Torn between which chemo to choose?

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lilypad
lilypad Member Posts: 23
edited June 2014 in Stage I Breast Cancer

Hi Ladies,

 I am 30 yrs old and have a healthy heart and healthy everthing else, (well, atleast until the stupid cancer came along). I have a 2.8 cm, Grade 3 , Stage 2a,  node negative tumour, which was removed by lumpectomy. I have met 3 oncologists, who all agree I need Chemo, given my age, tumour size and grade.

Two of them recommend the AC-T regimen and one the TC regimen, though they all accept that either is good choice. So Iessentially have to decide between risk of heart damage or risk of cancer coming back. And should I do dose dense? ARRRGH I cant decide. Am I overtreating by choosing ACT or will I be risking cancre coming back with just TC?

How much benefit does the A really give over the TC only regimen? How did you all decide? What did you all choose and why? HELP! 

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited June 2012

    Tough call. Here are some questions to ask: 

    *What is the actual added risk reduction by adding 'A'?

    * Would there be any advantage to doing AC and skip the 'T'?

    * Are you planning to take tamoxifin for the 5 year follow up? Anti-hormonals give us estrogen positive women our greatest risk reduction.

    I had pretty much the same stats as you, but it was 5 years ago and I was 53. I did dose dense AC with Neulasta shots followed by 5 years of Arimidex (and yes, I would definitely do dose dense, get it over with!). 'T' was a new drug at the time, and when I talked to my doctor recently and asked him if he'd do anything differently if I were diagnosed today, he said that he probably would have gone with 'TC' chemo. The thing that would make me think of adding the 'A' if I were you, is that you are really young, have a long life ahead of you and you'll never want to have to do this again!

    About the heart damage with 'A'. It is very rare, especially when you are in good shape going in, and according to my oncologist anyway, shouldn't be a problem with the limited dose early stage women get.

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  • christina0001
    christina0001 Member Posts: 1,491
    edited June 2012

    I am lucky that both oncs I saw both recommended the same treatment. Frankly I could do all the internet research in the world and there is no way I would feel qualified to choose between chemotherapy treatments.

    If I were in your shoes, I would decide which onc I felt most comfortable with, and go to him or her. I would ask the onc these very questions, and then go from there.

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