Which Chemo for Stage 1, Grade 3? 3 choices given

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Madie38
Madie38 Member Posts: 3
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

Today was my first meeting with my MO, as I mentioned to him that I was "afraid" of chemo (living alone, generally very weak, etc.)  he offered me 3 choices:

AC+T: AC every 2 weeks for 4 doses and then Taxol weekly for 12 weeks=16 doses

OR

Taxotere and Cytoxan only 1x every 3 weeks for= 4 doses

plus herceptin for both above.

OR

if I was completely against chemo then he would give me Herceptin alone but did not recommend it.

I spoke to a friend who said that with my type of cancer, the first option is the only one usually suggested and was surprised of the second option.  However I am all for the 2nd option! or even the 3rd!

Has anyone with with IDC, stage 1, grade 3, her2+ opted for TC x 4?  or herceptin alone?

Please advise especially if you are Grade 3, this seems to be the main issue to make the right decision.

Thanks in advance!

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited April 2013

    I would direct you over to the TCH thread, linked below.  Also, there is a 3rd option, which is Taxol each week for 12 treatments with Herceptin, then continuing Herceptin for the year by itself, which you would also be doing with the AC-TH, or the TCH options.

    http://community.breastcancer.org/topic_post?forum_id=69&id=578284&page=1

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  • Lily55
    Lily55 Member Posts: 3,534
    edited April 2013

    Grade three means signficant tumour cells and thus needs a strong response, i would list all your questions and worries and ask for statistics on each treatment protocol then decide, or use the online calculators if they differentiate between chemos?



    Good luck

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited April 2013

    kayb - I am superfast, lol!

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  • Madie38
    Madie38 Member Posts: 3
    edited April 2013

    Thanks gals for the quick responses! 

    Does anyone know if you can take herceptin along with radiation?   

    Too many choices...

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited April 2013

    Those who are Her2+ usually move from chemo/Herceptin to rads after about 4-6 weeks of recovery after the last session of chemo, continuing on Herceptin through that time period.  Because you would most likely be getting Herceptin every 3 weeks, depending on your rads schedule, you would probably only have a couple of infusions during your course of rads.  Herceptin only infusions range from 30-90 minutes when given alone.  Also, it is important to note that Herceptin is not chemo - it is a monoclonal antibody targeted treatment aimed at controlling the overexpression of Her2 on your cells.

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  • bearcub
    bearcub Member Posts: 485
    edited April 2013

    I am a stage 1 grade 3, I did AC for 4 rounds, THEN radiation at the same time as herceptin, tamoxifen. I will be done herceptin in November. My first 4 herceptin lasted 90 minutes (they need you to stick around so they can monitor you for any reaction). Now they last 30 minutes and I can leave right away.

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  • Madie38
    Madie38 Member Posts: 3
    edited April 2013

    Has anyone taking Herceptin and now on rads?  I'm worried that my heart will damage from both treatments.  Did any ladies experience heart problems during or esp after these procedures? Please advise.

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  • bearcub
    bearcub Member Posts: 485
    edited April 2013

    Madie,



    I did both Herceptin and rads at the same time. My BC is on the left and my heart was great concern to me as was my lungs. The equipment that was used on me was relatively new(few months old), so I do not know if that made a difference. I was told by my RO my heart would not be in the line of rads but the very small top portion of my lungs would be. I did 16 rounds of rads (I am in Canada and that was the prodigal for my cancer). I am now 3 months out from rads and feel great, using my stationary bike 5 times a week 16km. a day. My heart is fine, I will be done herceptin in November.

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  • NormaJean65
    NormaJean65 Member Posts: 234
    edited June 2013

    I was a Grade3.......did 6 tx of Taxotere & Carboplatin with 3 wks between tx along w/ Herceptin for 52 wks.  No Rads as there was good margins from the MX and no node involved.  Neither sentinal or lymph node.

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