Chemotherapy rounds 4 or 6?

[Grapa]

Hello,

In October, 2005, I was diagnosed Invasive poorly differentiated (G3) ductal adenocarcinoma, tumor size 0,9 cm and medium degree intraductal carcinoma/DCIS (solid). ER/PR reaction – absent. HER2 – positive (3+), no limph nodes involved. Spreading of ductal adenocarcinoma (1,5 mm) – about 1 mm from the coagulated side. My treatment is operation in October, then FEC chemotherapy, radiotherapy and herceptin for one year. I got 4 rounds of FEC chemotherapy. Is it enough or should I have 2 chemo rounds more according to my diagnose. Some doctors agree that 4 is enough, and some doctors offers to have 6 rounds. I am in confuse. Thank You in advance for Your answer.  

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear grapa:  The exact number of cycles of chemotherapy depends in large part on the physician's preference but is also based on the specific situation.  Our recommendation is to speak with your oncologist about this as it pertains to you.  A second opinion is also an option if you would feel more comfortable with 2 doctors giving you their opinion specifically.

[Kimberlyst]

I was diagnosed with invasive mammary carcinoma in early January - which was a complete shock to me.........never felt the lump (but I would have if I had been doing self breast exams), thought I was completely healthy and there is no history of breast cancer in my family.  The lump is 1.6 X 1.2 X 1.2.  I am scheduled for a modified radical mastectomy (left breast) with immediate reconstruction (lattismus dorsi flap)on Feb. 1st.  My surgeon is going to locate the sentinel node to test to see if it has spread....and go from there.  I have already been told that I will need 6 chemo treatments even if it hasn't spread as a precautionary measure due to my age.  I am 46.  Of course besides all the OTHER things that I am concerned about I am wondering if people usually lose their hair from these 6 treatments..........and what other side effects to expect.  This whole situation TOTALLY blind-sided me so I would appreciate any info on it.

Thanks!!!

[Grapa]

Hello, I am sorry that You will go through that hell. But good news is that it isn't so awfull like I imagined before. About the hairs. It depends on what kind of chemo You will have. I got very strong red chemo, so after 18 days from the first chemo my hairs began to fall, so I shaved my head and looked like Buddhist monk:) I felt a little bit sad, but decided not to let cancer to take off my spirit and beauty. So I have big collection of caps and scarves (not silk, because it slips from the bald head, better is cotton scarves)and look quite original and stylish. I didn't want a wig, because I felt unconfortable in it - too hot, not me etc. Two first chemo rounds past very good - I had very slight nausea, and slept to days and was very thirsty (I drank almost 3 liters of water per day). I even managed to go to London with my family for a long weekend! The third was a little bit harder - I felt very big nausea and was very tired almost all the time. Also my blood white cells count felt down, but before the 4th chemo  the blood was OK. The bad thing was my veins hurted badly. After 4th chemo it was very uneasy - I was vomiting (but only a few times), my veins hurted even more, the week past after chemo but I feel very tired amd spend almost all the time sleeping. But I can assure You - everything is bearable when You want to live. So be strong and don't give up.

[crk1000]

I just completed 8 rounds of chemo 4 of the adriamiacyn and cytoxin and 4 of taxotere. The a & c were awful, lost alot of weight, slept, ached, nausea, headaches, but the taxotere was much better. Body aches and pain but that was about it. Now I'm about to start radiation. I had a 7.5cm tumor in l.b. & 3 positive lymph nodes so the oncologist was being was aggressive. No history of b.c in my family either. Hang in there, you'll get through it.

[Ma. Theresa]

i just want to be heard. my mom was diagnosed of breast cancer last oct. 9 out of 14 nodules in her left breast was positive. her onco told her to have 6 sessions of chemotherapy.. she had her 4th chemo last january and planning to stop it since she can no longer take the pain that therapy is causing her. financial status is also a problem for us.. recently, her onco got some specimen from her breast to see if she could only take oral chemo. but according to the pathologist, she's negative for estrogen and progestrone receptors. which i know nothing about it.. could you please explain me further about this. im concern about my mom.. pls help me pray for her. i still have so many dreams for her. how i wish i could do somthing to ease the burden she is carrying right now. i know she's kinda depressed but still pretending to be ok.. for us not to worry about her to much. thanks for the big help.