4x TCH vs, 6x TCH

tc9876

Hello Ladies

I have read many of the posts and it looks like some Her2Neu+ ladies are getting 4 does of Taxotere-Carboplatin (with Herceptin) while others are getting 6 doses.  Does anyone know of any studies that will help me understand why this may be.  I realize that standard of care calls for 6 doses.  However, I want to talk to my MO about the possibility of me getting only 4 doses for my ER+ PR+ HER2+ 0.8cm tumor and I want to have a leg to stand on.  It took a lot to get me on the chemo wagon and I truly don't want more poison than I need.  Thank you.

kathleen1966

I believe I had 6 treatments because I had positive nodes. It really was very doable for me, and I felt "safe" when I was in treatment.  Good luck to you!

dancetrancer

tc, I have heard that Taxol weekly for 12 weeks is less damaging and is a "kinder, gentler, chemo" - Dana Farber is running a trial on that right now: 

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00542451

There are several t1b's (6 to 10 mm) on the board that have done the Taxol plus Herceptin route.  I've not done it myself, so sorry but I can't be of more help!  

Jaimieh

In 2009 I looked all over the place trying to find a study to take to my onc. that said I only needed 4.  I couldn't find it and drug myself to treatment 5 & 6.

 There was a couple ladies on this board who only did 4 or stopped at 4 but I have not seen them on here for a while. 

tc9876

Dance, I mentioned Taxol to my M.O. and I believe he said that any neuropathy you get from Taxotere goes away while it is more likely to stay with Taxol. He also said that Taxotere was better suited to my type of cancer, although I do not recall the specifics that made it more suitable.  I start 3/1 so I guess it's going to happen.  I will ask the M.O. more questions though and I will not hesitate to ask to switch to Taxol if the side effects get to me.  Thanks all for the feedback.

dancetrancer

tc, I am by no means an expert, so take what I've said with a grain of salt on the chemo stuff - just going by what others have told me, as it isn't clear whether I will actually do chemo or not, so I have no real life experience with it yet.  You may want to come on over and post your question on the triple positive thread (ER, PR, HER2+) - lots of great gals on there who have LOTS of experience and valuable advice to offer - it's a great group!  

REKoz

I'm one who only had 4x. I did have Abraxane rather than Taxotere with Carbo and Herceptin, though I don't think that's what made the difference. No nodes as you can see by the stats in my sig. line. Actually, I only ended up having 3 treatments with carbo. My numbers were in the tank for my last chemo.  I was scheduled for upcoming surgery so my Onc. eliminated the carbo for my last treatment to attain appropriate numbers for surgery.