I was diagnosed with multifocal invasive ductal carcinoma, HER2+ in July last year. Two lumps - 10mm and 3mm and scattering of other bits which could become cancerous. I had a mastectomy in October after complications with a nipple sparing mastectomy in September. Cancer was found in two quarters of one lymph node and had another 13 removed - they were all clear. CAT scan and PET scan all clear.
I started chemotherapy in December - Docetaxel and Carboplatin and phesgo for the HER2+. My oncologist recommended 6 cycles, with a minimum of 4 and 18 phesgo with radiotherapy to follow the chemo.
The first two cycles were very rough and I've had two dose reductions and agreed that I will do 4 cycles rather than the 6.
I have since had a letter from my oncologist (who I am seeing today) stating that we'll see how I am and stating that my treatment plan is still to have 6 cycles.
I feel rather at sea. I thought we'd decided on the 4 cycles with my 4th due in 2 days. So close to getting my life back.
Yes, this last cycle has been 'better', but I'm still off work with horrible side effects and exhausted.
If 4 cycles are 'enough', why do 6? Am I putting myself in harm's way stopping after 4?
