Guest guest Posted February 20, 2006 Report Share Posted February 20, 2006 Someone responded to my original post but I can't find their comment now. After reading what the poster wrote it's made me a little nervous now. My oncologist comes highly recommended and I was feeling pretty safe with her but after that comment I may have to question her Thursday when I go back for chemo. She has me down for a year and half of chemo. My graduation date from chemo is April '07. I started chemo 3 weeks ago. I started with Adriamycin and Cytoxin. I take those every 3 weeks until I've completed 4 doses. I have chemo every 3 weeks. Does that seem excessive? The poster wrote that she had not seen anyone else with that much chemo. I was just wondering if this is out of the norm or not? I have 2 types of very agressive breast cancer and the doctor told me it had escaped into the blood stream so we need to treat it agressively. She said my cancer is not only agressive but extremely agressive. My oncology surgeon recommended her to me. She specializes in breast cancer. Now I'm worried. Herceptin is part of the plan. I will be taken that every week for 1 yr due to the Her2/hormone receptive and receiving Taxol as well. Then on to Tamoxifen to finish up. I don't start herceptin until the Adriamycin/Cytoxan is finished. Both type cancers are Her2/hormone receptive. Maybe that has something to do with her treatment plan? Now I'm scared again. All of this is so new to me and I have no clue what half the stuff means. I just put my trust into this doctor and pray she does the right thing for me. I think she is doing what she thinks is best for me. Is there anything I should ask her on Thursday? Time for bed. The kiddos get up awfully early for school. Have a great evening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2006 Report Share Posted February 20, 2006 I had different chemo. Mine was the first two Tues. of the month, the 3rd week I took pills and 4th week I rested. If your breast cancer is aggressive I would think this might be the normal schedule. But then I am not a doctor. If you feel uncomfortable as next time you go in or call and ask to talk to the dr or maybe the nurse could even answer your questions. Remember every case is different. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Lifehttp://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html Check out my breast cancer ornaments at:http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.htmlalso check out my other ornaments and lots of nice gifts at:http://www.cancerclub.com To much chemo? Someone responded to my original post but I can't find their comment now. After reading what the poster wrote it's made me a little nervous now. My oncologist comes highly recommended and I was feeling pretty safe with her but after that comment I may have to question her Thursday when I go back for chemo. She has me down for a year and half of chemo. My graduation date from chemo is April '07. I started chemo 3 weeks ago. I started with Adriamycin and Cytoxin. I take those every 3 weeks until I've completed 4 doses. I have chemo every 3 weeks. Does that seem excessive? The poster wrote that she had not seen anyone else with that much chemo. I was just wondering if this is out of the norm or not? I have 2 types of very agressive breast cancer and the doctor told me it had escaped into the blood stream so we need to treat it agressively. She said my cancer is not only agressive but extremely agressive. My oncology surgeon recommended her to me. She specializes in breast cancer. Now I'm worried. Herceptin is part of the plan. I will be taken that every week for 1 yr due to the Her2/hormone receptive and receiving Taxol as well. Then on to Tamoxifen to finish up. I don't start herceptin until the Adriamycin/Cytoxan is finished. Both type cancers are Her2/hormone receptive. Maybe that has something to do with her treatment plan? Now I'm scared again. All of this is so new to me and I have no clue what half the stuff means. I just put my trust into this doctor and pray she does the right thing for me. I think she is doing what she thinks is best for me. Is there anything I should ask her on Thursday? Time for bed. The kiddos get up awfully early for school. Have a great evening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2006 Report Share Posted February 20, 2006 Thanks nne. I feel pretty confident in the doctor. She was highly recommended by my other physicians that know of her. At this point everything makes me nervous. I just want to make sure that I get the best treatment plan possible so I can raise my kiddos and be around to see them go to college, marry and have kids of their own. > > I had different chemo. Mine was the first two Tues. of the month, the 3rd week I took pills and 4th week I rested. If your breast cancer is aggressive I would think this might be the normal schedule. But then I am not a doctor. > If you feel uncomfortable as next time you go in or call and ask to talk to the dr or maybe the nurse could even answer your questions. Remember every case is different. > Hugs > nne > Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life > http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html > > Check out my breast cancer ornaments at: > http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html > also check out my other ornaments and lots of nice gifts at: > http://www.cancerclub.com > To much chemo? > > > Someone responded to my original post but I can't find their comment > now. After