Quick chemo route or longer??

chemo
I didn't have the option just did every 2 weeks for 16 weeks, it wasn't easy but I'm considerably older that you. I'd go for the short version. However, I don't have a 5 yr. old and I was to sick to work during chemo, so your husband might be right! I am so sorry you have had to deal with the "beast" at such a young age. I had just turned 50 when I was dx'ed and thought, I was too young. I am very bothered by how much younger than I, many sisters are, that have to deal with the ravages of bc. God bless you and your family! Hugs....alison

Jean T. Szabo said:

Chemo
Had no option...Have to do 4 chemo treatments, 3 weeks apart. On Chemo #2. Halfway through...keeping that in mind makes it easier. #3 is on Nov. 30th.

My survival rate was higher
My survival rate was higher doing it every 2 weeks than every 3, so I went with every 2. Did 4 A/C and 1 Taxol; 17 herceptins; 35 radiations. I had the option of going to every 3 weeks if it got too hard.

I did the first 4 (A/C)
I did the first 4 (A/C) doses at 2 week intervals - wasn't bad at all = just tired for 2 days out of 2 weeks and resting took care of the 'tired' on those days. With the second batch of doses, I opted for 12 weekly doses of Taxol as Dr T. said it was the more aggressive way to go (your chemo remains at a more even/constant level). He had talked with several other Drs at other CCI's around the country and they were of the same opinion so for me it was the only thing to do - hit it hard and fast. With Taxol, I was completely exhausted for 5 days a week and tired (rest didn't help) the other 2 days. Many go through Taxol easier than A/C but I didn't - just how we're all so different. I'm a 'stay at home wife' and only have the horses to care for so it was do-able with Hubby and our adult Son doing most of everything during that time.

I did every 3 weeks with one
I did every 3 weeks with one go-round, then I think the second (different drugs) was weekly, then herceptin was every 3, I think. No guarantee that my memory is accurate. None of it made me sick, just took a nap every day after work and could not eat mexican food (very sad). Also hairloss and hot/cold flashes, but not enough to keep me from working full-time.

Hope it goes well for you, seof

Hi -
I had chemo every 2
Hi -
I had chemo every 2 weeks, 6 rounds. AND i have a just turned 2 year old! The fatigue was unbelievable, and I dont work outside of our home. It got to the point where, between my 2nd and 3rd chemo treatments, we put our youngest daughter in daycare, because i just couldnt keep up with her. I am very glad that i went every 2 weeks, because it seemed to fly by. My mom is 60 and is also doing the every 2 weeks. Her first chemo was really hard for her, and she ended up with an infection in her breast from the drain tube, had to postpone her 2nd chemo for almost 2 weeks, be on antibiotice & have another drain put in for 3 days. But she did SO MUCH better with her 2nd and 3rd chemos.
In all honesty, I think that the fatigue pretty much takes over your body whenever you're on chemo - you're going to be drained whether you have 2 or 3 weeks in between treatments, might as well feel crappy for the shorter time period & go every 2 weeks! Ultimately, though, you have to do what YOU feel is best for you & what you want!
Best of luck & good health to you!
*hugs*
Heather

My wife did every other week
Dose dense AC/T was developed by a doctor at Sloan Kettering and is the every other week regimen. He used some math to develop this; the theory is that the cancer cells don't have time to recover. Donna chose this because they told her it would be the least chance of reccurance.

Have you gotten a second opinion?

In the end, you are going to have to decide what is right for you.

Bob