taxanes

I had a mastectomy and currently undergoing chemo for 2.5 IDC node neg, er/pr-,her2-. My oncologist said 4 a/c only necessary. I have had 3 of 4. But I want to know why no taxotere if it is my choice? I am trying to get 2nd opinion, I know people who are node neg and still get taxol or taxotere, especially my age (47) with er-. Is there any thinking that this added will lower my risk of recurrence?????????

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear pepper55:  The standard of care for the situation you describe is AC.  A taxane MAY be added if the cancer is very high grade or if it was her-2+.  A taxane would likely be added if you were node positive.  The rationale for not giving more chemotherapy is relative risk vs. benefit.  Taxanes are not without toxicity and, to date, that toxicity is believed to outweigh any additional benefit based on the risk of your disease recurring.  Clearly, a board certified oncologist could examine your situation more closely and perhaps apply numbers that would help to make sense of all this.