Four rounds of AC only???

mamaof3bugs- I don't know if this will help but this is my opinion. I was diagnosed with a second primary in Nov.2006 that was triple neg, nodes neg, 1.8 cm, stage1, grade 3. Because I knew nothing about triple neg then, I never questioned my regimen with my primary onc which was going to be A/C x4 and rads. I did see a second opinion onc, who said DD A/C+T. Second opinion onc did try try to explain the danger of triple neg and the need to fight it aggressively, but it all seemed Greek to me. I ran back to 1st opinion onc where things seemed more calm and peaceful, and not so fearful. I thought breast cancer was just breast cancer that had different names sometimes. 

Fast foward to Nov.2009: triple neg recurrence. 3.5cm,clean scans, had clean mammo in July 2009. I had BMX in Jan.2010, will start chemo next week. Regimen will be Carboplatin and Taxol x 12 wks. or Carboplatin and Taxotere x 6 every 3 wks. I have to decide.

I would be lying if I said I have no regrets about regimen 3 years ago. If my daughter got this horrible disease I would want her to fight it with ALL the nasty stuff her body could tolerate.

You can't play around with this thing. You can't be conservative with this. This thing even sometimes bypasses the nodes and recurs. So with triple neg you can't get too excited about being node negative.

There are a few Stage IV women who are node neg and triple neg. I am still amazed and saddened by that. What is research doing about this. My God!!

But also question whether your onc is being conservative based on your health. Hypertension, Diabetes, etc. A good onc looks at the whole picture, I think. But get a second opinion anyway. 

I don't like the side effects of strong chemo but I want to live.  I hope this helps you.

Loads of hugs to you! 

dawn2203- I see that you are er+, did your regimen include an AI for 5 years?

To everyone- I know that all breast cancers can recur, but most do hit the nodes first, at least warning you. The triple neg has a different method of operation. But that's my opinion.

Puddin'

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Sooo..Ang..what are you thinking here?   On here the doctors recommend a taxane of some sort...I too had very big margins (they took more because they thought my tumour was actually bigger than it was) and no nodes..but heck, if you are already getting the ac you may as well keep on going with the taxol...exra insurance...and taxol was ok...a little bit more muscular issues...but not quite like the ac...ac wasn't bad but....taxol's side effects were a little bit easier to deal with,.for one thing you don't have to take the Emend because the risk of throwing up is much less

Oh Angi, I am so glad you feel at peace with your decision. And I'm VERY glad you've decided to get the taxane. As for breaking up with your old onc, I don't know that you have to do anything. I think the new onc's office staff will call old onc's office and ask for the records to be transferred. If you've got an appt set up with old onc, call and cancel it.

I think most doctors understand that people shop around for a good fit. That would include personality compatibility and also treatment plans. I think you've made a good decision. I changed plastic surgeons simply because of a personality conflict. You need to feel comfortable with your team. You are all working together to get you through this.

--CindyMN 

noni - thanks for the post. I was just putting together a care package of my chemo hats and scarves for a friend who is to start chemo soon. I had the thought, but what if I need these again. I stopped myself, and said I will never need these again. I have to trust that so I can just go ahead and live. I don't want to waste my healthy time worrying if I'll get sick again.

FWIW: I had three rounds of FEC and then three rounds of Docetaxol.

Thanks noni!  Love to hear your stories!  A co-worker of mine had tn six years ago..she had masectomy and 4 a/cs...that is all too..she is just fine!  It is just amazing that 6 years ago the ac was the in thing...now they have added taxol also...and that is a good thing!   My onc told me that in 5 years there will be something even better...!

My onc has not mentioned radiation treatments at all to me. Should I ask about these or do you usually only get radiation when your lymph nodes and margins are not clear? Thanks.

Even if you are node negative there is the possiblity of vascular invasion (I think they call it).  Chemo is our best defense.

Puddinggirl....they gave me taxotere/carboplatin every 3 weeks after my surgery.  It could be different for a recurrance but I say get a second opinion.  I remember my oncologist (who had just been diagnosed with very serious skin cancer) saying studies showed every 3 weeks was best....but it may be different for recurrence, I'm not sure.  

My extra chemo was just my demand and when my brillian oncologist was diagnosed with cancer and had little kids too she told me she understood me.