How many treatments are normal?

Tobyholicdeb

I was told that I would have 8 rounds of chemo followed by 33 radiation treatments. When I went for my first treatment, the nurse told me I would also have 12 weeks of another set of treatments. They keep telling me that this is "preventative", but now I'm wondering if there is something they aren't telling me. I've seen more severe cases of cancer have a lot less treatments than I'll have. Any advice?

ziggypop

Hi Tobyholicdeb - They give different types of Chemo based on a number of different factors (i.e. are you HER2 negative or not). The type of chemo it is seems to have the greatest effect on the number of rounds and how much time you have in between. As far as the 12 weeks - that may just be something like a shot that you have to go in for. I had to go back the day after each chemo treatment to get a shot to protect my bones from something in the chemo. I never knew what I was getting when I was actually getting it & am only starting to figure it out now. Did you have surgery? Did you have clear margins? If so, and you don't have mets, then chemo and rads are preventative (because essentially right now, you don't have any cancer that they know of). 

bdavis

Toby... Sounds like you are getting ACT chemo?  AC for 8 rounds and Taxol for 12 weeks and then radiation?? Is that right? Or something like that?? I don't know your diagnosis, but that is not uncommon. Especially if you had a lumpectomy. Did you?

bdavis

I just went to read your other posts... so you are Her2 positive... so I am guessing the Herceptin is the 12 weeks? That is completely normal.

Moderators

Tobyholicdeb, the article from the main Breastcancer.org site Choosing a Chemotherapy Medicine adds to the information you've received so far, discussing the factors that are considered in recommending the right regimen for you. 

There's also a link to the article Talking to Your Doctor About Chemotherapy, that includes a list of questions to ask about your chemo plan, so you're not wondering if your team is keeping something from you.

SpecialK

Sounds like dose dense AC (4 A and 4C) was maybe misconstrued as "eight rounds" and then 12 weekly Taxol with Herceptin, then continuing Herceptin to finish out the year?  Or 4 dose dense AC and 4 dose dense Taxol with Herceptin - which would equal 8, followed by 12 additional Herceptin at 3 week intervals.  The rads are a normal length, and would start after chemo proper is finished and during the remaining Herceptin.  This would be standard of care, not excessive treatment.

tobyholic

They did tell me my margins were clean and didn't spread to my lymph nodes but I am HER+, whether that makes a difference. What is Taxol? Is it a shot or a treatment that I have to sit for hours to have intravenously? Wow......you guys all know so much. Will I become an expert like you all before this is all over? I can't even pronounce any of the drugs I'll be getting...LOL LOL LOL  

bdavis

Yes, being Her2 positive does make a difference.  In addition to regular chemo, you need Herceptin (I didn't have that), but I think it takes a year in all. Taxol is the "T" in ACT. It is an infused chemo drug. And unfortunately, yes, you will be an expert.

Cowgirl13

I would suggest that you make an appointment with your oncologist and ask him everything you need to ask him.  All of this can be overwhelming information and you deserve to have someone sit down with you and answer all your questions.  Hope this helps.

liz