AC-T vs TC ... Stage 2 Breast Cancer

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smileykylie615
smileykylie615 Member Posts: 3
edited December 2016 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

Hello,

I am 59 years old and was recently diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer back in July 2016. I had a lumpectomy in August. Got the results back shortly after... Clear margins, clear lymph nodes, ER+, PR-, HER2-, Stage 2, Grade 2, Oncotype: 29. Since my Oncotype score is >25, my oncologist definitely recommends chemo. I agree with her, but am totally torn as to which regimen I should go with. The more aggressive AC-T regimen with the risk of possible negative effects on the heart or the less aggressive TC regimen. I am just looking for some opinions, maybe as to what you chose and why? Thank you!

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited October 2016

    Hi Smileykylie-

    We want to welcome you to our community here at BCO! We hope you find the support and advice you need as you begin your treatment. You might want to read through our Chemo forum, lots of great info there. Feel free to post your question there as well: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69

    The Mods

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  • nye1980
    nye1980 Member Posts: 69
    edited October 2016

    I had four affected nodes so TAC it was for me, but my MO did consider TC since that's what he would have recommended had I one less node. I'm 35 and have a healthy heart and decided just to be as aggressive as possible. Had to trust my MO on this one.

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  • doxie
    doxie Member Posts: 1,455
    edited October 2016

    My Oncotype was a 30 and I had TC. I managed to work throughout chemo with a couple days off each round. I was 55 at the time. Both treatments have their side affects. It's somewhat about what risks you are willing to take, what permanent side effects you are willing to live with if you are in the minority at have problems After 4xTC thankfully I have no residual problems.

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  • muska
    muska Member Posts: 1,195
    edited October 2016

    I would get a second opinion and see what they say. Ask both your current and second opinion oncologist why they recommend a particular chemo regimen over another. Or are they offering you to pick one?

    I am not advocating AC-T regimen for you - I don't think anybody here can advise one way or the other - but I would like to mention that heart issues occur very rarely with 'A' - if I am not mistaken, in less than 1% of cases. However, if you do have heart issues - or other ailments that make A's side effects more likely that would be a strong consideration to take into account.

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  • Sjacobs146
    Sjacobs146 Member Posts: 770
    edited October 2016

    I agree with muska, see what your MO says. They have reasons why they do or do not give Adriamycin. My doc decided not to give it to me due to risk of developing leukemia later on. I had an intermediate Oncotype score, and was 48 at time of diagnosis

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  • Jackster51
    Jackster51 Member Posts: 357
    edited October 2016

    From Taxotere, I ended up with permanent crippling neuropathy in my feet - unable to wear closed toed shoes or stand on my feet for very long.. I also ended up with permanent baldness. I would not call Taxotere 'mild' :-(

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  • smileykylie615
    smileykylie615 Member Posts: 3
    edited October 2016

    Muska - I have gotten a second opinion... one MO strongly suggested TC and the other strongly suggested AC-T, both said they would do either, though, so I think that is why I am struggling so much with the decision. They are truly leaving it up to me to decide and it's boggling my mind.

    Sjacobs146 - Isn't there a risk of developing a leukemia with both regimens? I may be mistaken...

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  • muska
    muska Member Posts: 1,195
    edited October 2016

    Hi smileykylie615, speaking of AC+T regimen would it be dose dense AC or every three weeks? T I suppose is for weekly taxol for 12 weeks?

    Weekly taxol is easier than taxotere and has a bit fewer side effects. Since it is given weekly the dose is lower than in regimens given less frequently. Still, weekly taxol was hard for me and the dose had to be slightly reduced. I didn't experience significant side effects from AC apart from temporary shortness of breath that went away soon after the treatment was completed.

    If you have any chronic medical conditions look at them and try to evaluate whether possible side effects might exacerbate them. Keep in mind however, those are "possible" side effects, so they might or might not occur.

    Also, one regimen is shorter than the other and some women prefer shorter treatments because of other commitments or work limitations.

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  • Kiks1
    Kiks1 Member Posts: 254
    edited October 2016

    You sound just like me. I was stage 2, ER+ Pr-(1%), Her- grade2, no node involvement, oncotype 28. I did 4 TC as all my oncs. ( 2 opinions) recommended that regimen. I was 49 at time of dx. I had a bmx so no radiation. Chemo was not a bad experience for me, slight discomfort intermittently. Finished in April and my hair is all grown in now. No other SEs. Hope it worked.

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  • snowsogal
    snowsogal Member Posts: 79
    edited November 2016

    Hi Jackster:

    I too struggle with peripheral neuropathy, and sensory neuropathy too from Taxotere. I am taking a neuropathy supplement. I went to a pain clinic, but all the drugs kept me like a zombie. And every time they tried to increase them they could not. They wanted me to try patches, but because of constantly having itching and rashes; I decided this would not be a good idea. I stopped going. I also had to apply for disability now too. I went through an organization called Allsup, which is much cheaper than a lawyer, and waiting for SSI to accept your claim.

    I am struggling with some pain, but mostly itching and numbness. I am sorry you are going through this too!

    Cindy

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited November 2016

    There was a study recently done that concluded that TC was not inferior to AC+T. Basically, it showed AC+T to be equally effective. My very non scientific observance has been that in my Sept 2013 chemo group on here, several members who did TC have had recurrences; far fewer that did AC+T did. That is most likely just chance, but if I had it to do over again, I would choose the AC+T. I have done both regimens. I tolerate chemo very well; better than most, but I actually found AC+T easier than TC, even though it was longer and more treatments. I stuck to my antinausea meds on AC round the clock for 5 days, and had no problems. Best wishes in whatever you decide. Both are very effective regimens.

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  • Jackster51
    Jackster51 Member Posts: 357
    edited December 2016

    Sorry snow/Cindy.. I feel your pain! Literally :-(

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