Thinking of changing to AC-T after 1 cycle of TC

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lemonadehk
lemonadehk Member Posts: 106
edited March 2015 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
Thinking of changing to AC-T after 1 cycle of TC
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  • lemonadehk
    lemonadehk Member Posts: 106
    edited March 2015

    I was diagnosed with multifocal IDC (12 tumors with the largest being 3.8mm), grade 3, 1/9 node micro-metastasis, ER+, PR+, HER2-. Had mastectomy and ALND. I went to see 6 oncologists, 5 of them recommended TCx4 and 1 recommended AC-T. After a painful deliberation, I went with TCx4. But after 1 cycle of TC (2nd schedule for this Friday), I am second-guessing myself and wonder whether I should switch to AC-T because of my multi-focal diagnosis (12 tumors) and my age (36). My oncologist said he has never encountered this. Does anyone know if it's possible to change regimen during the treatment? Thanks a ton!

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  • Trvler
    Trvler Member Posts: 3,159
    edited March 2015

    I don't know the answer but you might get more response in the chemo section.

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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited March 2015

    i think it would be possible to alter your therapy but I'm not sure I would invite the additional burden of Adriamycin despite your youth & ability to deal with side effects. It's not called the red devil for nothing! I was happy when my oncologist said that was not needed in my case. Our local support group has seen more than one lady with heart concerns due to that agent.

    If you change, it would be wise to have doxorubicin given via port since it can destroy veins. Perhaps you already have one (I requested mine after ALND because I did not want to risk the vessels in my "good" arm). Presuming at least a couple of your second opinions were from academic medical centers or breast cancer specialists.

    Trust in your physician is important, as is the balance of benefit vs risk. So many of your consults suggested TC - can you rest in your initial decision? Don't forget that, after chemo you will probably get tamoxifen which will block estrogen receptors and help keep any additional nasty mutant cells at bay. Hope you find a solution you can be at peace with...

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  • lemonadehk
    lemonadehk Member Posts: 106
    edited March 2015

    Thank you so much, vlnrph! It makes me feel much better. I am still debating, but leaning toward my original decision. Thank you :)

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  • lemonadehk
    lemonadehk Member Posts: 106
    edited March 2015

    Thank you, Trvler :)

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