28yr old BC stage 2a 4cm & 1cm triple+ ( ACTH OR TCH??)

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Cassie23
Cassie23 Member Posts: 12
edited February 2019 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

hi. I have a really hard time choosing between the 2 protocols. Im afraid of ACTH coz of the risk of heart problems and also leukaemia. But its more affordable for me.

Im 28 and i was diagnosed 4mos ago. I just wanna know any ideas or insights for early stage BC for younger people. I mean its really rare here in my country.

I wanna ask for advice regarding the SE of ACTH and TCH

thank u so much.

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  • DATNY
    DATNY Member Posts: 358
    edited February 2019

    I chose TCHP, but many women do the ACTH. I think the outcomes for ACTH are slighlt better than TCHP. AC vs TC aren't that different in terms of side effects. You are young and will bounce back in a heartbeat.

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  • Cassie23
    Cassie23 Member Posts: 12
    edited February 2019

    thank you DATNY. 😊

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited February 2019

    Hi Cassie, Yes, you are young. In what country are you located? Hopefully you are able to pick the treatment that is best for you, regardless of cost. What does your treatment team recommend?

    We're all here for you.

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  • Cassie23
    Cassie23 Member Posts: 12
    edited February 2019

    hi moderators. I went to 4 oncs. 3 of them suggested tch and 1 was acth. I duwana start treatment before i gather all money needed for the treatment. I dont want to grt caught off guard. Im from the Philippines and insurance here is the worst.

    Im hoping to know the different risks of each treatment and if theyr worth the risk.

    Its driving me insane. And i have to work to support my treatment and my son. I just wish to know if u can work during these treatments.

    Honestly, i just wanna let things out. Thats why im here. Sometimes its nice to talk to people who are going thru something same as me. U know. Its nice to let things out. Sometimes i feel like its killing me day by day if i dont let it out.

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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited February 2019

    My MO told me that AC was slightly better but had more risk for long term problems. He recommended TC for me for that reason. I was on the younger side (50) at the time.

    There is a new "bioidentical" to Herceptin. Perhaps it's less expensive? You should let you doctors know about your financial concerns. Sometimes the manufacturers also have special programs with lesser copays. Check out their websites for info.

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  • hapa
    hapa Member Posts: 920
    edited February 2019

    Cassie - I think the AC is about 4% more effective but runs a 5% risk of heart failure. I took the TCHP because I figured if the cancer came back I could still enjoy life for a while but as an active person, heart failure would put almost all of my hobbies out of reach. I think the H and P are going to be the bigger factors in your treatment cost by far, though maybe Genentech is more generous in the Philippines than they are in the US.

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  • Cassie23
    Cassie23 Member Posts: 12
    edited February 2019

    Hi notverybrave. Thank u so much for telling me this. I will look at their website.

    I hope ur doing well. :)

    Theres no certainty i guess, but i wish everyone will be okay.

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  • Cassie23
    Cassie23 Member Posts: 12
    edited February 2019

    hi hapa. :) im active as well, i dont want to stay put. Thats why i havent started chemo. Coz i duwana be in bed the whole day and i duwana feel like shit. Thats the one thats been bugging me. And im scared.

    Thanks for the enlightening. You have a great point. I just hope i can continue my chemo coz my budget is tight and tch is quite expensive.

    Thanks again! :)

    Hope ur doing well. :)

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