TC chemo 4 vs 6 cycles

Question

Hello&nbsp;I’d like to hear from anyone who has had more than 4 cycles of adjuvant TC. I’m coming up to cycle 4 next week and I still don’t know whether that will be it or whether I will have to do more, because my oncologist has been on leave since straight after my first cycle. I’ve had a different oncologist and he has been consistory saying 4 but now is back tracking and saying it will be up to the other one! She won’t be back until early April, just before cycle 5 is scheduled.I am finding the side effects and mental toll very challenging. The uncertainty around how many cycles is playing into this because I can’t give work a definitive answer of when I’ll be back. I’m also a single parent and the fatigue is crippling.So I’d like to get an idea of in what cases would 6 cycles be given? If you had 5 or 6,why was that decision made? And what questions should I be asking of the replacement oncologist at my appointment next Tuesday to get some certainty around the timeline?&nbsp;

hannahm · Answer

Thanks @Tri &nbsp;Wow, you had so many cycles. Is TCHP the chemo used if HER+? I really admire your strength and hope you are going well now.&nbsp;

madfairies · Answer

I have HER2+ grade 2 stage 3, breast and lymph nodes in armpit. Lump has all but gone after 2 treatment, so I'm happy about that outcome so far.

tri · Answer

Hi @hannahM I am really sorry to hear how uncertain this is for you.&nbsp;I had a different treatment (6 cycles of TCHP) as Neo adjuvant treatment and 11 cycles after surgery but I just wanted to send you positive hugs.It sounds like you have a lot on your plate ❤️🌻 plus the horrible fatigue so I can understand how apprehensive you must feel.&nbsp;Hoping one of the network members has had similar experiences to yours and can answer with more insights.&nbsp;

tri · Answer

Hi aww thank you @HannahM right back at you ❤️ especially with all that’s going on for you.&nbsp;yes TCHP targets HER2+ breast cancer.&nbsp;The 11 doses after surgery were fortunately a more manageable combination called Kadcyla which has side effects but not as intense as TCHP, fortunately. My oncologist mentioned that it’s the Taxanes that are usually the culprits (ones that make us feel “ordinary”)&nbsp;hope next Tuesday goes well 🌻🌻🌻

madfairies · Answer

My treatment was 6 treatments over 18 weeks. 3 weeks apart and just completed number 5. One to go plus updated scans pre surgery in April following by 12 months immunotherapy&nbsp;