Anyone doing TCH chemo-Node Positive

Dx on 1/15/07 with positive nodes. Received 3 tx of TCH after lumpectomy. Had reexcision to gain clear margins followed by mammosite radiation, then second set of 3tx of TCH.  Last of 17 Herceptin treatments was May 27, 2008.  My first follow up appointment is July 15 where I will have MUGA scan (last one if the numbers are good), chest xray, blood workup, and exam.

I see you are about a year later than me.  Good luck with the treatments. My se were minimal.  During Chemo I had the luxury of doing what I wanted or felt I could, so I did lots of resting. Herceptin gave me aches and effected my heart.  But my heart recovered with a 10 week break in tx so that I could finish the prescribed 17 (every three weeks) treatments.

I was DX back on 12-05 &had a motified radical mastectomy on 1-6-06. I was DX stage IIIA, Her2/neu, 3+++, er & pr weakly positive. I had 5 of 16 positive nodes. I followed up with 6 treatments of TCH.    I would be more then glad to help answer any question you have about it?  I am now 2 yrs and 6 months out from surgery and NED. (Which means no evidence of diesease.)  (Knock on wood.)  TCH wasn't fun by any means but I did get through it easier then what I thought I would.  Let me know how I can help?  (I did my treatments every 3 weeks also.) With the exception of herceptin...I did that weekly for almost the full year. 

Chelee

I am node positive too and am getting 6 rounds of TCH and herceptin weekly then every three weeks for a year after chemo. Just went through round #2. Fun summer....

Donalee

Hi,

I have just started chemo -- TCH and herceptin every three weeks.  I would like some info on what worked for side effects -- Zantac or Prilosec after the first three days?.  I don't want to take Adivan three times a day for weeks as I know it can be addicting.  One nurse told me that i should have a saline solution on the three day because C. is a very tough drug and should be washed out.   I am also considering acupuncture.  

Thanks,

Hi everyone,

I am glad to report that my first appointment 6 weeks after all treatments went very well.  My chest x-ray was clear, my blood tests came back all normal. The MUGA scan indicated remaining effects from Herceptin but I expect that to improve with time like before. The onco was pleased with everything and set the next appointment for three months. She did kiddingly ask if I wanted more Herceptin. That gave me the chance to ask about the shot that is being developed for Her 2 + cancer patients. She said she hoped there would be more information at the big conference in December.

 I am having trouble believing that I won't be driving to the clinic for three months!  Good luck to all of you who are in the first stages of this trip. It is doable and you should anticipate feeling really good when it is all finished.

jap,

 I just had my #3 Chemo last Tuesday. I feel like crap, which I knew was coming. I was awake all day today! Big accomplishment since I spent all the last 3 days pretty much sleeping on and off! I started to take Zantac every 8 hours after chemo. Religiously! I had such bad indigestion the last time I thought I was having a heartattack! This has really helped my stomach! Just can't wait till the bad taste in my mouth goes away!!!

henny,

hahahah! I love the bad boyfriend analogy!! Wow I had a FEW of those!