reading what the poster wrote it's made me a little > nervous now. My oncologist comes highly recommended and I was > feeling pretty safe with her but after that comment I may have to > question her Thursday when I go back for chemo. She has me down for > a year and half of chemo. My graduation date from chemo is > April '07. I started chemo 3 weeks ago. I started with Adriamycin > and Cytoxin. I take those every 3 weeks until I've completed 4 > doses. I have chemo every 3 weeks. Does that seem excessive? The > poster wrote that she had not seen anyone else with that much chemo. > I was just wondering if this is out of the norm or not? I have 2 > types of very agressive breast cancer and the doctor told me it had > escaped into the blood stream so we need to treat it agressively. > She said my cancer is not only agressive but extremely agressive. My > oncology surgeon recommended her to me. She specializes in breast > cancer. Now I'm worried. Herceptin is part of the plan. I will be > taken that every week for 1 yr due to the Her2/hormone receptive and > receiving Taxol as well. Then on to Tamoxifen to finish up. I don't > start herceptin until the Adriamycin/Cytoxan is finished. Both type > cancers are Her2/hormone receptive. Maybe that has something to do > with her treatment plan? Now I'm scared again. All of this is so new > to me and I have no clue what half the stuff means. I just put my > trust into this doctor and pray she does the right thing for me. I > think she is doing what she thinks is best for me. Is there anything > I should ask her on Thursday? Time for bed. The kiddos get up > awfully early for school. Have a great evening. > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2006 Report Share Posted February 20, 2006 You're on a similar treatment plan as I am, which is a standard treatment for women who are HER2 positive, so don't worry. Herceptin is fairly new, so women who went through chemo years ago did not have this drug available to them. It sounds like you are both estrogen/progesterone positive and her2 positive, since you're taking Herceptin plus Tamoxifen. I am on Herceptin now. It is technically called a biological drug, not a chemo drug. It is administered via IV, but doesn't have the nausea and fatigue side-effects like the AC has. take care, suneedayze4me wrote on 2/20/2006, 4:45 AM: > Someone responded to my original post but I can't find their comment > now. After reading what the poster wrote it's made me a little > nervous now. My oncologist comes highly recommended and I was > feeling pretty safe with her but after that comment I may have to > question her Thursday when I go back for chemo. She has me down for > a year and half of chemo. My graduation date from chemo is > April '07. I started chemo 3 weeks ago. I started with Adriamycin > and Cytoxin. I take those every 3 weeks until I've completed 4 > doses. I have chemo every 3 weeks. Does that seem excessive? The > poster wrote that she had not seen anyone else with that much chemo. > I was just wondering if this is out of the norm or not? I have 2 > types of very agressive breast cancer and the doctor told me it had > escaped into the blood stream so we need to treat it agressively. > She said my cancer is not only agressive but extremely agressive. My > oncology surgeon recommended her to me. She specializes in breast > cancer. Now I'm worried. Herceptin is part of the plan. I will be > taken that every week for 1 yr due to the Her2/hormone receptive and > receiving Taxol as well. Then on to Tamoxifen to finish up. I don't > start herceptin until the Adriamycin/Cytoxan is finished. Both type > cancers are Her2/hormone receptive. Maybe that has something to do > with her treatment plan? Now I'm scared again. All of this is so new > to me and I have no clue what half the stuff means. I just put my > trust into this doctor and pray she does the right thing for me. I > think she is doing what she thinks is best for me. Is there anything > I should ask her on Thursday? Time for bed. The kiddos get up > awfully early for school. Have a great evening. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2006 Report Share Posted February 20, 2006 Wow you are knowledgable about this stuff. I am estrogen/progesterone postive and her2 positive. I feel so much better after reading your response. I'm glad to hear about not having the nausea side effects. The adriamycin really made me sick. The procrit injections make me really sick as well. Thanks for responding. You put my mind at ease. Hope you have a great day. Im off to take my daily nap > > You're on a similar treatment plan as I am, which is a standard > treatment for women who are HER2 positive, so don't worry. > Herceptin is fairly new, so women who went through chemo years ago did > not have this drug available to them. > > It sounds like you are both estrogen/progesterone positive and her2 > positive, since you're taking Herceptin plus Tamoxifen. > > I am on Herceptin now. It is technically called a biological drug, not a > chemo drug. It is administered via IV, but doesn't have the nausea and > fatigue side-effects like the AC has. > > take care, > > suneedayze4me wrote on 2/20/2006, 4:45 AM: > > > Someone responded to my original post but I can't find their comment > > now. After reading what the poster wrote it's made me a little > > nervous now. My oncologist comes highly recommended and I was > > feeling pretty safe with her but after that comment I may have to > > question her Thursday when I go back for