TAC VERSUS TC CHEMOTHERAPY?

TAC VERSUS TC CHEMOTHERAPY? My wife had a lumpectomy on Nov 21 to remove a tumor on her left breast [1.7cm] which was lobular carcinoma and the breast surgeon received clear margins around the tumor. However, the pathology report showed 1 of 3 sentinel nodes were positive and on Dec 8 I had an axillary dissection examined 10 nodes which are clear. She has a decision to make and we want opinions please. DIANNE'S HEALTH: Age 59 Excellent health Takes no prescription medicines Weight 125 pounds Estrogen receptor positive HER2 negative Histologic grade 2 Tumor size 1.7 nodes involved 1 sentinel node chemotherapy regimen - third generation regimen recommended BACKGROUND: Dianne went to Genetic Center in Greenwood SC in early Nov 2008 and the result - She was a low risk, less than 5%. On Dec 22 my Oncologist has recommended and I have decided to have chemotherapy. Dr. William J. Edenfield/Cancer Center of Carolinas at Greenville Hospital System in Greenville SC is my Oncologist and has recommended TAC chemotherapy based upon the above information, but has offered that I participate in a clinical trial study for which I am eligible. The clinical trial is in Phase 3. Please give me your opinion. My Oncologist says it is my choice, but if the decision is left to him, he has to go with TAC which is the protocol for me and my cancer at this point. However, Dr. Edenfield has stated that I meet the criteria and am eligible to particpate in a Trial study - Phase 111 trial of adjuvant TC versus TAC in early stage HER2-Negative breast Cancer. It is a concern to me that 1-3% of patients that take TAC have heart damage. Please advise if anyone believes that TC is as effective and safer than TAC. MY QUESTION: If Dianne got a second opinion, Sloan Kettering, MD Anderson, etc. for a medical oncological review for treatment, would she get the same recommendation for treatment using TAC as the FDC recommended treatment or would they also recommend TC as an alternative treatment with the same effetive outcome but without the potential heart damage risk. Thank you...Dianne DIANNE CHAMBERS SIMPSONVILLE, SC EMAIL: bwchambers@charter.net