4 vs. 6 treatments of CT

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Johnetta
Johnetta Member Posts: 56
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

I was wondering if anyone had any "real" information on which is better - 4 or 6 treatments. My doctor recommended 6 treatments, but on my fourth one I had a severe reaction and am considering stopping. I have searched and searched for ANYTHING that says 6 treatments are better than 4 and can find no concrete info anywhere. I am doing cytoxan and toxatere

I am ER/PR+ HER-/ 2 nodes involved

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  • doxie
    doxie Member Posts: 1,455
    edited July 2013

    I cannot answer your question, but I had 4 rounds of taxotere and cytoxan.  I had no node involvement which is probably why having 6 rounds was not discussed.  I could barely get through 4.  If I'd had to do two more, I would have had to stop working.  Before I got my Oncotype score (30), I asked my MO if having it come out high risk (31 or higher) would change his proposed chemo, he said no.  

    It is possible the 6 is to address the extra risk you have of recurrence because of your positive nodes.  That is my best guess.  

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  • puppymama09
    puppymama09 Member Posts: 77
    edited July 2013

    My onco has talked to me about a clinical trial for 6 TC treatments vs 4 TC treatments apparently 4 is standard care now but they are trying to see if 6 would be better, as for me I was not ready to commit to 6 before I even started so we are going to do 4 and see how it goes then try for 6.

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  • young
    young Member Posts: 6
    edited July 2013

    I also developed a severe allergic reaction to taxotere. One week after the 3rd infusion and the 4th infusion with TC, I had hives and coughs. The symptoms lasted for about 1 week each time. Made me really miserable.  I  talked to my doctor. he insisted on doing AC instead of TC for another 2 or 4 rounds.

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  • Johnetta
    Johnetta Member Posts: 56
    edited July 2013

    Thank you ladies. I have sent the following link to my oncologist. I told her it is the only document I have found that addresses the 4 vs. 6 question, and it seems to lobby for 4. Unless she can give me some information saying differently, I am stopping at 4. So frustrating not having clear answers!

    http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/30/33/4071.full

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  • Jennie93
    Jennie93 Member Posts: 1,018
    edited July 2013

    When I asked my MO why I was getting 6 when it seems like many others only get 4, she said it was because I had positive lymph nodes. I was shocked. I said, you mean you would have recommended chemo even if all my nodes were clear? (Because that is for sure NOT what I was expecting!!!) She said yes, something about newer studies showing better outcomes. I doubt I would have agreed to chemo if my nodes were negative, though.

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  • puppymama09
    puppymama09 Member Posts: 77
    edited October 2013


    Update, I agreed to get 6 treatments that is what my onco wanted. My insurance denied the last 2 treatments so only 4 for me.

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