chemo. She has me down for > > a year and half of chemo. My graduation date from chemo is > > April '07. I started chemo 3 weeks ago. I started with Adriamycin > > and Cytoxin. I take those every 3 weeks until I've completed 4 > > doses. I have chemo every 3 weeks. Does that seem excessive? The > > poster wrote that she had not seen anyone else with that much chemo. > > I was just wondering if this is out of the norm or not? I have 2 > > types of very agressive breast cancer and the doctor told me it had > > escaped into the blood stream so we need to treat it agressively. > > She said my cancer is not only agressive but extremely agressive. My > > oncology surgeon recommended her to me. She specializes in breast > > cancer. Now I'm worried. Herceptin is part of the plan. I will be > > taken that every week for 1 yr due to the Her2/hormone receptive and > > receiving Taxol as well. Then on to Tamoxifen to finish up. I don't > > start herceptin until the Adriamycin/Cytoxan is finished. Both type > > cancers are Her2/hormone receptive. Maybe that has something to do > > with her treatment plan? Now I'm scared again. All of this is so new > > to me and I have no clue what half the stuff means. I just put my > > trust into this doctor and pray she does the right thing for me. I > > think she is doing what she thinks is best for me. Is there anything > > I should ask her on Thursday? Time for bed. The kiddos get up > > awfully early for school. Have a great evening. > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2006 Report Share Posted February 20, 2006 April '07. I started chemo 3 weeks ago. I started with Adriamycin and Cytoxin. I take those every 3 weeks until I've completed 4 doses. I have chemo every 3 weeks. Does that seem excessive? three weeks is the normal/common treatment for A/C regiment. They also have dose-dense which is every 2 weeks. It is the same 4 treatments of A/C just 2 weeks apart. The 2 week/dose-dense is for aggressive types of BC. was just wondering if this is out of the norm or not? I have 2 types of very agressive breast cancer and the doctor told me it had escaped into the blood stream so we need to treat it agressively. She said my cancer is not only agressive but extremely agressive. I would question the 3 week too. Because I have an aggressive type of cancer and my Onc decided I should have the dose-dense. My question to your Onc would be why if it is aggressive are you not giving me dose dense? Ironically, if you come back anbd tell me that she says dose-dense is not necessary for aggressive cancers then I'm going to be all over my Onc. :-) :-( There are definite cons about dose-dense. Let me say that NO chemo is easy. But, when you get it every three weeks you at least get the benefit of having some good days in that third week before they whack you again. I think it would be nice to have a few days to get your life and your mind in order before going down again. (My chemo has been pretty awful.) Oh, now that I think about it. my Onc said that if I weren't so healthy otherwise, I would not be able to get dose-dense. She said older patients and patients with other health issues cannot tolerate the dose-dense regiment. I can't comment on the length of your chemo. I think I'd be interested to know why one would be on chemo for 1.5 years. With all that I've been through with this chemo I think I'd opt for them shooting me first. I'm sick of it already and I have 4 more taxol to go. Dari Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2006 Report Share Posted February 20, 2006 I had chemo on Monday's every 3 weeks... 4 times I had Cytoxan and Adriamycin and the last 4 times I had Taxotier... and then I had about 1 month of Radiation. Betsy (NC) Note: forwarded message attached. I had different chemo. Mine was the first two Tues. of the month, the 3rd week I took pills and 4th week I rested. If your breast cancer is aggressive I would think this might be the normal schedule. But then I am not a doctor. If you feel uncomfortable as next time you go in or call and ask to talk to the dr or maybe the nurse could even answer your questions. Remember every case is different. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Lifehttp://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html Check out my breast cancer ornaments at:http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.htmlalso check out my other ornaments and lots of nice gifts at:http://www.cancerclub.com To much chemo? Someone responded to my original post but I can't find their comment now. After reading what the poster wrote it's made me a little nervous now. My oncologist comes highly recommended and I was feeling pretty safe with her but after that comment I may have to question her Thursday when I go back for chemo. She has me down for a year and half of chemo. My graduation date from chemo is April '07. I started chemo 3 weeks ago. I started with Adriamycin and Cytoxin. I take those every 3 weeks until I've completed 4 doses. I have chemo every 3 weeks. Does that seem excessive? The poster wrote that she had not seen anyone else with that much chemo. I was just wondering if this is out of the norm or not? I have 2 types of very agressive breast cancer and the doctor told me it had escaped into the blood stream so we need to treat it agressively. She said my cancer is not only agressive but extremely agressive. My oncology surgeon recommended her to me. She specializes in breast cancer. Now I'm worried. Herceptin is part of the plan. I will be taken that