Newly DX

Goincrzy8

I see there is a thread for newbies, but no activity since September. Does that mean that there are no new Stage III.

I had mastectomy Dec 9th, 12 positive nodes large tumor. Having to make a chem decision soon. My choice ACT aggressive every 14 days for 16 weeks or DC for every 3 weeks, for 18 weeks.

Any heart issues from you ladies? Getting referral for CT and Echo.

This is way to scary, but hoping it is like the surgery aspect. The worrying is worse than the actual procedure.

ElaineTherese

Hi!

I did ACT (+ Herceptin + Perjeta because I was HER2+). I didn't have any heart issues.

I also had a large tumor and nodal involvement.

Chemo wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but every woman is different.

Best wishes!

Kicks

I'm not 'new'. 7 yrs ago I did 4 DD A/C neoadjuvant and 12 weekly Taxol adjuvant. Have had no heart issues before or none still at 70. Before starting Chemo I had a Bone Scan, CT and MRI with contrast, PET and EKG. Depending on your health at the time (or if 'something' looks a bit 'off on the EKG), a MUGA maybe the way they want to go for more thorough info.

sbelizabeth

Hi, Goincrzy8--sorry you're going through this, and you've come to right place for support. Sometimes the boards get pretty slow during busy times elsewhere, such as holidays, but there are lots of people having similar experiences as you.

I had TAC every three weeks, for six treatments. I had a cardiac echo before chemo started, and since then I've had no cardiac issues whatsoever.

You are probably right. Like most things, the worrying is worse than the actual experience.

YATCOMW

I did ACT every 14 days.......that is a very aggressive treatment but my cancer needed it........no heart issues....I didn't find chemo too hard......they give you so many drugs to keep it comfortable. But as already mentioned.....everyone is different.

Best of luck......

Jacqueline

beth1965

Hi I also did the 14 day one. I had 9+ cm tumor and 17 nodes. I did find it was at the time not so bad in beginning a bit harder near the end as your body is weaker but as YATCOMW said they have drugs to help with all sorts of symptoms. I did have a hard time for awhile of not feeling so great but it did pass once I was stronger. And I did have some heart issues it can be quite normal and that too did pass after some time. I know doing the heavy duty chemo was a scary thought for many reasons - but - thinking I did everything I possibly could to fight my cancer gave me strength and determination. And I am still here almost 5 years later. Good luck - Beth

Outfield

I did dose dense AC followed by Taxol, 16 weeks. This was back in 2010. I won't lie - I had a terrible time with chemo - but I would certainly do it again. I was young, otherwise healthy, and had a great support system. I wanted to do whatever would give me the best chance of being around for the future.

I had no known heart problems. I went back to soccer after treatment and wasn't limited, so although I had no follow-up ECHO I'm sure my pump function was fine. The standard test is the ECHO, since there's no radiation involved like for the MUGA, although there are always situations that aren't "standard."

The thing is, you can hear about other people's experiences all day and they may not tell you much about what will happen to you. A friend of mine had the same chemo I did and missed 2 days of work total, while I was in bed losing 25% of my body weight. The experience is very individual. The same with heart issues. Most of us won't have problems, some of us will. I'm sure there are characteristics they can use to make some predictions, but it's not with exact certainty. If we've been well-educated before treatment, then we know we're taking a calculated risk because the chance of net benefit is greater than the chance of net harm.

Good luck with your decision and treatment, whatever you decide.