plus herceptin (260mg) dose dense (bimonthly) followed by RT and aromatase.

Did you do the PCR (mamma or oncotype) before you embark on the chemo? I am thinking of doing it since the chemo cost is very high, and my insurance only covers 1/3 of it. I am Stage IIA, Grade 3, who N 0/4 

Also, what SE took place after your 4.% treatments?  I have read about  the horrible effects of taxotere and herceptin, and am concerned about the toxity on my heart especially. Not to mention the hair bit.

For our diagnosis,  I read that Tykerb combined with Xeloda might be better in the long run since it is more aggresive and targets the cells of the cancer instead of only the surfaces which is what Hercepti does.

I will ask the oncologist tommorow................

have a good day and don't worry too much as i guess 4.5 treatments would hve knocked that nasty fella down.

hugs,

ipohgirl