every week for 1 yr due to the Her2/hormone receptive and receiving Taxol as well. Then on to Tamoxifen to finish up. I don't start herceptin until the Adriamycin/Cytoxan is finished. Both type cancers are Her2/hormone receptive. Maybe that has something to do with her treatment plan? Now I'm scared again. All of this is so new to me and I have no clue what half the stuff means. I just put my trust into this doctor and pray she does the right thing for me. I think she is doing what she thinks is best for me. Is there anything I should ask her on Thursday? Time for bed. The kiddos get up awfully early for school. Have a great evening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2006 Report Share Posted February 20, 2006 I took the same drugs every other week for 8 weeks, then 4 rounds of Taxol. We are treated so different. ren Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2006 Report Share Posted February 20, 2006 I too am taking A/C every 21 days for 4 treatments. I am hormone receptor NEG. So I won't take any pills.... Just 33 treatments of radiation when I finish my chemo. Trisha -- To much chemo? Someone responded to my original post but I can't find their comment now. After reading what the poster wrote it's made me a little nervous now. My oncologist comes highly recommended and I was feeling pretty safe with her but after that comment I may have to question her Thursday when I go back for chemo. She has me down for a year and half of chemo. My graduation date from chemo is April '07. I started chemo 3 weeks ago. I started with Adriamycin and Cytoxin. I take those every 3 weeks until I've completed 4 doses. I have chemo every 3 weeks. Does that seem excessive? The poster wrote that she had not seen anyone else with that much chemo. I was just wondering if this is out of the norm or not? I have 2 types of very agressive breast cancer and the doctor told me it had escaped into the blood stream so we need to treat it agressively. She said my cancer is not only agressive but extremely agressive. My oncology surgeon recommended her to me. She specializes in breast cancer. Now I'm worried. Herceptin is part of the plan. I will be taken that every week for 1 yr due to the Her2/hormone receptive and receiving Taxol as well. Then on to Tamoxifen to finish up. I don't start herceptin until the Adriamycin/Cytoxan is finished. Both type cancers are Her2/hormone receptive. Maybe that has something to do with her treatment plan? Now I'm scared again. All of this is so new to me and I have no clue what half the stuff means. I just put my trust into this doctor and pray she does the right thing for me. I think she is doing what she thinks is best for me. Is there anything I should ask her on Thursday? Time for bed. The kiddos get up awfully early for school. Have a great evening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2006 Report Share Posted February 20, 2006 The Herceptin will be the easier part of the treatment - I've just finished my 6th of 52 treatments...hang in there! Best, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2006 Report Share Posted February 20, 2006 Dari, I also have her2 pos, aggressive cancer. I was the one who brought up dose-dense with my onc., though maybe she would have suggested it herself. My understanding is so far they've seen little differences between 2-weeks and 3-weeks, but recommend it for women who they think can handle it. It also wasn't done years ago before Neulasta was available; otherwise most women can't make it through with Neulasta & Procrit (I needed both). - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2006 Report Share Posted February 20, 2006 Oh Dari...now ya got me scared, my onc has decided the every 2 wks regime for me also since mine is aggressive as well. That is if I ever heal enough from all the dang surgeries first so I can even start chemo. That is scaring me too now, it has been 2 months since the mastectomy and 10 days sonce the last surgery...I am freaking out the cancer is growing again. Hugs, Jackie -- Re: To much chemo? April '07. I started chemo 3 weeks ago. I started with Adriamycin and Cytoxin. I take those every 3 weeks until I've completed 4 doses. I have chemo every 3 weeks. Does that seem excessive? three weeks is the normal/common treatment for A/C regiment. They also have dose-dense which is every 2 weeks. It is the same 4 treatments of A/C just 2 weeks apart. The 2 week/dose-dense is for aggressive types of BC.was just wondering if this is out of the norm or not? I have 2 types of very agressive breast cancer and the doctor told me it had escaped into the blood stream so we need to treat it agressively. She said my cancer is not only agressive but extremely agressive.I would question the 3 week too. Because I have an aggressive type of cancer and my Onc decided I should have the dose-dense. My question to your Onc would be why if it is aggressive are you not giving me dose dense?Ironically, if you come back anbd tell me that she says dose-dense is not necessary for aggressive cancers then I'm going to be all over my Onc. :-) :-( There are definite cons about dose-dense. Let me say that NO chemo is easy. But, when you get it every three weeks you at least get the benefit of having some good days in that third week before they whack you again.I think it would be nice to have a few days to get your life and your mind in order before going down again. (My chemo has been pretty awful.)Oh, now that I think about it. my Onc said that if I weren't so healthy otherwise, I