Non-anthracycline chemo for node positive?

I hope others will come along to help with alternate chemo suggestions. I just wanted to let you know that I had A/C dose dense followed by Taxol, and over a year out I have no heart issues. I exercise regularly and have no less stamina than before. I also continued to walk throughout chemo with no issues. I'm 44.

mtnchick, I believe research shows that TC (Taxotere+Cytoxan) is every bit as effective as AC+T, or other combinations including Adriamycin, which is the specific chemo drug that poses a cardiac risk.  While it's true many oncs like to throw everything including Adriamycin at bc patients who are under age 40, I would ask for the back up research data/comparisons for whatever regimen an onc recommends.  Also, be sure any onc you have a consult with knows about your individual concerns, and don't be afraid to interview several until you find one with whom you're totally comfortable.   Chemo is one area on which they don't all think alike.  I saw three before deciding what to do, and they each recommended something slightly different. 

I can also direct you to a video out of UCLA, where I was treated, that explains the various chemo regimens, along with comparing the stats from various research studies.  However, this would only be general info, and not based on your specific dx or concerns.     (((Hugs)))  Deanna

I had a heart attack during AC that wasn't discovered until Herceptin

also did damage. I thought the "heart attack" was AC side effects.  I remember it well.

The good news is, my heart is improving with the meds.  I have a great cardiology team.

Since I was Stage 3 with a large tumor, I would do it over again even knowing

the results.  But that being said, that was my situation.  It is wise to look

into treatments that are best for you.

Hello SpecialK,

I was surprised in reading your post, that your docs are following you with tumor markers, and PET scans.  My docs are refusing to do either, saying tumor markers are not relivant in BC, and before any further scans (had 1 PET, post surg/pre chemo) are needed unless I show symptoms.  My argument was, why wait until I show symptoms, I need to know if the treatment has worked.  I have Kaiser for my insurance and they are known at times to be more thrifty than proactive in treatment.  My onc, just keeps saying data and evidence doesn't support any further scans, etc.  I had a 2nd opinion (unfortunately, another Kaiser doc) and she sided with the other onc.  I am worried of chest wall tumors, and out of arguments.

So again, I am surprised, and envioius that you are being followed with further scans.  Our tumors were much the same (ER+/PR-/HER2neu+ / 5cm / stage IIB-IIIA) (bilat mast. with immediate expanders)  I have completed dose dense AC, weekly Taxol, Herceptin every 3 weeks and are in the APHINITY trial, where hopefully I am receiving the trial drug, and not the placebo drug of Pertuzanab.  The Herceptin and Pertuzanab will continue through Feb. 2014 or as long as my heart holds at 50% or more on my MUGA, Rads start next month.

I am interested why they say they are following with tumor markers and further scans.  Also are there others out there who are also being followed with scans and/or tumor markers?

Blessings and care to all,

MaryR

mary - whether oncs scan and do tumor markers varies from doctor to doctor, it comes down to style - I just happen to have a doc that likes to scan and check my blood!  Many don't feel that it makes a difference in terms of whether or not a new primary, recurrence, or distant metastasis is found early or when it produces symptoms, but I would like to think catching it early might make things easier - or open the door to a wider variety of treatments.  A lot of docs also feel that tumor markers are unreliable, and scans can only see things when they get to a certain detectable size.  Of course, I have been happy to do tumor markers and scans because I find them reassuring - but that is only because there has been no bad news so far. There is a new thread that started regarding "what I wish I knew..." or something to that effect - I posted that when deciding on your potential oncologist ask how you will be followed going forward after initial treatment. My insurance is pretty conservative (military) but they may have approved scans in the past due to my positive nodes.