Has anyone had to make a decision between two kinds of chemo? How did you choose?

Thanks @arpie - surgery done and dusted!  Still getting used to it... if you're in the "Reconstruction" group I've posted about it there.  But I got a bilateral reduction, got to keep the nipples, getting feeling back, so that's all good!  Now I've got radiation ahead!

Well done for getting thru your chemo - you deserve a celebration at the end  ;)  xxxx 

When is your surgery?   All the best for that.  xx

That’s great news you are nearly through a very long haul! For surgery try to find a mid length nightie loose fitting that buttons all the way down the front and has loose half length sleeves to allow easy access for your wound site, drains and IV. I got one from country road in a comfortable non crease soft fabric and it looked ok enough to walk around the ward in as well. It was a godsend to have a functional nightie to wear! Lots of love Tinks xx

Next Friday is my last round of chemo!  I was planning to celebrate by bringing in cake for all the nurses but with the Covid 19 restrictions I don't know if they'll be allowed to take it!  Maybe if the cake shop covers the box in tape to prove no tampering?  Anyway I'll be happy to see the end of being poked (it was once a week at the end!) but a bit afraid of the surgery coming up and they've stopped the reconstruction parts of the surgery due to that bit being not considered "essential" :( 

Yes I got to chose half way through Chemo, to stay on FEC (I think) or move to another. FEC gave me nausea but the other would give me bone pain. I chose to stay in FEC. I have fibromyalgia and didn’t want any more pain. My impression I had was I was allowed to chose because it didn’t make much difference, in my oncologist’s opinion.  I was also allowed to chose to stop Tamoxifen after two years or continue on with it, again because my oncologist didn’t think it made much difference to likely outcomes in my case.  

Gosh, that seems weird, @KylieG - she is the professional & should be making the decision for your best outcome, not leaving it up to you. 

I agree, chat with your Onc friend - even see if he has a 'preferred' breast onc for you to see re a 2nd opinion for the treatment

All the best xx

@KylieG I had AC followed by TH. My oncologist sort of gave me the choice with AC but also said she recommended it. She said she was probably overtreating me, but I was happy with that decision at the time. 
My treatment was done by a multidisciplinary team including her and my surgeon, radiation oncologist and a pathologist too, so I feel like that was a consensus decision. I also feel like its quite a common treatment for Her2 and Triple negative.
AC also has a small chance of causing a different type of cancer later on. She should warn you about that as well. And Herceptin can also cause cardiac issues too, so the AC and H together are an issue. 
Good luck with your choice.

@Afraser she did say AC is worse on the heart so I had a heart scan and will find out today if there are any issues with my heart.  If there are then the decision is made for me to go with the TCH.  @kmakm I think you’re right, I do feel this is a way of putting the responsibility in my hands.  I am going to ask our oncologist friend (who does not deal with breast cancer normally) what his opinion is.

I agree with a second opinion but you should be given written information on all proposed therapies to read and consider. That should be standard even if you are not being asked to choose. You also need to ask what dangerous effects means for you  - do you have any pre-existing condition that would make a difference? It is almost impossible to tell beforehand what side effects you might get from any chemotherapy, or how serious they may be but there are some more likely with one therapy than another. Best wishes. 

I faced something a bit similar when my then oncologist asked me to choose between Tamoxifen and an AI. At our next meeting I said I couldn't possibly and wasn't that what I was paying her the big money for? It was said light heartedly but my eyes were serious. I made her choose.

I realise some patients like to conduct their own research and take an active part in their treatment decisions. However frankly I think asking a 'civilian' to choose their chemo regime is pushing that a bit far. Chemotherapy is a serious treatment and cynical me thinks putting the choice in your hands gives your oncologist an 'out' should there be problems down the line.

If you have the energy I would seek a second opinion. If for no other reason than to be comfortable in your own mind that you've made the right decision. I agree, it shouldn't be in your hands. K xox