chemo recommended regime

mags20487

Saw an onc yesterday and here is what he recommended...just wondering if it sounds right?  Not that I do not trust him...have another appt monday with a local onc so will compare

12 weeks of adriamycin and cytoxin every 3 weeks

then 12 weeks of Taxol every 3 weeks

Then I would move on to radiation because of the positive nodes

chemo will start in two weeks--4weeks post op bmx

Know that some of you have been there...wondering what SE's are the ones to look out for.  Read the info from the doc on all three so psyching myself up for this

Maggie 

Titan

I had 4 AC and 4 taxol (dose dense)..have you asked your Onc about dose dense?  You get done alot earlier...plus you are young (I was 49 at diagnosis)...My onc said because I was "young" I could handle the DD.  just a thought...I was all for getting these treatments over with...

I had rads too..but I had a lumpectomy...

They will give you all kinds of information on the se's of ac and taxol.  Everyone is different...it would probably be a good thing to go to the chemo forum and join the Sept/October club...plus there is a thread on how to get through chemotherapy.

The first chemo is the worse because you don't know what to expect...after that I won't say it gets easier but at least you know what will be going on...

Good luck..you will get through it..and we are here to help you!

KELL414240

I did 4 AC treatments over 12 weeks and 12 taxol treatments over 12 weeks. For me the taxol was easier but each has their own side effects. Do remember each person is different. We each have our own experience with the drugs. Just be prepared for the side effects and if you don't have them, then you'll be pleasantly surprised. Do try to stay well hydrated and if you can't, get IV's. It really does make a difference in the way you feel. Good luck and will pray for you!!!

Luah

I agree with Titan, ask about dose dense! Besides being done earlier, there is research that shows dose dense AC (every 2 weeks) is more effective than the more traditional triweekly regime. Also, weekly (and I think biweekly) taxol has been shown to be more effective than triweekly. These effects may be especially important for high grade cancers like TN that have shown signs of spread (node involvement). So if your onc thinks you can tolerate it (and this depends on your individual health status), go for it.

mags20487

I will ask about the dose dense on Monday.  I am in good health so should b able to do it!

Maggie

LuvRVing

A good way to find out about the SEs and what your experience might be is to read through one of the monthly chemo threads.  You'll find the June AC & T thread full of helpful information that will help you understand what others have experienced.  Some of us are doing DD AC and DD T (every two weeks); some are doing Tx12 first, then DD AC.  There are all kinds of reasons for the differences

Chemo is a very personal experience, though.  We all have different SEs and to different degrees.  By the way, I am 61 and have tolerated DD much better than I would ever have guessed.  So even some of us "not so young" chicks are tough enough to take it and keep standing!  There is no way to know how your body will react, but there is a med for almost every SE except hair loss.

Hugs,

Michelle

Luah

LuvRV raises a good point. There is a recent study showing that taxol first (before AC) was more effective. I think some oncs are moving over to that. I don't have a link to the research but you can probably find it by googling.

lauri

Also "not so young" when doing 6 biweekly DD AC and 12 weekly T -- at 61 -- and five years later I'm still here.  Some people get peripheral neuropathy from Taxol (my sister and I both did -- so we've warned our DD's to look out for it if they get breast cancer in 30 years)  but many people have had good results with taking L-glutamine during treatment, so ask your onc about that.  Fingers working fine now.  Food tasted like sawdust during Taxol, but I dropped two dress sizes because of that, so it could be a positive SE.

Hang in there!

mitymuffin

Yes, there are recent studies showing that Taxol first is more effective. Here is a post on the Triple Negative Forum website: http://forum.tnbcfoundation.org/attention-newbies-important-new-chemo-study_topic7771_page8.html

I also did dose dense (every two week) AC, and weekly Taxol, as I was told these were more effective. 

Susan

mags20487

Just back from my ONC visit this morning.  Going to do Taxol first the dose dense AC..my head is spinning.  I feel like an old lady with everyday full of appiontments.  Need to find a wig as I know I will wear it...I am just that vain --teehee.  For now I am getting a pixie cut on Wed.  Port put in Thursday and starting Taxol on Tuesday next week with a Nuelasta shot on Wed. 

Maggie

Titan

So your onc changed your regime based on you asking questions?  Thats awesome!  So now you will be done in 1/2 the time!   You will be done with chemo by Christmas...!  Yay!

mags20487

She even agreed to give me Metformin...there was a great thread about it on tnbcfoundation.org so I brought in the phase III trial info and she was hesitant at first but agreed it could not hurt in treating trip neg!!  This was my second opinion MO so glad I "shopped" around...spirits high tonight as I contemplate phase II of this journey!

Maggie

Titan

Maggie..you go girl! There is nothing wrong with asking about your treatments...you need the best for you...glad that your oncs were willing to go along with your requests...good job.

Luah

Maggie: That is really good to hear. I printed out the Metformin trial info for my onc appt last week, and never got a chance to go over it with her. I was distracted pushing for my annual MRI, which may not get approved. Next time... 

I have an annual physical coming up, I'm going to ask my GP about metformin too....