would not be able to get dose-dense. She said older patients and patients with other health issues cannot tolerate the dose-dense regiment.I can't comment on the length of your chemo. I think I'd be interested to know why one would be on chemo for 1.5 years.With all that I've been through with this chemo I think I'd opt for them shooting me first. I'm sick of it already and I have 4 more taxol to go.Dari Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2006 Report Share Posted February 20, 2006 Hello, I believe I wrote that was alot of chemo; but with the Herceptin maybe that's why over a year. Was your cancer hormone positive? Mine is and I am on Arimidex. Sharonsuneedayze4me wrote: Someone responded to my original post but I can't find their comment now. After reading what the poster wrote it's made me a little nervous now. My oncologist comes highly recommended and I was feeling pretty safe with her but after that comment I may have to question her Thursday when I go back for chemo. She has me down for a year and half of chemo. My graduation date from chemo is April '07. I started chemo 3 weeks ago. I started with Adriamycin and Cytoxin. I take those every 3 weeks until I've completed 4 doses. I have chemo every 3 weeks. Does that seem excessive? The poster wrote that she had not seen anyone else with that much chemo. I was just wondering if this is out of the norm or not? I have 2 types of very agressive breast cancer and the doctor told me it had escaped into the blood stream so we need to treat it agressively. She said my cancer is not only agressive but extremely agressive. My oncology surgeon recommended her to me. She specializes in breast cancer. Now I'm worried. Herceptin is part of the plan. I will be taken that every week for 1 yr due to the Her2/hormone receptive and receiving Taxol as well. Then on to Tamoxifen to finish up. I don't start herceptin until the Adriamycin/Cytoxan is finished. Both type cancers are Her2/hormone receptive. Maybe that has something to do with her treatment plan? Now I'm scared again. All of this is so new to me and I have no clue what half the stuff means. I just put my trust into this doctor and pray she does the right thing for me. I think she is doing what she thinks is best for me. Is there anything I should ask her on Thursday? Time for bed. The kiddos get up awfully early for school. Have a great evening. SHARON COLEY DIRECTOR OF SALES DOUBLETREE HOTEL LOS ANGELES/ROSEMEAD 888 MONTEBELLO BLVD. ROSEMEAD, CA 91770 __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2006 Report Share Posted February 20, 2006 That's interesting nne. I had the same chemo but my schedule is the first two Fridays of the month, along with Cytoxin pills for fourteen days and then two weeks off. After that I see the dr and if everything is o.k. then I do the same the next month. Interesting how they have changed the regimen. Prayers for flasusy that you will not have too bad a time. Janet A IDC Stage I Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2006 Report Share Posted February 20, 2006 Wow 33 treatments of radiation. I'm not having to do radiation at this point. Are you doing radiation weekly or tri-weekly? > > I too am taking A/C every 21 days for 4 treatments. I am hormone receptor > NEG. So I won't take any pills.... Just 33 treatments of radiation when I > finish my chemo. > > Trisha > > -- To much chemo? > > Someone responded to my original post but I can't find their comment > now. After reading what the poster wrote it's made me a little > nervous now. My oncologist comes highly recommended and I was > feeling pretty safe with her but after that comment I may have to > question her Thursday when I go back for chemo. She has me down for > a year and half of chemo. My graduation date from chemo is > April '07. I started chemo 3 weeks ago. I started with Adriamycin > and Cytoxin. I take those every 3 weeks until I've completed 4 > doses. I have chemo every 3 weeks. Does that seem excessive? The > poster wrote that she had not seen anyone else with that much chemo. > I was just wondering if this is out of the norm or not? I have 2 > types of very agressive breast cancer and the doctor told me it had > escaped into the blood stream so we need to treat it agressively. > She said my cancer is not only agressive but extremely agressive. My > oncology surgeon recommended her to me. She specializes in breast > cancer. Now I'm worried. Herceptin is part of the plan. I will be > taken that every week for 1 yr due to the Her2/hormone receptive and > receiving Taxol as well. Then on to Tamoxifen to finish up. I don't > start herceptin until the Adriamycin/Cytoxan is finished. Both type > cancers are Her2/hormone receptive. Maybe that has something to do > with her treatment plan? Now I'm scared again. All of this is so new > to me and I have no clue what half the stuff means. I just put my > trust into this doctor and pray she does the right thing for me. I > think she is doing what she thinks is best for me. Is there anything > I should ask her on Thursday? Time for bed. The kiddos get up > awfully early for school. Have a great evening. > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2006 Report Share Posted February 20, 2006 I will definately ask her about the dose dense Thursday. I wonder if they decided to do it every 3 weeks because I am anemic and take procrit injections not to mention I was a smoker for 20yrs. My white cells are very very low. Even after the procrit injection the week before they dropped even