Breast Cancer Now Forum

I'm on a course of FEC-T with one more left - hooray.  I've been told that I need no rads at the end of it.  The decision was made by my oncologist due to the fact that I've had a mastectomy and ANC.  I was accepting of this at the beginning but have since had time to read up on this subject.  Have read the NICE guidelines and gather that I am an intermediate candidate and my case should be discussed.  They state that if 4 nodes are affected then rads are used in the case of MX (I'm 2) but then say that if the tumour is Grade 3 (I am) rads should be used in MX.  I am now confused and obviously want the best outcome and if there is benefit to having rads then I will go for it.  I will be discussing with my oncologist before my last treatment but in the meantime, if any of you ladies have had rads after MX  and with similar diagnosis to me, then I would like to hear your opinions.  GRADE 3, 2 NODES, ER+.  Thanks.   ... View more

Hi all, totally new to this site and the whole cancer 'journey'. Did put this thread under 'treatment' but only got 2 replies (I don't really know how to use this site properly, so I'm posting again!) I have high grade DCIS with invasive grade 3 8mm tumour, two affected lymph nodes and oestrogen+.  Met with oncologist yesterday at Worcester hospital (she is based in Cheltenham) and have been signed up for 6 x TAC.  Never heard of it and assumed I would be getting FEC-T as this seems the most common (a couple of my friends have had this with same diagnosis).  Anyway, as you do, have been reading up on drugs involved with both.  TAC seems to be an aggressive stance but she said it was her preferred treatment - didn't question why at the time as I felt pressured by time and you trust they know best!  Horrified to read that the doxirubicin part can give you temporary heart damage and possibly permanent!  I'm 49 and she obviously assumes that I am fit enough for this treatment but did not ask any questions re family heart disease or my hypertension for which I take medication.  Now I'm really worried that my heart's going to konk out in 5 or so years.  From what I've read the erubicin used in FEC-T doesn't seem as hardcore.  Has anyone ever experienced temporary damage during their treatment or had palpitations/altered rythmn?   To cap it all, my treatment is due just before Christmas!! Really anxious about treatment so any feedback would be appreciated.  Debbie ... View more

Hi all, totally new to this site and the whole cancer 'journey'.  I have high grade DCIS with invasive grade 3 8mm tumour, two affected lymph nodes and oestrogen+.  Met with oncologist yesterday at Worcester hospital (she is based in Cheltenham) and have been signed up for 6 x TAC.  Never heard of it and assumed I would be getting FEC-T as this seems the most common (a couple of my friends have had this with same diagnosis).  Anyway, as you do, have been reading up on drugs involved with both.  TAC seems to be an aggressive stance but she said it was her preferred treatment - didn't question why at the time as I felt pressured by time and you trust they know best!  Horrified to read that the doxirubicin part can give you temporary heart damage and possibly permanent!  I'm 49 and she obviously assumes that I am fit enough for this treatment but did not ask any questions re family heart disease or my hypertension for which I take medication.  Now I'm really worried that my heart's going to konk out in 5 or so years.  From what I've read the erubicin used in FEC-T doesn't seem as hardcore.  Has anyone ever experienced temporary damage during their treatment or had palpitations/altered rythmn?   To cap it all, my treatment is due just before Christmas!! Really anxious about treatment so any feedback would be appreciated.  Debbie ... View more