Anyone doing Taxotere+Herceptin only after FEC?

alice - most of us here who are Her2+ get one of two regimens - TCH or AC-TH.  The first is Taxotere, Carboplatin (or Cytoxan) and Herceptin.  It is the initial chemo - that combo receives Herceptin at the start because Taxotere does not carry the same cardiotoxicity as Adriamycin.  For most of us the frequency is 6 cycles of TCH, continuing Herceptin for the year. If the invasive component of the cancer is quite tiny some receive 4 cycles, continuing the Herceptin for the year. The second combo is Adriamycin (essentially your Epirubicin), Cytoxan (Cyclophosphamide), and then once that is done usually Taxol and Herceptin. I believe that the AC combo is given a number of times depending on size and whether neo or adjuvent treatment, then the switch to the TH combo, with the Herceptin continuing for the year. So, it would seem that what you are getting is most comparable to the AC-TH combination.

Thanks kayb!

Alice TCH is a different chemo protocol than FEC-TH

Both have been shown to be effective for treating breast cancer through clinical trials, often it's the Onc personal preference to which chemo combo they recommend, I did AC TH, which is often used as well.

Kayb, what was the trial for?

The protocol I was on, is used for node positive, her2+ advanced stage.

Taxol first to kill any floating cancer cells the FEC afterwards to target the breast cancer cells.

I was not in a trial. I am in Texas and my MO followed the MD Anderson protocol. After chemo, I had my BMX and thankfully also achieved PCR. I had Herceptins with each chemo, Tough, that is correct. I am one of the only people I know who has had this chemo being HER2+, but I'm young (35) and my MO gave me the hardest stuff she could.