lower. I was a smoker up until I was diagnosed. The diagnosis scared me so bad that I put those cigarettes down and never looked back. I think part of the " chemo " regiment is the herceptin. That takes up a year. So the actual chemo drugs before and after are the other 6 months. Thats what I'm thinking. I'll let you know what she says on Thursday about the dose dense. My Oncology surgeon told me in the beginning that every patient and their treatment is different...there are no two the same. I guess she is right about that because I have yet to see any two people that the exact same thing happened in the exact same time frame. I guess you just have to put your trust into your doctor and hope for the best. > > In a message dated 2/20/2006 7:31:09 AM Central Standard Time, > princess4tunate@... writes: > > > April '07. I started chemo 3 weeks ago. I started with Adriamycin > > and Cytoxin. I take those every 3 weeks until I've completed 4 > > doses. I have chemo every 3 weeks. Does that seem excessive? > > three weeks is the normal/common treatment for A/C regiment. > They also have dose-dense which is every 2 weeks. It is the same 4 > treatments of A/C just 2 weeks apart. The 2 week/dose-dense is for aggressive types of > BC. > > was just wondering if this is out of the norm or not? I have 2 > types of very agressive breast cancer and the doctor told me it had > escaped into the blood stream so we need to treat it agressively. > She said my cancer is not only agressive but extremely agressive. > > > I would question the 3 week too. Because I have an aggressive type of cancer > and my Onc decided I should have the dose-dense. My question to your Onc > would be why if it is aggressive are you not giving me dose dense? > > Ironically, if you come back anbd tell me that she says dose-dense is not > necessary for aggressive cancers then I'm going to be all over my Onc. :-) :-( > > There are definite cons about dose-dense. Let me say that NO chemo is easy. > But, when you get it every three weeks you at least get the benefit of having > some good days in that third week before they whack you again. > I think it would be nice to have a few days to get your life and your mind in > order before going down again. (My chemo has been pretty awful.) > > > Oh, now that I think about it. my Onc said that if I weren't so healthy > otherwise, I would not be able to get dose-dense. She said older patients and > patients with other health issues cannot tolerate the dose-dense regiment. > > > I can't comment on the length of your chemo. I think I'd be interested to > know why one would be on chemo for 1.5 years. > > With all that I've been through with this chemo I think I'd opt for them > shooting me first. I'm sick of it already and I have 4 more taxol to go. > > > Dari > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2006 Report Share Posted February 20, 2006 I've had two procrit injections so far (those are so painful and make me so sick) and my white cells are still dropping. I stay so tired that it's all I can do to get up in the morning to get my kids ready for school. I sleep all the time right now. I sure hope they don't add an additional injection like youre having. I am terrified of needles. Seriously terrified. The nurse finally called in a cream that numbs my chest where the port is so they can insert the iv every week to draw blood and do chemo. I would faint everytime they took my blood before the prescribed the numbing cream. My husband would have to drag me in every week for lab kicking and screaming. It sure was nice having it numb this last time. It went much easier for me and the nurse lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2006 Report Share Posted February 20, 2006 Mine was hormone postive as well. I think thats why my treatment is lasting so long. The doctor said a year of Herceptin for me. Sunee > Someone responded to my original post but I can't find their comment > now. After reading what the poster wrote it's made me a little > nervous now. My oncologist comes highly recommended and I was > feeling pretty safe with her but after that comment I may have to > question her Thursday when I go back for chemo. She has me down for > a year and half of chemo. My graduation date from chemo is > April '07. I started chemo 3 weeks ago. I started with Adriamycin > and Cytoxin. I take those every 3 weeks until I've completed 4 > doses. I have chemo every 3 weeks. Does that seem excessive? The > poster wrote that she had not seen anyone else with that much chemo. > I was just wondering if this is out of the norm or not? I have 2 > types of very agressive breast cancer and the doctor told me it had > escaped into the blood stream so we need to treat it agressively. > She said my cancer is not only agressive but extremely agressive. My > oncology surgeon recommended her to me. She specializes in breast > cancer. Now I'm worried. Herceptin is part of the plan. I will be > taken that every week for 1 yr due to the Her2/hormone receptive and > receiving Taxol as well. Then on to Tamoxifen to finish up. I don't > start herceptin until the Adriamycin/Cytoxan is finished. Both type > cancers are Her2/hormone receptive. Maybe that has something to do > with her treatment plan? Now I'm scared again. All of this is so new > to me and I have no clue what half the stuff means. I just put my > trust into this doctor and pray she does the right thing for me. I > think she is doing what she thinks is best for me. Is there anything > I should ask her on Thursday? Time for bed. The kiddos get up > awfully early for school. Have a great evening. > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2006 Report Share Posted February 20, 2006 I wasn't none to thrilled when they told me I'd have 52 treatments of herceptin. But I'll do whatever takes to make sure I get well . I'm glad to hear that is the easier part of the treatment. It's a relief to know. Thanks > > The Herceptin will be the easier part of the treatment - I've just finished > my 6th of 52 treatments...hang in there! > > Best, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2006 Report Share Posted February 21, 2006 I didn't have radiation either but I know its every day for so many weeks depening on the situation. But not on Sat. or Sun. