the best Chemo treatment for my sister

Lyn

My sister is about to have 6 sessions of chemotheraphy but we are still in the process of choosing the set of drugs/medicines for her chemo. Well, of course we want the best but we have financial problems. We are choosing for the 1st option which according to the doctor include medicines such as taxotere,doxorubin and cyclophanphanamide and it is 90% effective while the other option which is less expensive but also less efefctive is that the first 3 sessions doesn't include the taxotere and the last three sessions do include taxotere. Is anybody who experienced or know something about the 1st and 2 option? If we do choose the 2nd option does it mean the possibilty of my ssiter to be cured is less?

Vee Smith · Moderator Joined: 12 Feb 2006 Posts: 685 Location: UK

Hi Lyn, It is really hard for a person without medical training and anthe additional problem of cost when drugs have to be paid for.

When the doctor says "less effective", what did he mean - did he give you a percentage?

Also, do you have the details of your sister's diagnosis? Size of tumour, type of cancer, whether hormone positive or negative, lymph node involvement ?

Lyn · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 6:12 pm Post subject: Lab test

Thank you for your reply..

Her tumor was invasive ductal carcinoma grade 3 - stage 2, it is it is considered the maximum size of the tumor (not sure the exact size but I remembered it is in the maximum). Her ER/PR- and her-2+ intensity 1+..Yes, the doctor says the first option is 90% guarantee and the 2nd option is 80% guarantee. We are in the Philippines and there are no organizations here taht can help us. My sister is now jobless and she doesn't have husband to assist in her financial needs, nor my parents. I've been thinking if we don't have much money for her chemo, would the 2nd option a big chance of survival?

Vee Smith · Moderator Joined: 12 Feb 2006 Posts: 685 Location: UK

Oh so difficult!

The second option gives her 80 per cent - which is not a disastrous rate. I wish I could help more, but if this is what you can afford, I think you have to go with it.

I hesitate to ask, but are there any church related charities that might be able to help?

Lyn · Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2008 6:03 am Post subject: Thanks for the answer

Thanks for taking time to answer my post.

We are in the Philippines and I don't know of such..anyways, We went to another oncology and was advised to take FEC on the first three session and another 3 sessions of taxotere.. Na dwe decided to take this option , hope it will be the best regimen for my sister.. Smile

Vee Smith · Moderator Joined: 12 Feb 2006 Posts: 685 Location: UK

Hope it goes well. Keep in touch and let us know.

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