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Lifehttp://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html Check out my breast cancer ornaments at:http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.htmlalso check out my other ornaments and lots of nice gifts at:http://www.cancerclub.com To much chemo?> > Someone responded to my original post but I can't find their comment > now. After reading what the poster wrote it's made me a little > nervous now. My oncologist comes highly recommended and I was > feeling pretty safe with her but after that comment I may have to > question her Thursday when I go back for chemo. She has me down for > a year and half of chemo. My graduation date from chemo is > April '07. I started chemo 3 weeks ago. I started with Adriamycin > and Cytoxin. I take those every 3 weeks until I've completed 4 > doses. I have chemo every 3 weeks. Does that seem excessive? The > poster wrote that she had not seen anyone else with that much chemo. > I was just wondering if this is out of the norm or not? I have 2 > types of very agressive breast cancer and the doctor told me it had > escaped into the blood stream so we need to treat it agressively. > She said my cancer is not only agressive but extremely agressive. My > oncology surgeon recommended her to me. She specializes in breast > cancer. Now I'm worried. Herceptin is part of the plan. I will be > taken that every week for 1 yr due to the Her2/hormone receptive and > receiving Taxol as well. Then on to Tamoxifen to finish up. I don't > start herceptin until the Adriamycin/Cytoxan is finished. Both type > cancers are Her2/hormone receptive. Maybe that has something to do > with her treatment plan? Now I'm scared again. All of this is so new > to me and I have no clue what half the stuff means. I just put my > trust into this doctor and pray she does the right thing for me. I > think she is doing what she thinks is best for me. Is there anything > I should ask her on Thursday? Time for bed. The kiddos get up > awfully early for school. Have a great evening. > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2006 Report Share Posted February 21, 2006 I had radiation for about 33 weeks 5 days a week...did not go on Sat. and Sun...I was lucky that the new Cancer Center was across from the local hospital which was just up the street from where I worked at a Community College...the whole process took an hour from the time I left work 5 to 10 mins to get there and come back to work...Finished Radiation on Valentines Day 2003. I would go on my lunch hour every day... Betsy (NC) Note: forwarded message attached. I didn't have radiation either but I know its every day for so many weeks depening on the situation. But not on Sat. or Sun. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Lifehttp://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html Check out my breast cancer ornaments at:http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.htmlalso check out my other ornaments and lots of nice gifts at:http://www.cancerclub.com To much chemo?> > Someone responded to my original post but I can't find their comment > now. After reading what the poster wrote it's made me a little > nervous now. My oncologist comes highly recommended and I was > feeling pretty safe with her but after that comment I may have to > question her Thursday when I go back for chemo. She has me down for > a year and half of chemo. My graduation date from chemo is > April '07. I started chemo 3 weeks ago. I started with Adriamycin > and Cytoxin. I take those every 3 weeks until I've completed 4 > doses. I have chemo every 3 weeks. Does that seem excessive? The > poster wrote that she had not seen anyone else with that much chemo. > I was just wondering if this is out of the norm or not? I have 2 > types of very agressive breast cancer and the doctor told me it had > escaped into the blood stream so we need to treat it agressively. > She said my cancer is not only agressive but extremely agressive. My > oncology surgeon recommended her to me. She specializes in breast > cancer. Now I'm worried. Herceptin is part of the plan. I will be > taken that every week for 1 yr due to the Her2/hormone receptive and > receiving Taxol as well. Then on to Tamoxifen to finish up. I don't > start herceptin until the Adriamycin/Cytoxan is finished. Both type > cancers are Her2/hormone receptive. Maybe that has something to do > with her treatment plan? Now I'm scared again. All of this is so new > to me and I have no clue what half the stuff means. I just put my > trust into this doctor and pray she does the right thing for me. I > think she is doing what she thinks is best for me. Is there anything > I should ask her on Thursday? Time for bed. The kiddos get up > awfully early for school. Have a great evening. > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2006 Report Share Posted February 21, 2006 Darlene, Welcome back. When I was diagnosed in June 2004, I remember a "Darlene." Good to see you're hanging in there! You had some very valid points, and I appreciate your candor. Take care of yourself and good to see you again. Best, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2006 Report Share Posted February 21, 2006 Hi everyone,,,,it's been a whie since posting yet after reading this I too have a couple things that have been on my mind and have been curious about.....see...When I first was dx. I too was a healthy person....therefor my oncologist thought it best to treat me "aggressivly"....... I had AC every 2 weeks for 4 months followed by next day injections then onto taxol weekly for another 4 months........I think (from what I know now) that this was a little much.........I did at one point look up dose dense....yet forget (chemo brain) what the duration was........but I do remember thinking I had more than "dose dense" . I am cancer free at this point.....(2yrs. after surgery) but have many ills since finishing treatment.........I continue to be treated for these "ills" with different therapies.....it's tough but at least I'm cancer free!!!!!!! It's incredable to think that maybe if "they" think you are healthy they can treat you "aggressivly" and you'll be able to handle it..........Of course I do understand that "they" have no idea what the "outcome" may be...........not in all people but in some........(I being one of them)........I know that I would have liked to have been tested before both physically and mentally before hand and then retested say 1 year after finshing treatment......... My thoughts only........ Thanks for listening....... Darlenefastest2@... wrote: April '07. I started chemo 3 weeks ago. I started with Adriamycin and Cytoxin. I take those every 3 weeks until I've completed 4 doses. I have chemo every 3 weeks. Does that seem excessive? three weeks is the normal/common treatment for A/C regiment. They also have dose-dense which is every 2 weeks. It is the same 4 treatments of A/C just 2 weeks apart. The 2 week/dose-dense is for aggressive types of BC.was just wondering if this is out of the norm or not? I have 2 types of very agressive breast cancer and the doctor told me it had escaped into the blood stream so we need to treat it agressively. She said my cancer is not only agressive but extremely agressive.I would question the 3 week too. Because I have an aggressive type of cancer and my Onc decided I should have the dose-dense. My question to your Onc would be why if it is aggressive are you not giving me dose dense?Ironically, if you come back anbd tell me that she says dose-dense is not necessary for aggressive cancers then I'm going to be all over my Onc. :-) :-( There are definite cons about dose-dense. Let me say that NO chemo is easy. But, when you get it every three weeks you at least get the benefit of having some good days in that third week before they whack you again.I think it would be nice to have a few days to get your life and your mind in order before going down again. (My chemo has been pretty awful.)Oh, now that I think about it. my Onc said that if I weren't so healthy otherwise, I would not be able to get dose-dense. She said older patients and patients with other health issues cannot tolerate the dose-dense regiment.I can't comment on the length of your chemo. I think I'd be interested to know why one would be on chemo for 1.5 years.With all that I've been through with this chemo I think I'd opt for them shooting me first. I'm sick of it already and I have 4 more taxol to go.Dari Relax. Yahoo! Mail virus scanning helps detect nasty viruses! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2006 Report Share Posted February 21, 2006 Darlene - Congratulations on being cancer free! I agree there is a great deal of uncertainty still on what treatments are most effective for what kinds of cancer, and the doctors keep adjusting things to get the best outcome with the least side effects. Your dose dense of AC was 8 times? Mine was 4 times; but it's possible you had a lower dosage each time? I don't know what my dosage was. I know for Adriamycin there is a maximum amount you can take over your lifetime. I'm on a year of Herceptin now which is a new drug. The reason it's a year is because that's what the trial time was. At some point they'll do more testing to see what the minimum amount of time could be to take it. So for now I'm taking it for a year and hope that down the road they don't discover long-term side effects. If you don't mind my asking, what "ills" are you being treated for? Any heart problems? Do they impact your life alot? take care, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2006 Report Share Posted February 21, 2006 Thank you....Anrdrea.......I had a bit of a hard time dealing with things and haven't been on the pc except to read........Thanks for remembering me.........I want you all to know I am thinking of all of you............and I AM hanging in there...... Best Wishes to All Darlenessist@... wrote: Darlene, Welcome back. When I was diagnosed in June 2004, I remember a "Darlene." Good to see you're hanging in there! You had some very valid points, and I appreciate your candor. Take care of yourself and good to see you again. Best, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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